Shear Waves Shine Brightly 

Some reservoirs are impossible to see in conventional compressional-wave seismic images, but are clearly imaged on surveys that blend information from shear and compressional waves. A new, seafloor acquisition system captures data from both wave types and establishes the viability of this technique offshore. Case studies show that, in addition to better imaging, combining the two types of wave data provides better interpretations of reservoir lithology variations and helps identify fluid contacts and properties.