System and method for time-lapse seismic imaging

Abstract

A method is described for time-lapse seismic imaging that may include detecting moiré patterns in seismic images generated from time-lapse seismic data and identifying geologic features based on the moiré patterns. The method may be executed by a computer system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computer-implemented method of time-lapse seismic imaging, comprising:
 a. receiving a baseline digital seismic image representative of a subsurface volume of interest including a hydrocarbon reservoir;   b. receiving a monitor digital seismic image representative of the subsurface volume of interest;   c. subtracting the monitor digital seismic image from the baseline digital seismic image to generate a digital difference image;   d. detecting moiré patterns in the digital difference image; and   e. identifying physical changes in the subsurface volume of interest based on the digital difference image.   
     
     
         2 . A computer system, comprising:
 one or more processors;   memory; and   
       one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the device to:
 a. receive a baseline digital seismic image representative of a subsurface volume of interest including a hydrocarbon reservoir; 
 b. receive a monitor digital seismic image representative of the subsurface volume of interest; 
 c. subtract the monitor digital seismic image from the baseline digital seismic image to generate a digital difference image; 
 d. detect moiré patterns in the digital difference image; and 
 e. identify physical changes in the subsurface volume of interest based on the digital difference image. 
 
     
     
         3 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by an electronic device with one or more processors and memory, cause the device to:
 a. receive a baseline digital seismic image representative of a subsurface volume of interest including a hydrocarbon reservoir;   b. receive a monitor digital seismic image representative of the subsurface volume of interest;   c. subtract the monitor digital seismic image from the baseline digital seismic image to generate a digital difference image;   d. detect moiré patterns in the digital difference image; and   e. identify physical changes in the subsurface volume of interest based on the digital difference image.