Imaging the Delaware Basin with High-Density Data

This technical report details the application of an advanced imaging flow that integrates 40 Hz full-waveform inversion (FWI) with ultra-high-density surveys to create a high-resolution velocity model and FWI image for the Delaware Basin. The report outlines the challenges posed by the Cenozoic sedimentary fill, which complicates imaging due to its lateral heterogeneity and slow velocities. The study emphasizes the importance of a well-constructed starting velocity model, developed through first-arrival tomography and well-tie analysis, to improve the accuracy of FWI applications. The report presents findings from a four-square-mile ultra-high-density test survey conducted in Eddy County, New Mexico, showcasing the significant improvements in image quality achieved through dense sampling and the application of TLFWI. The results indicate that high-frequency TLFWI combined with dense seismic data is crucial for resolving geological complexities and enhancing imaging at reservoir levels, ultimately leading to a more detailed understanding of the subsurface structures in the Delaware Basin.