Mapping subsurface open fractures using elastically nonlinear interaction of two surface-generated waves

摘要

This invention relates to mapping the open fractures in the reservoir subsurface formations. To map these open fractures, the elastically nonlinear interaction of the two surface generated seismic waves, as they propagate through the open fractures and are reflected back from the subsurface boundaries, is recorded using conventional 3-D seismic receiver configurations. Recorded data are processed for standard 3-D reflection imaging and additionally for mapping the location and orientation of the subsurface open fractures.