Skip to main content
Log in

First break of the seismic signals in oil exploration based on information theory

  • Machine Learning - Applications & Techniques in Cyber Intelligence
  • Published:
Neural Computing and Applications Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In oil seismic exploration, automatic picking of first arrivals is very important but difficult for seismic data with low signal-to-noise ratios. In the paper, we proposed a new method based on mutual information in information theory. Mutual information between signals and noises is zero theoretically; thus, random noises have fewer effects on first arrivals pickup with the criterion of mutual information. The paper presents a detailed description of the method based on mutual information. Tests and verification with simulation data and field measurements are carried out. When compared with other well-known methods, the first break picking accuracy and efficiency of the proposed algorithm are verified.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Jiang W, Zhang J (2017) First-arrival traveltime tomography with modified total-variation regularization. Geophys Prospect 65(5):1138–1154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Li Y-D, Dong L-G, Liu Y-Z (2017) First-arrival traveltime tomography based on a new preconditioned adjoint-state method. Chin J Geophys-Chin Ed 60(10):3934–3941

    Google Scholar 

  3. Sun M, Zhang J, Zhang W (2017) Alternating first-arrival travel time tomography and waveform inversion for near-surface imaging. Geophysics 82(4):R245–R257

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Zou D, Luo W, Zheng H (2017) First arrival cycle-based calculation methods of in situ sound speed and attenuation in sediments. Mar Georesour Geotechnol 35(1):98–103

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Zou M, Zhou Q, Li L, Zhu R, Luo K (2017) Fast residual static correction method using first arrivals in the 3d shot-receiver united domain. Explor Geophys 48(3):246–254

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Li Y-D, Dong L-G, Liu Y-Z (2016) First arrival traveltime tomography based on an improved scatteringintegral algorithm. Chin J Geophys-Chin Ed 59(10):3820–3828

    Google Scholar 

  7. Coppens F (1985) First arrivals picking on common-offset trace collections for automatic estimation of static corrections. Geophys Prospect 33:1212–1231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Place J, Malehmir A (2016) Using supervirtual first arrivals in controlled-source hardrock seismic imaging-well worth the effort. Geophys J Int 206(1):716–730

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Waheed UB, Yarman CE, Flagg G (2015) An iterative, fast-sweeping-based eikonal solver for 3d tilted anisotropic media. Geophysics 80(3):C49–C58

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Hatherly PJ (1982) A computer method for determining seismic first arrival times. Geophysics 47(10):1431–1436

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Luo S, Qian J, Zhao H (2012) Higher-order schemes for 3d first-arrival traveltimes and amplitudes. Geophysics 77(2):T47–T56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Lu W, Li Y, Zhang S, Xiao H, Li Y (2005) Higher order-statistics and supertrace-based coherence-estimation algorithm. Geophysics 70(3):P13–P18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Boschetti F, Dentith MD, List RD (1996) A fractal dimension based algorithm for detecting first arrivals on seismic traces. Geophysics 61(4):1095–1102

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Jiao L, Moon WM (2000) Detection of seismic refraction signals using a variance fractal dimension technique. Geophysics 65(1):286–292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Sabbione JI, Velis D (2010) Automatic first-breaks picking: new strategies and algorithms. Geophysics 75(4):V67–V76

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Cui Y, Wang Y-F (2015) Tikhonov regularization and gradient descent algorithms for tomography using first-arrival seismic traveltimes. Chin J Geophys-Chin Ed 58(4):1367–1377

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  17. Stammeijer J, Hatchell P (2014) Standards in 4d feasibility and interpretation. Lead Edge 33(2):134–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Basler-Reeder K, Louie J, Pullammanappallil S, Kent G (2016) Joint optimization of vertical component gravity and pwave first arrivals by simulated annealing. Geophysics 81(4):ID59–ID71

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

Q-JZ and M-YZ were involved in conceptualization. Q-JZ involved in methodology, software and resource selection, writing and preparing original draft, and supervision. M-YZ involved in formal analysis, investigation, data curation and supervision, and in writing, reviewing and editing original draft.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ming-Yue Zhai.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhang, QJ., Zhai, MY. First break of the seismic signals in oil exploration based on information theory. Neural Comput & Applic 31, 8229–8237 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-018-3955-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-018-3955-6

Keywords

Navigation