Abstract: A tool is described for seismic data collection which may have sensors mounted along its entire length to sample both geophysical signal and noise including at least one of acoustic noise, system noise, and noise resulting from the interaction between the two. Systems and methods for acquiring borehole seismic data are also described. In contrast to conventional systems which attempt to avoid introducing noise into the collected data stream, the present systems include a sufficient type, number, and spacing of sensors to intentionally sample at least one source of noise. The methods include operating a borehole seismic acquisition system to sample both a target signal and at least one source of noise and using a processor with machine-readable instructions for separating the noise from the signal.

Abstract: A technique facilitates collection and use of data on subterranean formations. The technique comprises obtaining gravity measurements through the use of seismic streamers. At least one streamer is provided such that each streamer has multiple sensors, e.g. accelerometers. The at least one streamer is towed with a tow vessel, and gravity data are accumulated via the multiple sensors during towing.

Abstract: A technique includes receiving sensor acquired data, which includes pressure data representative of at least one pressure measurement of a wavefield and particle motion data representative of at least one particle motion measurement of the wavefield. The technique includes filtering the pressure data and the particle motion data with a plurality of directional filters to provide a plurality of filtered datasets. The filtered datasets are associated with different directional ranges. The technique includes estimating an angle of incidence for at least one of the directional ranges based at least in part on at least one of the filtered datasets; and processing the acquired data to determine at least one of an upgoing component of the wavefield and a downgoing component of the wavefield based at least in part on the at least one estimated angle of incidence.

Abstract: Generating an image of an interior of the Earth from a seismic survey using multiple sources. The multiple sources may be fired simultaneously and the data received by seismic sensors in the seismic survey may be decomposed so that seismic data generated by each of the multiple sources may be determined. Decomposing of the received data may be performed using frequency diverse basis functions and converting the data separation problem into an optimization problem, which can be a one-norm or zero-norm optimization problem in frequency-space domain. The decomposed data may be used to generate the image of the Earth's interior.

Abstract: Neutrally-buoyant tools for seismic data collection are provided that may range from several hundred meters to several kilometers in length and have integrated sensors which move along with the borehole fluid in response to a passing seismic wave. The disclosure also provides methods of deploying neutrally-buoyant tools, which includes using a tractor, adding a weight or both to the tool in order to overcome the difficulty of lowering a neutrally buoyant tool into a borehole, and optionally occasionally clamping the tool to the borehole to alleviate tension in the tool. This disclosure also provides methods of acquiring seismic data, which involves positioning a neutrally-buoyant tool in a borehole such that the tool is able to move relatively freely along with the borehole fluid in response to a seismic wave passing through the fluid, firing a seismic source, and using the sensors to collect seismic data generated thereby.

Abstract: Performing seismic data processing using frequency diverse basis functions and converting a data processing problem into a one-norm or zero-norm optimization problem, which can be solved in frequency-space domain. The data processing problems can be data deghosting, data regularization or interpolation. The data being processed can be aliased or un-aliased, single sensor data or group-formed data, single component or multi-component data single source data or simultaneous sources, or some combinations.

Abstract: Modular workflows for determining acquisition geometry and efficiency using 3D deghosting and wavefield reconstruction methods enabled by multicomponent seismic information are disclosed, which may be performed as methods. In some embodiments, such methods may be performed on computing systems.

Abstract: A technique includes receiving seismic data acquired by seismic sensors; and processing the seismic data on a machine to deghost the data. The processing includes deghosting the seismic data using a first deghosting technique that relies on a ghost model; deghosting the seismic data using a second deghosting technique that is independent from any modeling of the ghost; and selectively combining the results of the deghosting using the first and second deghosting techniques.

Abstract: A method of processing seismic data is provided in the seismic data is acquired at a plurality of locations and the method comprises interpolating and/or extrapolating the seismic data, thereby to estimate seismic data at a target location different from the plurality of locations. The interpolating and/or extrapolating the seismic data is performed in a polar co-ordinate system. The method may provide for, among other things, accuracy of estimation; particularly at short offsets from the seismic source. The polar co-ordinate system used may be chosen to approximate the seismic wavefront in an earth model, for example in an earth model in which properties vary only with depth.

Abstract: A tool is described for seismic data collection which may have sensors mounted along its entire length to sample both geophysical signal and noise including at least one of acoustic noise, system noise, and noise resulting from the interaction between the two. Systems and methods for acquiring borehole seismic data are also described. In contrast to conventional systems which attempt to avoid introducing noise into the collected data stream, the present systems include a sufficient type, number, and spacing of sensors to intentionally sample at least one source of noise. The methods include operating a borehole seismic acquisition system to sample both a target signal and at least one source of noise and using a processor with machine-readable instructions for separating the noise from the signal.

Abstract: The disclosure provides neutrally-buoyant tools for seismic data collection. The tools may range from several hundred meters to several kilometers in length and have integrated sensors which move along with the borehole fluid in response to a passing seismic wave. The disclosure also provides methods of deploying neutrally-buoyant tools, which includes using a tractor, adding a weight or both to the tool in order to overcome the difficulty of lowering a neutrally buoyant tool into a borehole, and optionally occasionally clamping the tool to the borehole to alleviate tension in the tool. This disclosure also provides methods of acquiring seismic data, which involves positioning a neutrally-buoyant tool in a borehole such that the tool is able to move relatively freely along with the borehole fluid in response to a seismic wave passing through the fluid, firing a seismic source, and using the sensors to collect seismic data generated thereby.

Abstract: Generating an image of an interior of the Earth from a seismic survey using multiple sources. The multiple sources may be fired simultaneously and the data received by seismic sensors in the seismic survey may be decomposed so that seismic data generated by each of the multiple sources may be determined. Decomposing of the received data may be performed using frequency diverse basis functions and converting the data separation problem into an optimization problem, which can be a one-norm or zero-norm optimization problem in frequency-space domain. The decomposed data may be used to generate the image of the Earth's interior.

Abstract: A technique facilitates collection and use of data on subterranean formations. The technique comprises creating a distributed sensor network having multiple sensors arranged in a desired pattern. The distributed sensor network is employed to collect seismic data from the multiple sensors. Additionally, the distributed network and sensors are designed to collect gravity data from the multiple sensors. The sensors may be arranged in a variety of environments, including land-based environments and seabed environments.

Abstract: A technique includes receiving seismic data acquired by seismic sensors; and processing the seismic data on a machine to deghost the data. The processing includes deghosting the seismic data using a first deghosting technique that relies on a ghost model; deghosting the seismic data using a second deghosting technique that is independent from any modeling of the ghost; and selectively combining the results of the deghosting using the first and second deghosting techniques.

Abstract: A technique facilitates collection and use of data on subterranean formations. The technique comprises obtaining gravity measurements through the use of seismic streamers. At least one streamer is provided such that each streamer has multiple sensors, e.g. accelerometers. The at least one streamer is towed with a tow vessel, and gravity data are accumulated via the multiple sensors during towing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring seismic signals from beneath a salt region in the earth. In one embodiment, the method includes tuning an air gun array to a first bubble oscillation; towing the air gun array in the water at a depth of at least 10 meters, in which the air gun array has a total volume in a range of about 6780 cubic inches to about 10,170 cubic inches; directing acoustic signals with the air gun array down through the water into the earth beneath the salt region; towing one or more seismic streamers in the water at one or more depths, in which at least one of the depths is at least 10 meters, in which each streamer comprises a plurality of hydrophones disposed therealong; and recording with the hydrophones seismic signals reflected from strata in the earth beneath the salt region.