Patent ID: 10698126

Abstract:
A computer-implemented method for updating a physical properties model of a subsurface region in an iterative inversion of seismic data using a gradient of a cost function that compares the seismic data to model-simulated data, said method comprising: obtaining a contrast model of a subsurface physical parameter that is sensitive to data dynamics and a kinematic model of a subsurface physical parameter; determining a gradient of a cost function using the contrast model and the kinematic model, wherein the cost function compares seismic data to model-simulated data; updating the kinematic model using a search direction derived from the gradient; adapting the contrast model according to an update to the kinematic model performed in the updating step; iteratively repeating the determining, updating, and adapting steps until a predetermined stopping criteria is reached, and generating a subsurface image from a finally updated kinematic model; and using the subsurface image to prospect for hydrocarbons.