Analysis Method to Identify and Removing the Instrument Response Function forDeconvolution

As part of the process when oil and gas leases are opened for bids, or otherwise sold, interesting bidders/purchasers are given access to a “data room” with access to key accumulated data for the lease. These data may be quite varied in age or quality. Legacy recordings of seismic or infrasonic/acoustic events, are tainted by the system used to acquire the data. It is necessary to remove the response function for the data acquisition system from the data in order to use the data with modern processing technology to make images of the subsurface. In many cases, the instrument response is not known. We propose a processing sequence for legacy seismic data where we remove the Instrument Response Function together with the signature of the seismic source, when the data are generated as a result of a surface-seismic survey. We contend that this can be achieved by forming patches of surface receivers, extract the incoming signal as a function of wave number and frequency and deconvolve the estimate from the rest of the traces. This leaves the responses to an impulsive source at the location of the receiver patch. Using a semblance-weighted deconvolution operator for stability, the deconvolved data will be independent on the receiver response and the source function, providing data which accurately represents the original geophysical conditions and meeting the objectives of the solicitation. During Phase I, the concepts will be validated using appropriate synthetic and legacy data, and – if necessary - adjusted reflecting the results of the validation tests. Re-analyzing legacy data with modern methods can provide the energy industry with valuable surveys and analyses while avoiding costly ($ 1M or more) re-acquisition efforts. Allows reviewing historical records for past seismic events related to nuclear test activities or other large scale industrial or defense activities. Allows new geophysical analysis for benefits to geology, environmental science, and other scientific efforts.