Estimating primaries by sparse inversion in a curvelet-like representation domain

We present an uplift in the fidelity and wavefront continuity of results obtained from the Estimation of Primaries by Sparse Inversion (EPSI) program by reconstructing the primary events in a hybrid wavelet-curvelet representation domain. EPSI is a multiple removal technique that belongs to the class of wavefield inversion methods, as an alternative to the traditional adaptive-subtraction process. The main assumption is that the correct primary events should be as sparsely-populated in time as possible. A convex reformulation of the original EPSI algorithm allows its convergence property to be preserved even when the solution wavefield is not formed in the physical domain. Since wavefronts and edge-type singularities are sparsely represented in the curvelet domain, sparse solutions formed in this domain will exhibit vastly improved continuity when compared to those formed in the physical domain, especially for the low-energy events at later arrival times. Further- more, a wavelet-type representation domain will preserve sparsity in the reflected events even if they originate from non-zero-order discontinuities in the subsurface, providing an additional level of robustness. This method does not require any changes in the underlying computational algorithm and does not explicitly impose continuity constraints on each update.

https://slim.gatech.edu/Publications/Public/Conferences/EAGE/2011/lin11E...