Abstract: A method and system determines optimum azimuth parameters for seismic data processing. The method includes selecting a range of azimuth parameters, the azimuth parameters indicating the range of magnitudes and directions, each pair of azimuth parameters indicating a particular magnitude and a particular direction. The method further includes generating a plurality of seismic gathers wherein a seismic gather is generated from each pair of azimuth parameters, each seismic gather including a plurality of seismic data traces. The method further includes generating a plurality of seismic gathers for a plurality of imaging locations and a plurality of depths, each seismic gather containing a plurality of seismic data traces. The method further includes determining the coherence amplitude of each gather. The method further includes determining the gather having the optimum coherence amplitude, and selecting the azimuth parameters associated with the gather having the optimum coherence amplitude.

Abstract: A method and system for seismic data processing utilizes azimuthal variations in the velocity of seismic signals. The system and method utilizes a plurality of seismic energy sources that are located at known positions at the surface of the earth. The seismic energy sources generate seismic signals that propagate downward into the earth. Some of the seismic signals are reflected and diffracted by various sub-surface layers and are returned to the surface of the earth. The returned seismic signals are received by a plurality of receivers. The method includes the step of determining the distance from an energy source to an image point. A fast travel time of the seismic signal from the energy source to the image point is determined, and a slow travel time of the seismic signal from the energy source to the image point is determined. The azimuth angle between the energy source and the surface location of the image point is calculated.

Abstract: A method and system for seismic data processing utilizes azimuthal variations in the velocity of seismic signals. The system and method utilizes a plurality of seismic energy sources that are located at known positions at the surface of the earth. The seismic energy sources generate seismic signals that propagate downward into the earth. Some of the seismic signals are reflected and diffracted by various sub-surface layers and are returned to the surface of the earth. The returned seismic signals are received by a plurality of receivers. The method includes the step of determining the distance from an energy source to an image point. A fast travel time of the seismic signal from the energy source to the image point is determined, and a slow travel time of the seismic signal from the energy source to the image point is determined. The azimuth angle between the energy source and the surface location of the image point is calculated.

Abstract: A method and system for seismic data processing utilizes azimuthal variations in the velocity of seismic signals. The system and method utilizes a plurality of seismic energy sources that are located at known positions at the surface of the earth. The seismic energy sources generate seismic signals that propagate downward into the earth. Some of the seismic signals are reflected and diffracted by various sub-surface layers and are returned to the surface of the earth. The returned seismic signals are received by a plurality of receivers. The method includes the step of determining the distance from an energy source to an image point. A fast travel time of the seismic signal from the energy source to the image point is determined, and a slow travel time of the seismic signal from the energy source to the image point is determined. The azimuth angle between the energy source and the surface location of the image point is calculated.