article · Scientific Reports
Land seismic data from Saudi Arabia frequently suffer from near-surface statics, multiples, and complex noise patterns linked to sparse, low-fold acquisition. These challenges generate structural uncertainties and impede accurate hydrocarbon reservoir detection. Applying advanced seismic processing algorithms to legacy 3D multi-block survey data resolved several historical limitations. Key enhancements included tomographic near-surface statics corrections, de-multiple techniques, and de-aliased noise attenuation tailored for low-fold datasets. Comparing the newly processed outputs with legacy versions demonstrated noticeable improvements across multiple seismic attributes. Specifically, the tomographic statics solution shifted correction ranges from between minus 30 and minus 60 milliseconds to between minus 80 and minus 130 milliseconds, generating a more realistic subsurface image that was subsequently validated post-drilling. Furthermore, the updated workflow widened data frequency bandwidth by 10 decibels and achieved a fivefold improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.
Accurate imaging of underground geology is essential for identifying oil and gas reserves without drilling unnecessary or misdirected wells. When older seismic data are compromised by noise and near-surface distortions, advanced digital reprocessing can recover critical details. This restores value to existing datasets, improves geological interpretation, and confirms structural features through real-world drilling outcomes.
This workflow offers an applied and tested solution for oil and gas exploration companies, national petroleum operators, and seismic processing service providers. By upgrading legacy 3D land datasets without requiring costly new field surveys, the methodology is already demonstrated at field scale with post-drilling validation. It enables operators to reduce subsurface exploration risks, refine reservoir targets, and extract renewed commercial value from historical exploration assets.
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Land seismic data from Saudi Arabia is routinely compromised by near-surface statics, multiples and complex pattern of noise associated with sparse low fold seismic. These issues introduce structural uncertainties and hinder hydrocarbon reservoir detection. There are always attempts to re-process legacy seismic data employing advanced processing algorithms. This paper is a successful case study of a recent re-processing effort of 3D multi-blocks seismic surveys. The use of advanced seismic processing modules addressed many aspects associated with the older processing of the legacy data. The main improvement came from the improved near-surface statics correction, de-multiple and de-aliased noise attenuation of the low fold sparse data. Quality control of the new and old processed data showed significant improvement of many seismic attributes; static correction improvement produced more realistic subsurface seismic image validated post-drilling. Data frequency band width and S/N ratio improved. The added value of the advanced workflow was appreciated in many senses, new near-surface statics methodology (Tomography) created more statics shifts which contributed in producing more realistic sub-surface image, statics time shift range changed from − 30 to − 60 ms on the old static correction methodology (two-layer statics solution) to − 80 to − 130 ms on the new static correction methodology (Tomographic statics solution). The data frequency bandwidth (25–80 Hz) got boosted by 10 DB (increased seismic resolution) from − 30 DB on the legacy processed data to − 20 DB on the advanced processed data. The advanced workflow showed S/N ratio improvement 5-fold compared to the legacy processing data.
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DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-63994-y
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