Exercise # 4 2D Time to Depth Conversion

Overview

So far in these exercises all the models you have build have been in depth.
VECON requires that all raytracing be done in depth. However, many
times the information you receive to build your model will be in the form
of a seismic time section. In this case, it is easy to build your initial model
in time and then convert it to depth before raytracing. In this exercise you
will learn to:

o Construct a time model

o Convert a time model to depth
o Display model in either time or depth

Files Required:

 Lacosta_seis_tim.jpg

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Building a 2D Time Model

In this exercise you will build a model based on a 2D seismic time section.
The time range for this section is 1500 to 3200 ms. Although you are
using a jpeg image you could also use SEGY traces if they were available.

Figure 4-1: Lacosta_seis_time.jpg image file for creating 2D time model

Before beginning this exercise create a new folder /Exercise4 and copy the
required file needed for this exercise: Lacosta_seis_tim.jpg

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Launch the VECON 2D Application select File/New Project and use the
following parameters:

Figure 4-2: Project definition parameters for building 2D time project

1. Project Name : Exercise4.2dprj

2. Image File Name: Lacosta_seis_tim.jpg
3. Topography File Name: none
4. Land/Marine: select Marine
5. Depth/Time: Depth.
6. X-Range: 0-1000 meters
7. Time From: 1500-3200 ms
8. Depth of T=0 in data: This parameter is needed to convert your
model from time to depth. Use sea level (zero) for this exercise.
9. Near Surface Layer: P-Velocity of 1800 m/sec, defaults for the other
parameters
10. meter/feet/kilometer: meters.

Once all the model parameters are set, select Apply to create your project.

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The VECON 2D Model Builder will open and you are ready to begin
creating your layers and velocity zones. Use the Select Image icon to
define the working area on the seismic section.

Begin building your 2D time model by defining a salt object on the left
side of the section. Use a P-Velocity of 5000 m/sec.

Figure 4-3: Time model with salt object added

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Continue building your time model using the Figure 4-3 as a guide.
Digitize five layers on the section to create the model.

Important note: when digitizing in time, you must pick from left to right!

Use the following velocities for your model.

 2050 m/sec
 2800
 3125
 3500
 3950

Figure 4-4: Final 2D time model

Congratulations! Your time model is complete.

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Converting Your Time Model to Depth

Now that your time model is complete, you are ready to convert it to
depth. VECON will convert your model using the time layers and
velocities you created by shifting the layers vertically. Times are assumed
to be two-way travel times.

The conversion itself is a simple one button procedure. Use the Time ->
Depth Conversion icon to perform the conversion. When you see the
message “Finished Convert Time Model to Depth Model”
in the lower right corner of the 2D Model Builder, your depth model is
ready. Use the Time/Depth Window Switch icon to toggle between
the time and depth views of your model.

Figure 4-5: Converted depth model

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The conversion to depth can cause distortion below the salt for layers where there is a
significant overhang. This will have to be manually corrected by editing the effected
layers. This is normal and caused by the fast velocity in the salt.

Summary

Now that you have completed this exercise, you know how to do the
following:

 Construct a time model

 Convert a time model to depth
 Display model in either time or depth

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