Utilization of multiple scattering: the next big step forward in seismic imaging

• Published in: Geophysical Prospecting Vol. 65; no. 1; pp. 106 - 145
• Main Author: Berkhout, A.J. (Guus)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Houten Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-01-2017
• Subjects: Algorithms; Enrichment; Filtering; Geophysics; Illumination; Imaging; Migration; Scattering
• ISSN: 0016-8025; 1365-2478
• DOI: 10.1111/1365-2478.12395

ABSTRACT
Surface removal and internal multiple removal are explained by recursively separating the primary and multiple responses at each depth level with the aid of wavefield prediction error filtering. This causal removal process is referred to as “data linearization.” The linearized output (primaries only) is suitable for linear migration algorithms. Next, a summary is given on the migration of full wavefields (primaries + multiples) by using the concept of secondary sources in each subsurface gridpoint. These secondary sources are two‐way and contain the gridpoint reflection and the gridpoint transmission properties. In full wavefield migration, a local inversion process replaces the traditional linear imaging conditions. Finally, Marchenko redatuming is explained by iteratively separating the full wavefield response from above a new datum and the full wavefield response from below a new datum. The redatuming output is available for linear migration (Marchenko imaging) or, even better, for full wavefield migration. Linear migration, full wavefield migration, and Marchenko imaging are compared with each other. The principal conclusion of this essay is that multiples should not be removed, but they should be utilized, yielding two major advantages: (i) illumination is enhanced, particularly in the situation of low signal‐to‐noise primaries; and (ii) both the upper side and the lower side of reflectors are imaged. It is also concluded that multiple scattering algorithms are more transparent if they are formulated in a recursive depth manner. In addition to transparency, a recursive depth algorithm has the flexibility to enrich the imaging process by inserting prior geological knowledge or by removing numerical artefacts at each depth level. Finally, it is concluded that nonlinear migration algorithms must have a closed‐loop architecture to allow successful imaging of incomplete seismic data volumes (reality of field data).