Patent ID: 8553499

Claim:
A method of exploration for hydrocarbons within a predetermined volume of the earth containing structural and stratigraphic features conducive to the generation, migration, accumulation, or presence of said hydrocarbons, comprising the steps of: a. accessing a digital representation of a seismic survey that images at least a portion of the predetermined volume of the earth; b. creating a subsurface model that is representative of at least a portion of the predetermined volume of the earth; c. using at least said subsurface model to create a calibration seismic data set, said calibration seismic data set being formed from a seismic modeling program that, based on modeled data comprising a flat reflectivity signature, produces data comprising amplitude variations indicative of illumination effects; d. using at least a portion of said calibration seismic data set to normalize at least a portion of said digital representation of said seismic survey; e. conducting, by a processor, an AVA analysis using at least a portion of said normalized portion of said digital representation of said seismic survey; and, f. using said AVA analysis to explore for hydrocarbons with the predetermined volume of the earth.