Computing velocity models for S-wave static corrections using tau-differences in the rayparameter domain

Raul Cova, David C. Henley, Kristopher A. Innanen

A near-surface velocity model is one of the typical products generated when computing static corrections, particularly in the processing of PP data. Critically-refracted waves are the input usually needed for this process. In addition, for the converted PS mode, S-wave near-surface corrections must be applied at the receiver locations. In this case, however, critically-refracted S-waves are difficult to identify when using P-wave energy sources. Here we use the -p representation of the converted-wave data to capture intercept-time differences between receiver locations. These -differences are then used in the inversion of a near-surface S-wave velocity model. Our processing work-flow provides not only a set of raypath-dependent S-wave static corrections but also a velocity model that is based on those corrections. Our computed near-surface S-wave velocity model can be used for building migration velocity models or to initialize elastic full waveform inversions. Our tests on synthetic and field data provided superior results to those obtained by using a surface-consistent solution.