High-Frequency FWI Imaging for Shallow Hazards

This technical report discusses the application of high-frequency Full-Waveform Inversion (FWI) imaging in identifying shallow geohazards, emphasizing its effectiveness compared to traditional imaging methods. The report outlines how FWI can utilize existing 3D seismic data to enhance the understanding of the shallow subsurface, thereby providing a rapid alternative to dedicated high-resolution site surveys. Two case studies are presented, demonstrating the ability of high-frequency FWI to detect shallow anomalies and fault systems with significantly improved resolution. The report further explains the limitations of conventional 3D seismic data and the advantages of FWI, including its capacity to deliver high-quality images even with less densely acquired data. Additionally, it addresses the challenges faced in shallow hazard imaging and the potential of FWI to overcome these issues through advanced processing techniques. The findings highlight the importance of integrating FWI into shallow hazard analysis to ensure safer infrastructure placement in oil and gas operations.