Reliability, Efficiency, and Robustness: Enhanced Template-Matching Full-Waveform Inversion Using Sparse Ocean-Bottom Node Data

Abstract

Summary We demonstrate the ability of enhanced template-matching full-waveform inversion (ETM-FWI), used in conjunction with long-offset ocean-bottom node (OBN) data, for resolving complex geological features. Two important pillars of this work are the enhanced template-matching objective function for FWI and the ultra-long-offset and full-azimuth data from OBN acquisition. ETM-FWI matches the local pattern between observed and predicted shots, which can handle salt-related wavefield and converge to a kinematically correct and high-resolution model. Sparse-node acquisition greatly improves the acquisition efficiency and benefits FWI with better convergence and penetration depth. We demonstrate that the resulting FWI model is kinematically correct and contains high-resolution details. The kinematics of the FWI-updated model can be validated by geologically plausible image and flatter and better-focussed reverse time migration surface offset gathers. The short-wavelength component can also be extracted as a representation of the earth reflectivity.