Plus-minus method to solve large-amplitude near-surface static corrections

The surface conditions in Saudi Arabia demonstrate significant variability ranging from flat gravel plains to sand-dunes, sabkhas (salt flats) and desert wadis (washouts). Saudi Aramco has used a single-layer velocity model from surface to datum for most of the prospective areas for both 2D and 3D seismic data. Source gathers have been interpreted by picking the first arrivals to obtain a linear fit for the direct and refractor arrivals using the intercept-time method. This creates depth and velocity control input for a multiple-layer model of the near-surface, from which static corrections to datum are calculated. On 2D lines with very large amplitude near-surface anomalies, the plus-minus technique has been applied to solve local areas. The implementation of the plus-minus technique utilizes a variable near-surface velocity derived from either upholes or the direct-arrival velocity determined from source gathers. With this method, multiple source-pairs build up effective spreads. Then by compiling high fold of delay-times at a location, a statistical average is taken where the high fold reduces the significance of picking errors. The model is built utilizing multiple refraction layers and is referenced to the datum, thus tying it to the regional model. The example 2D seismic line has a static model calculated from the single-layer velocity model. The intercept-time method was applied locally over a near-surface anomaly caused by unconsolidated material at the foot of a cliff. Further analysis of the near-surface involved the plus-minus method to solve the high amplitude time shifts.