Results of a 3D hi-resolution vibroseis acquisition trial in the Cooper Basin

Abstract

The 3D acquisition geometry utilised in the Cooper Basin has remained relatively unchanged for the past 14 years, due largely to the efficient and cost effective method employed. Significant changes and progress have been made over these years in data processing, ensuring the seismic data have achieved the respective project objectives. However, with changing targets, greater emphasis on stratigraphic plays and the need for attribute analysis it is clear that processing techniques applied to the data have reached their limit and consequently the acquisition needs to yield better data. This paper covers the results of an acquisition trial conducted in the Cooper Basin. The primary objective was to determine the effort required to image or better image certain shallow poor reflectors such as the oil bearing Hutton formation, through improved noise reduction by better spatial sampling. The secondary objective was to improve offset distribution to enable greater data regularisation for near and far offset traces. This in turn would improve the effectiveness of the migration process and consequently the robustness of the PSTM gathers for attribute analysis.