Testing Different 3D Acquisition Geometries for Reducing Back-scattered Surface Noise

A major cause of poor seismic data quality in some land areas is strong back-scattered noise within the low velocity near surface layers. By testing nine different 3D acquisition geometries in the presence of realistic back-scattered noise, we demonstrate key principles for dealing with this noise. The results indicate that some unconventional acquisition geometries may be more effective in some situations than conventional acquisition geometries. We present the results of the realistic tests as processed images of a 3D sub-surface, similar to what an interpreter would use. This presentation of results allows realistic analysis of image quality. This study demonstrates the value of computing realistic 3D synthetic data for a 3D model for testing 3D acquisition seismic surveys. These results are also intended to offer some ideas for using the recent increase of flexibility of acquisition systems and increase of the number of available channels. Custom acquisition targeted to the noise and the geologic objective of an area is an opportunity for acquiring improved quality seismic data at reasonable cost.