Full Waveform Inversion for Onshore Seismic Data

This technical report discusses the application of full waveform inversion (FWI) in onshore seismic exploration, focusing on the challenges and methodologies involved in characterizing the near-surface for improved imaging of deeper subsurface targets. The report outlines traditional model building approaches and their limitations, particularly in updating near-surface velocities due to shallow depth offset coverage. It details a modern FWI workflow that includes preprocessing steps, such as noise suppression and the construction of initial velocity models using diving-wave tomography. The report also presents case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of FWI in capturing geological anomalies and improving imaging quality. It highlights the use of advanced techniques, such as optimal transport cost functions and multi-channel dynamic matching, to mitigate issues like cycle skipping. The findings suggest that FWI can provide more accurate velocity models compared to traditional residual statics methods, enhancing the overall quality of seismic imaging in onshore environments.