Global inversion based estimation of anisotropy parameters for orthorhombic media

摘要

Systems and methods for estimating orthorhombic anisotropy parameters of subsurface rock layers are provided. An initial three-dimensional (3D) model of layers in a subsurface formation is generated. Particular combinations of seismic source and receiver locations associated with a vertical seismic profile (VSP) survey of the formation are selected based on a simulation of seismic wave propagation through each layer of the initial 3D model. A global inversion is performed using data points selected from travel time data associated with the VSP survey in order to estimate different sets of anisotropy parameters for the layers of the initial 3D model, where the selected data points correspond to the selected source-receiver combinations. The initial 3D model is refined with an optimal set of anisotropy parameters selected from the estimated parameter sets. The refined 3D model is provided for seismic analysis and well planning operations to be performed for the subsurface formation.