Vertical Seismic Profile - VSP

Deric Cameron

Passionate Geophysicist | Explorationist | Seismic Interpreter | Seismic

Processing QC | Seismic QI | Data Science | AI | CCUS |

January 20, 2025

1. What is a VSP?

A Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) is a geophysical technique that uses

seismic waves to investigate the subsurface, with the goal of tying surface
seismic data to actual well depths. Unlike conventional surface seismic
surveys, VSPs deploy seismic receivers inside a wellbore to record
seismic energy at different depths. These receivers measure downgoing
energy (the direct wave from the source to the receiver) and upgoing
energy (reflections from geological interfaces), providing high-resolution
data with excellent depth accuracy.

The basic principle involves generating seismic waves at a known location

(typically the surface) and measuring how these waves propagate through
the Earth. By recording the wavefields at various depths in the well, VSPs
can:

 Improve the understanding of time-depth relationships.

 Resolve small-scale geological features.

  Calibrate surface seismic data using accurate velocity
measurements.

2. Purpose of VSPs

VSPs serve multiple purposes that enhance subsurface understanding and

improve seismic interpretation:

 Accurate Time-Depth Conversion: Seismic data acquired on the

surface provides travel times, but not depths. VSPs precisely
measure the time it takes for seismic waves to travel from the
source to the receivers at known depths, creating a reliable time-
depth relationship. This is critical for converting seismic data into
depth and correlating it with well logs.

 Improved Resolution: Because receivers are placed close to the

subsurface features being imaged, VSPs have higher frequency
content and better resolution compared to surface seismic. This
enables detection of finer geological details near the wellbore.

 Reflection Identification: VSPs distinguish between primary

reflections (true geological boundaries) and multiples (reflected
energy that has bounced multiple times). This improves
interpretation accuracy, especially in complex settings like salt
domes or fault zones.

 Velocity Calibration: VSPs directly measure seismic velocities at

different depths, which are used to correct the velocity models used
in surface seismic processing. This enhances depth conversion and
imaging accuracy.

 Structural and Stratigraphic Imaging: Certain VSP methods, like

offset or walkaway VSPs, allow imaging of structures and
stratigraphy near the wellbore. This is particularly valuable in
areas with dips, faults, or lateral changes in geology.
Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) | Mining and Geological Survey of Hungary

3. Acquisition of VSP Data

The acquisition process involves precise coordination of seismic sources,

receivers, and wellbore tools to ensure accurate and clean recordings:

Receivers:

Specialized downhole receivers, such as three-component geophones (for

recording shear and compressional waves) or hydrophones (in fluid-filled
wells), are lowered into the wellbore. The receivers are clamped to the
well casing or borehole wall at specific depth intervals (e.g., every 15–50
meters).

Seismic Source:

Onshore: Vibroseis trucks, dynamite shots, or weight-drop systems

are common sources. Offshore: Air guns are typically used to generate
controlled seismic energy. The source location is carefully measured,
whether it is directly above the wellhead (zero-offset), offset from the well,
or in a grid pattern (3D VSP)

Recording:

The seismic energy propagates through the Earth, and the receivers
detect:

Direct downgoing waves from the source.

Reflected upgoing waves from geological boundaries.

Other signals like multiples, refractions, and scattered energy.

Depth Control:

Accurate depth positioning of the receivers is crucial. Depth

measurements are typically tied to well logs for calibration.

Repeatability:

In time-lapse (4D) VSPs, the same wellbore and source locations are used
to monitor changes in the reservoir over time

4. Types of VSPs

Zero-Offset VSP:

 Setup: The seismic source is placed close to the wellhead, directly

above the receivers.

 Purpose: Provides a detailed 1D seismic profile directly beneath the

well.

 Uses: Time-depth conversion, velocity calibration, and identifying

primary reflections.

 Advantages: Simple geometry with minimal lateral variation,

offering clean and reliable data.

Offset VSP:

 Setup: The seismic source is positioned some distance away

(offset) from the well.

 Purpose: Imaging dipping reflectors and subsurface structures near

the wellbore.

 Uses: Evaluating lateral continuity, detecting faults, and assessing

the dip of reflectors.

