A 3D surface wave attenuation method based on dispersion curve analysis and its application

The thick loess sediments produce a lot of noise during seismic acquisition, typically surface wave. Conventional methods are difficult while suppressing 3D surface waves since they are hyperbolic in the far-array. This study proposed a new model-based, data-driven surface wave attenuation method, which uses dispersion curve analysis of surface wave and joint inversion based on genetic algorithm (GA) and conjugate gradient algorithm, to build an accurate surface wave model, and then to subtract the model data from seismic data to improve the signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio). Located in the southern part of the Ordos Basin, the Loess Plateau has the characteristics of large thickness of loess sedimentary layer, diverse geomorphology, complex geological conditions and developed surface waves. After applying the method to the field seismic data, numerical tests show that joint inversion of dispersion waves was stable, accurate, and efficient in multi-type models, including models with a low-velocity layer and with a high-velocity layer. The result showed that the 3D surface wave attenuation method is effective in surface wave suppression. The low-frequency information and the reflected signal are efficiently preserved. Seismic faces are more apparent for reservoir characterization. This method provided credible data for the exploration of the loess tableland area.