Patent ID: 9482770
Filing Date: 2016-11-01
CPC Classification: G01V,G06F

Claim Text:
1. An automated method for estimating residual moveout in a common-image gather of seismic data for a subsurface region, comprising: obtaining and optimizing depth residuals through computer-implemented iterative inversion of the common-image gather, using flatness of the common image gather as a criterion for the optimization, wherein the inversion is a conjugate-gradient least-squares process, and wherein the conjugate-gradient least-squares process includes, using the optimized depth residuals in a tomography method to construct a model of seismic wave velocity in the subsurface region; using the model of seismic wave velocity to migrate the seismic data and thereby produce an image of estimated residual moveout, showing structural features of the subsurface region; using the image showing structural features of the subsurface region in designing a well into the subsurface region; and drilling the well and producing hydrocarbons from the subsurface region.