Optimizing design of 3D seismic acquisition by CRS trace interpolation

Land seismic data acquisition in most practical cases suffers from obstacles in fields which deviates geometry of the real acquired data from what was designed. These obstacles will cause gaps, narrow azimuth and offset limitation in the data. These shortcomings, not only prevents regular trace distribution in bins, but also distorts the subsurface image by reducing illumination of the target formation. However, some methods available can compensate the gaps in data due to field obstacles mainly by trace interpolation techniques. The common reflection surface (CRS) method that was previously introduced for seismic imaging in complex geological structures also could be used for trace interpolation to fill the gaps and to increase the fold of the data. In this study, we combined two different methods of trace interpolation and distribution in bins for solving the problem of gaps and low illumination of the target formation in a 3D seismic acquisition study area in the southwest of Iran. After processing old 2D lines available from the same area, the CRS parameters were obtained for proper definition of the acquisition design. Then by combining the CRS trace interpolation scheme and trace distribution, possible gaps in the data was resolved and regular trace distribution in all bins and azimuths were achieved. Result showed increasing redundancy in bins, which will prevent occurring gaps in data in case of inevitable field obstacles. Result shows that this strategy could be used to construct lost traces and prevent further problem in seismic imaging.