Prestack v(z) f-k migration for VTI media

Xinxiang Li, Gary F. Margrave, Robert James Ferguson

Transverse isotropy with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI) can be implemented in a prestack migration algorithm that handles the vertical velocity variation. An extension of the prestack v(z) f-k migration algorithm in CDP-offset domain is formulated into a migration scheme that considers the VTI properties of the subsurface materials. By proper tabulation of related parameters, the algorithm is essentially not much more expensive than conventional prestack phase-shift migration methods. Experimentation shows that the migration algorithm produces theoretically expected results.