3D diffraction and mode-converted scattering signatures of base-metal deposits - Bathurst Mining Camp, Canada

• The localized and isolated nature of base-metal deposits and their significantly contrasting elastic properties can generate complex scattering wavefield that may include P-P, P-S, S-P and S-S wave-modes. Multicomponent VSP data confirms presence of multi wave-modes scattered at a deep-seated base-metal deposit in Halfmile Lake, Bathurst Mining Camp, Canada. However, multi wave-modes scattering from a massive sulphide deposit has not yet been recognized on surface seismic data. In this study, we investigate the possible presence of P-P, P-S, S-P, and S-S wave-modes scattered at a base-metal lens at depth of about 1.2 km on 3D surface seismic data acquired with point explosive sources and vertical geophones. We show that the deep lens produces a diagnostic P-P diffraction and could produce mode-converted scattering signals. Results from a target-oriented azimuthal scattering analysis based on 3D prestack migration reveals amplitude anomalies at the location of the base-metal lens for S-P waves and possibly P-S waves. The identification of S-P and P-S wave modes confirms that mode-converted scattering occurring at the deep sulfide lens was recorded on the 3D data. However, the real potential of these complementary wave modes for mineral exploration will only be realistically achieved using shear-wave and multi-component surveys.© 2010, Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap -- Geofysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences -- Geophysics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

3D data

3D diffraction

3D surface

Amplitude anomalies

Elastic properties

Explosive source

Metal deposit

Multicomponents

P waves

Pre-stack migration

S-waves

Scattering analysis

Scattering signals

Sulphide deposits

Surface seismic data

Wave modes

Wavefields

Deposits

Diffraction

Engineering exhibitions

Engineers

Lenses

Metals

Mineral exploration

Optical instruments

Petroleum engineering

Scattering

Seismic response

Seismic waves

Shear waves

Three dimensional

Seismic prospecting

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