Anisotropic Depth Migration and High-resolution Tomography in Gulf of Mexico – A Case History

We present a case study of an anisotropic prestack depth migration (APSDM) project which used high-resolution, shallow tomography and anisotropic model building for a large depth migration project in the Gulf of Mexico. The enhanced work flow resulted in high quality images and more accurate placement of events, compared to previous processing in the area. The goals of this project were to produce a more accurate velocity model which would enhance event placement and improve the imaging of steep dips, salt boundaries, and subsalt events. To this end high resolution tomographic velocity inversion was employed to produce a more accurate velocity field. Additionally anisotropic prestack depth migration was used to better tie the seismic events with well information.