Analysis of prior models for a blocky inversion of seismic AVA data

Resolving thinner layers and focusing layer boundaries better in inverted seismic sections are important challenges in exploration and production seismology to better identify a potential drilling target. Many seismic inversion methods are based on a least-squares optimization approach that can intrinsically lead to unfocused transitions between adjacent layers. A Bayesian seismic amplitude variation with angle (AVA) inversion algorithm forms sharper boundaries between layers when enforcing sparseness in the vertical gradients of the inversion results. The underlying principle is similar to high-resolution processing algorithms and has been adapted from digital-image-sharpening algorithms. We have investigated the Cauchy and Laplace statistical distributions for their potential to improve contrasts betweenlayers. An inversion algorithm is derived statistically from Bayes’ theorem and results in a nonlinear problem that requires an iterative solution approach. Bayesian inversions require knowledge of certa...

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