Direct depth-domain Bayesian amplitude-variation-with-offset inversion

We have developed a new approach to perform Bayesian linearized amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) inversion in the depth domain using nonstationary wavelets. Bayesian linearized AVO inversion, a hybrid approach combining physics-based models with statistical learning, has gained immense popularity because of its superior computational speed and ability to estimate uncertainties in inverted model parameters. Bayesian linearized AVO inversion is performed on time-domain seismic data; therefore, depth-imaged seismic cannot be inverted directly using this method and would require depth-to-time conversion before AVO inversion can be done. Subsequently, time-to-depth conversion of the inverted volumes would be required for reservoir modeling and well placement. Domain conversions introduce additional uncertainty in geophysical workflows. In conventional AVO inversion, the seismic wavelet is assumed to be stationary, and this assumption leads to a restriction in the length of the time window over which the inversion can be performed. Therefore, AVO inversion is usually restricted to a narrow time window around the target of interest, and if multiple targets are present at different depths, multiple inversions must be run on the same volume. Depth-domain amplitude inversion is a recent development and has been previously presented in an iterative formulation. Implementing linearized Bayesian inversion directly in the depth domain using nonstationary wavelets is a convenient new approach that takes advantage of superior computational speed and uncertainty quantification without compromising the accurate spatial location that depth imaging provides. Combining these two ideas creates a novel, unique, and powerful seismic inversion technique that can be useful for quantitative interpretation and reservoir characterization.