Paper Summary
A streamlined and semi-automated Pre-stack depth migration velocity model building approach has been used to solve imaging distortions caused by near surface channel systems in offshore Tanzania. In this abstract we show how, an automated shallow channel extraction algorithm, and, a whole volume based pre-stack anomaly extraction algorithm, were used in unison to identify potential prospects impacted by shallow channels. An automated shallow channel extraction algorithm was developed and used in PreSDM velocity model building. Coupled with wavelet shift tomography this successfully solved the imaging distortions associated with the shallow channel systems. We focus on key aspects of the PreSDM velocity model building, which are transferable to other areaswhere the near surface impacts deeper imaging, and are suited to exploration schedules. The mainlearnings have been: PreSDM is preferred over PreSTM even for compressed exploration schedules, and, Whole volume analysis of pre-stack migrated gathers complements prospectivity assessment andprocessing objectives.