# Methodology and Results of Detailed 3D Seismic Exploration in the Zhezkazgan Ore District
## 2 Materials and Methods
### Methodology
An example of the seismic survey in Saryoba is shown in Figure 3. The shot-receiver layout was designed based on the analysis of the area's geological composition, velocity properties, and technical and technological conditions for field operations. The experimental methodology allowed us to substantiate acquisition parameters focused on the target horizons with an increased level of high-frequency components of the seismic record. A cableless SCOUT seismic recorder system was used to perform seismic exploration with the 3D source-receiver layout. To calculate seismic datum statics and investigate Low Velocity Layer (LVL) parameters, the uphole survey was carried out with the uphole regular grid being implemented on every area of study (Figure 3). The 3D survey geophysical pattern tests and survey design were assessed using MESA Core 10.4 software, taking into account the real geological situation and onsite infrastructure. Figure 3: Saryoba area. Elevation map and layout of seismic acquisition survey. High-quality field seismic data were acquired due to: prompt adjustment of real receiving points (RPs) and shot points (SPs) depending on surface conditions; offsets of compensation SPs; calculation of theoretical fold and bin attributes; download of theoretical, approved and laid, drilled and worked-out RPs and SPs into Field Geo Data Base software (version 2) and build-up of performance progress maps; regular development and verification of final SPS files for office processing and delivery to a stationary computing center for further data processing. The processing of seismic data acquired at Pektas, Donyzauz, and Western Sayoba was performed using SeisSpace (Halliburton) software, version 5000.8.2.4. The processing sequence and parameters for each area were selected and optimized using a wide range of modules. Each area had a dedicated processing sequence due to the differences in acquisition patterns. The variety of mathematical procedures used during data processing ensured the development of an optimal seismic data processing sequence, allowing us to preserve kinematic and dynamic features of the wave field for further identification and tracking of target horizons; ensure reliable structural buildups; process and link the data recorded using VSP methods; achieve high resolution and accuracy of detailed buildups; and increase the reliability of structural buildups of deep target horizons due to maximum exclusion of interference from overlying geological targets [39]. The time and depth data volumes were produced for each area, along with velocity models delivered from velocity analysis during processing. There were two interdependent approaches used during interpretation:  
* Geophysical approach--determination of structural models and seismogeological parameters based on seismic data;
* Geological approach--prediction of lithological-petrophysical, genetic, and other geological properties based on seismic and drilling data. The first approach involved mathematical seismic modeling, using calculation of wave fields for theoretical models displaying features of the geological section (Figure 4). This allowed us to obtain a seismic and geologic justification for kinematic and dynamic features of seismic waves; apply seismic attributes to justify geological targets; establish correlation between seismic waves and boundaries of the geological section (\"stratigraphic matching\"); and select optimal parameters for certain interpretation procedures: inversion, wavelet processing, stratigraphic deconvolution, etc. The geological interpretation of seismic data was carried out using GeoGraphix Discovery 2019.4 software and additional modules for dynamic attributes calculation. Benchmarking data interpretation was carried out in two stages: structural modeling and seismic attribute analysis. Pre-stack time migration (PSTM) and pre-stack depth migration (PSDM) data were used as the basis for structural interpretation.