Algorithms of Deep Kinematic Migration in Two-Dimensional Media

Abstract

The paper considers four kinematic migration algorithms (procedures for converting the arrival times of reflected waves to the Earth’s surface into the depths of reflectors) using medium-velocity and reservoir velocity models of layered media: a standard algorithm for converting times to depths through average velocities; a modified medium-velocity algorithm that takes into account the slope of seismic boundaries; an algorithm for layer-by-layer recalculation of t₀ lines to depths; and a variational kinematic migration algorithm based on ray tracing theory using an integrating a system of differential equations with specified initial conditions by the Runge–Kutta method. To study the possibilities and limitations of each algorithm, calculations were carried out using number of theoretical models of layered media that approximate real geological conditions. Based on the results of numerical experiments using the four kinematic migration algorithms considered in the paper, conclusions were drawn about the efficiency of using each of the algorithms to reconstruct the geological boundaries in models of media with varying complexity.