Abstract: The method of the present invention provides for processing seismic data over a subsurface area of interest. Downgoing seismic data, which may be VSP data, and surface seismic data are acquired over a subsurface area of interest. An inverse operator is determined from changes in signal characteristics, which may be first-arrival signals, between consecutive depth levels of the downgoing VSP data. The inverse operator is assigned to at least one surface seismic data level. Data levels may be in time or depth. Inverse operators may be interpolated for time or depth level operators for data samples between already determined operators. Inverse operators are applied to seismic data to restore attenuated signal components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of obtaining and processing seismic data to obtain enhanced geophysical maps from pre-existing 3D seismic data. A first set of data is obtained from a vertical seismic profile (VSP) survey and a second set from reverse seismic profile survey by reversing the locations of the sources and receivers of the VSP survey. The two sets of data are combined to determine a transfer function or model, which is then applied to a set of 3D seismic data to obtain a seismic map of the area surveyed for the 3D data.

Abstract: A method of seismic analysis is disclosed for identifying subterranean features that in one embodiment uses a coherence analysis for improved seismic data interpretation such as improved accuracy of variables for use in velocity models. The method may be used while analyzing seismic data to produce an earth model wherein the analysis is preferably applied at each level for the model. In another embodiment of the present invention, the coherence analysis is applied as a function of the seismic processing sequence to improve the variables associated therewith. With respect to a subterranean location of interest, azimuth ordered gathers may be used to identify subterranean features such as fault/fracture patterns. In another embodiment, offset ordered coherence analysis is used to form an optimum stack at the subterranean location of interest.