1. From Raw Data to an Image
Field Record
(marine)
Data Processing
Stream
Offset
Time
SLIDE 17
This first image shows what the raw seismic data for one “explosion” recorded at about 50 “listening” devices looks like
The raw seismic data is sent to a data processing center
Here specialists in signal analysis, data analysis, imaging, math, computer science, etc. transform the raw data into an image of the subsurface
Again at large companies, there are many experts in data processing that can spend an entire career processing seismic data
Seismic imaging is an area that remains a focus of R&D – obtain better images faster and cheaper
We cover some basics of data processing in Unit 5
Once the data are processed and we have an image of the subsurface, the next step is to interpret the data – turn images such as the one in the lower right into a model of the subsurface rocks and fluids
Several Units focus on sesimic interpretation and data anlysis
Subsurface
‘Image’
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
L 3 - Types of Data