Multicomponent seismic image matching and comparison - Fasken Ranch, Andrews County, Texas

P-wave and S-wave multicomponent seismic data respond to lithology and fluid variations differently, providing interpreters with tools that supply additional information about subsurface geology. To interpret multicomponent data correctly, it is essential to identify and interpret corresponding seismic events in each seismic data set until they are correctly correlated and considered depth-registered. This study will focus on methods for analyzing P-P, SV-P, and P-SV seismic data integrated with well data to develop a better understanding of the subsurface geology within the study area. My work considers if and how multicomponent data can be matched with reflection patterns and when they cannot, how synthetic seismograms can be used to constrain depth-registration, and illustrates applications of 3C3D P-P, SV-P, P-SV seismic data located on the western shelf of the Midland Basin in Andrews County, Texas. An important point about this study is that it utilizes SV-P data generated by a vertical vibrator source and recorded with vertical geophones. This new concept allows shear wave information to be extracted from seismic surveys that have been recorded without the use of 3-component geophones or horizontal vibrators. Accordingly, this study will serve as one of the first case studies for determining the validity of these unique converted-mode seismic data.