Enhancing seismic data resolution using the prestack blueing technique: An example from the Ketzin CO2 injection site, Germany

Restricted resolution imposes limits on the detection of subsurface geologic features using surface seismic data. Despite great improvements in acquisition and processing techniques in recent years, seismic data still suffer from limited resolution. Detailed subsurface information on the geologic conditions at depth cannot always be attained from conventional surface seismic data. For the area of this study, the carbon dioxide (CO2) storage site at Ketzin, Germany, high seismic resolution is required for mapping the internal structure of the main target reservoir. Processing of the 3D surface seismic data using conventional methods did not provide optimum resolution. The spectral blueing technique attempts to enhance the surface seismic data resolution. Well-log data generally show a blue spectrum with higher-amplitudes at the higher frequencies than the commonly assumed white reflection series. By designing and applying one or several operators to poststack data, it has been possible to better match the reflectivity series and improve resolution. Applying the blueing operator to prestack data was investigated to possibly improve seismic resolution, produce more consistent results, and cause fewer ringing artifacts than when applied to poststack data. Prestack blueing, poststack blueing, and no blueing of the Ketzin 3D seismic data were compared with zero-offset vertical seismic profile (VSP) and synthetic seismograms. The comparison shows that prestack spectral blueing can indeed enhance seismic resolution with fewer artifacts associated with it than the poststack technique. The prestack and poststack spectral blueing approaches improve the well to seismic tie.