Paper Summary
The convergence of advanced computing technologies and innovative algorithm designs
has made it possible to provide 3D Wave Equation depth migration methods to many explorationists. It is well known that the wave equation method can provide the full wavefield solution to most imaging problems, when compared to the Kirchhoff technique, which has become the industry’s standard prestack depth migration (preSDM) algorithm. Even though various implementation techniques have expanded its capabilities, notably with respect to traveltime estimation, the Kirchhoff method has some inherent limitations, such as diverging ray paths in steeply-dipping areas were high lateral velocity contrasts exist. More accurate imaging in such challenging geologic conditions can often be addressed by a Wave Equation (W.E.) depth migration solution. Dramatic reductions in computing costs have facilitated the gradual employment of the W.E. migration method.