Accurate velocity estimation from surface-consistent residual statics

This study presents a novel methodology for estimating accurate Normal Moveout (NMO) velocities by utilizing residual time shifts resulting from imperfect NMO corrections. The proposed method uses the residual static component that results from using incorrect NMO velocity to estimate a better velocity that minimizes this component of the statics solution. The proposed algorithm is tested on synthetic and real seismic datasets demonstrating its robustness and high accuracy. When compared with the best velocity obtained by an experienced processor, the velocity estimated via the proposed method shows only a 0.05% deviation from the true model velocity. Furthermore, application to real 2D seismic data from East Texas resulted in an estimated NMO velocity value that differed by only 0.6% from the value derived by an experienced processor. The algorithm minimizes the effects of human error, enhances seismic event flattening, and ultimately improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), making it a valuable tool for subsurface imaging in complex geological environments.