 Advantages: Provides more structural information than zero-offset

VSP

Walkaway VSP:

 Setup: The source is progressively moved away from the wellbore

in a straight line while keeping the receivers fixed in the well.

 Purpose: Imaging reflectors at greater distances from the well.

 Uses: Identifying changes in structure, dip, or lateral variations.

  Advantages: Can image targets further from the wellbore,
extending the coverage area.

3D VSP:

 Setup: The seismic source is moved across a grid of surface

positions around the well, creating a 3D coverage pattern.

 Purpose: Produces a full 3D seismic image centered on the well.

 Uses: High-resolution imaging of reservoir architecture, faults, and

stratigraphy.

 Advantages: Combines the benefits of surface 3D seismic and VSP,

with improved resolution near the borehole.

Reverse VSP:

 Setup: Receivers are placed on the surface, and the seismic source
is deployed inside the wellbore.

 Purpose: Provides information on deeper reflectors and subsurface

structures.

 Uses: Imaging when surface access for the source is limited or to

study deep targets.

 Advantages: Avoids near-surface noise and improves imaging of

deep geological features.

5. Processing of VSP Data

VSP data undergoes specialized processing to extract meaningful

geological and geophysical information:

 Wavefield Separation: The downgoing (direct) waves are

separated from the upgoing (reflected) waves to isolate reflections
and eliminate noise.

 Deconvolution: Improves resolution by removing multiples,

reverberations, and source-related distortions.

 Velocity Analysis: Seismic velocities are calculated for each

receiver depth, enabling precise time-depth conversion and
improving subsurface velocity models.

 Imaging: Reflection data from VSPs are mapped to their correct

spatial positions using migration algorithms or VSP-CDP (Common
Depth Point) mapping techniques to produce seismic images.
  Synthetic Ties: VSP data are used to generate synthetic
seismograms that tie well logs to surface seismic data, improving
seismic-to-well calibration.

6. Advantages of VSPs

 Higher Resolution: VSPs provide greater frequency content and

higher vertical resolution than surface seismic, enabling detection of
finer details near the wellbore.

 Accurate Depth Control: Depths of seismic events are known with

precision, reducing uncertainties in time-to-depth conversion.

 Wavefield Analysis: The separation of downgoing and upgoing

wavefields helps eliminate multiples and clarify reflectors.

 Velocity Calibration: Measured velocities improve velocity models,

enhancing seismic imaging and depth accuracy.

 Structural Imaging: Offset and 3D VSPs image faults, dips, and

lateral changes in the subsurface with high confidence

7. Applications of VSPs

 Reservoir Characterization: Identifying lithological boundaries,

porosity zones, and fluid properties.

 Time-Lapse (4D) Monitoring: Assessing reservoir changes due to

production, fluid injection, or depletion.

 Fracture Detection: Shear wave data from VSPs can identify

fractures and anisotropy in the reservoir.

 Exploration and Development: Providing high-resolution images

to reduce drilling risks and improve well placement.

 Deep Target Imaging: Reverse VSPs are useful for imaging

geological features at greater depths.

Vertical Seismic Profiles (VSPs) are a highly versatile and precise tool in
seismic imaging, offering unparalleled insights into subsurface structures
and properties. By recording seismic signals directly in boreholes, VSPs
enhance the resolution and accuracy of subsurface imaging, making them
indispensable for refining surface seismic data. Their ability to integrate
borehole and seismic data allows for detailed velocity calibration,
improved depth conversion, and more accurate interpretation of complex
geological features. These attributes make VSPs a vital tool for exploration
geophysics and reservoir monitoring.

The applications of VSPs extend far beyond traditional imaging. They are
instrumental in characterizing reservoirs, optimizing hydrocarbon
recovery, and assessing velocity anisotropy in challenging environments.
Additionally, VSPs play a critical role in advanced geophysical workflows,
such as time-lapse (4D) monitoring and direct hydrocarbon detection.
Their precision and adaptability in tackling diverse subsurface challenges
underscore their importance in modern geoscience practices

Summary of Key Applications in Seismic Interpretation

By combining these VSP techniques, seismic interpreters can improve the

accuracy of subsurface models, reduce uncertainties, and gain a better
understanding of complex geological environments. Each type of VSP
complements surface seismic data, providing valuable insights for
exploration, reservoir management, and structural mapping