Advancing seismic imaging: From kinematics to dynamics with elastic full-waveform inversion

Abstract Elastic full-waveform inversion (EFWI) combined with long-offset sparse ocean-bottom node seismic data demonstrates a transformative approach for advancing seismic imaging in the Gulf of Mexico. By using the full seismic wavefield, including diving waves, reflections, multiples, and prismatic waves, EFWI iteratively refines high-resolution velocity models that effectively capture complex geologic features, particularly in challenging subsalt environments. The EFWI-derived reflectivity (EFDR) offers balanced amplitudes, improved signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), and enhanced imaging of steeply dipping and subsalt structures, addressing the inherent limitations of conventional migration methods. Prestack EFDR gathers further extend EFWI's utility for reliable amplitude variation with offset analysis. To accelerate high-frequency EFDR generation, the FWI impedance image (referred to as FWI3 in this paper) workflow introduces a “frequency jump” strategy, bypassing intermediate frequency steps to efficiently achieve high-resolution results. Additionally, its multiparameter inversion framework simultaneously inverts for P-wave velocity and P impedance, effectively mitigating crosstalk between primary and multiple wavefields. Together, these advancements highlight a paradigm shift in seismic imaging, enabling dynamic amplitude-consistent solutions for structural interpretation and reservoir characterization in complex geologic settings, moving beyond conventional kinematic-focused structural approaches.