Patent ID: 9134442
Filing Date: 2015-09-15
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
1. A method of seismic exploration above a region of the subsurface containing structural or stratigraphic features conducive to the presence, migration, or accumulation of hydrocarbons, comprising the steps of: (a) selecting at least one low frequency narrowband frequency range less than 8 Hz; (b) providing at least one narrowband seismic source for each of said selected at least one low frequency narrowband frequency range, each of said narrowband seismic source emitting seismic energy within a corresponding narrowband low frequency range; (c) conducting a narrowband seismic survey proximate to the region of the subsurface using each of said at least one narrowband seismic source, thereby creating a narrowband seismic survey; (d) collecting a broadband seismic survey proximate to said narrow band seismic survey; (e) using seismic data from both of said narrowband seismic survey and said broadband seismic survey to calculate a full waveform inversion, thereby forming an enhanced survey; and, (f) using at least a portion of said enhanced survey to explore for hydrocarbons within said region of the subsurface.