Paper Summary
A 3D inversion based Least-Squares Reverse Time Migration (LSRTM) technique was developed. The algorithm uses the RTM as the forward modeling and inversion engine to minimize the amplitude differences between the observed data and the synthetic modeled data. In turn, the final LSRTM will deliver the reflectivity model that will generate the true corresponding amplitude; the migration artifacts are suppressed as well since they are not contained in the observed field data. Compared with the initial RTM image, the LSRTM images from the synthetic data and field data examples show the improved amplitude response and higher resolution gained by suppressing migration artifacts and sharpening the subsurface reflectors’ reflectivity.
