Seismic Imaging Problem Diagnostic

Interactive diagnostic workflow to identify why your seismic image quality is poor and recommend appropriate processing remedies. Answer 5-7 questions to receive a detailed diagnosis with prioritized solutions and cost estimates.

Image Quality Processing Migration Diagnostic
1
Problem Type
2
Data Quality
3
Geology
4
Processing
5
Symptoms
6
Results

Step 1: What is the main imaging problem?

Select the primary issue you're experiencing with your seismic data

📊

Poor Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Low SNR, noisy gathers, weak reflectors obscured by noise

🗻

Poor Structural Definition

Mis-ties, pull-ups/push-downs, poor fault/horizon imaging, structural artifacts

📈

Poor Amplitude Fidelity

Amplitude dimming, AVO artifacts, non-physical amplitudes, stretch issues

🌊

Multiple/Ghost Energy

Water-bottom multiples, interbed multiples, peg-legs, ghost artifacts

🎯

Migration Artifacts

Smearing, poor focusing, diffraction artifacts, velocity pull-up/down

Step 2: Data Characteristics

Tell us about your acquisition parameters and data quality

Step 3: Geological Setting

Describe the geological complexity of your target area

Salt diapirs, sheets, overhangs, or complex salt structures

VTI/TTI from shales, fractures, or layering

Steep dips, faulting, overthrusts, or folding

Reefs, limestone, high-velocity contrasts

Shallow gas clouds, near-surface velocity variations

Imaging below 5 km depth

Step 4: Processing Applied

What processing has already been applied to your data?

SRME, Radon, tau-p, or adaptive subtraction

Source/receiver deghosting, wavelet processing

VTI/TTI velocity model, anisotropic migration

Well-calibrated, tomography-derived, or FWI

True amplitude, offset-dependent corrections

Step 5: Specific Symptoms

Check all symptoms you observe in your data

Diagnostic Preview

Problem Illustration

Select a problem type to see an illustration

Your Selections

Make selections to see a summary

Seismic Imaging Theory & References

Common Imaging Problems

  • SNR Issues: Caused by acquisition (low fold, poor conditions), geology (attenuative rocks), or processing (inadequate noise suppression)
  • Structural Problems: Usually velocity-related (wrong model, missing anisotropy) or migration algorithm limitations
  • Amplitude Fidelity: NMO stretch, migration artifacts, incorrect gain/scaling, or processing flow issues
  • Multiples: Inadequate multiple attenuation (especially in shallow water), or non-optimal demultiple strategy
  • Migration Artifacts: Velocity errors, insufficient aperture, algorithm limitations with complex geology

Processing Flow Overview

Standard seismic processing sequence:

  1. Pre-processing (QC, geometry, noise attenuation)
  2. Deconvolution and wavelet processing
  3. Velocity analysis (multiple passes)
  4. Multiple attenuation (SRME, Radon, tau-p)
  5. Statics and residual corrections
  6. Migration (time or depth, pre- or post-stack)
  7. Amplitude conditioning and AVO processing
  8. Post-migration enhancement

Order and specific methods depend on data type, geology, and objectives

When to Reprocess vs. Re-acquire

Reprocess when:

  • Modern algorithms can improve legacy data (RTM, FWI)
  • Processing was not optimal (wrong demultiple, poor velocity)
  • New well data provides better calibration
  • Cost is 5-20% of new acquisition

Re-acquire when:

  • Fundamental acquisition issues (too short offsets, low fold)
  • Coverage gaps or poor azimuthal sampling
  • Technology advances enable major improvements (broadband, nodes)
  • Target depth/complexity beyond capability of existing data