Migration using sea surface-related multiples: Challenges and opportunities

In marine geophysical exploration using seismic data, sea surface-related multiples can be used for imaging and producing extra illumination. However, the imaging of multiples can involve challenges related to acquisition and migration. The acquisition offset, trace spacing, and towing direction are all key factors that control the quality of imaging using multiples. The migration algorithm also affects its successful implementation. Ultimately, the objective of imaging using multiples is not to replace imaging using primaries; instead, imaging using multiples augments conventional migration when the imaging of primaries suffers from illumination issues. The imaging of multiples has the potential to mitigate shallow acquisition footprints and provide high-resolution shallow images, allowing the identification of drilling hazards and a reduction in drilling risks. Additionally, the imaging of multiples can provide high-resolution illumination of complex structures along salt boundaries, which is valuable for velocity model building. Moreover, this technique has the potential to reduce exploration expenses when applied with ocean-bottom seismic data.