Abstract: The following disclosure relates to a system for generating velocity models of salt and subsalt formations. The system provides accurate velocities for both salt and subsalt formations. In some embodiments, the disclosure relies on the combination of three elements: the “long offset” between seismic source and seismic receiver node, the use of multiple seismic signals at different geographic locations, and the refraction of the seismic wave off of the “basement” of the earth's crust. By combining the multiple seismic signals with the “fast basement,” which is accessible due to the long offset of sources and receiver nodes, it is now possible to determine a more accurate seismic propagation velocity for salt and subsalt formations by using FWI-based refraction tomography.

Abstract: The following disclosure relates to a system for generating velocity models of salt and subsalt formations. The system provides accurate velocities for both salt and subsalt formations. In some embodiments, the disclosure relies on the combination of three elements: the “long offset” between seismic source and seismic receiver node, the use of multiple seismic signals at different geographic locations, and the refraction of the seismic wave off of the “basement” of the earth's crust. By combining the multiple seismic signals with the “fast basement,” which is accessible due to the long offset of sources and receiver nodes, it is now possible to determine a more accurate seismic propagation velocity for salt and subsalt formations by using FWI-based refraction tomography.