A high-resolution microseismic source location method based on contrast source algorithm

Passive source location estimation technology plays an extremely important role in microseismic monitoring. However, the energy of microseismic signals is generally weak and prone to be interrupted as noise, which will affect the detection and location accuracy of microseismic events. Besides, the existing wave-equation-based source location estimation methods are not suitable for strongly heterogeneous strata, such as faults, salt bodies, fractures filled with proppant and other fluids, etc. These complex geological structures often trigger scattered waves. Thus, based on scattering theory, a high-resolution microseismic source location estimation method with a new grouping imaging condition is proposed by implementing a contrast source numerical simulation method in the process of wavefield backpropagation. First, the contrast source algorithm is used to perform wavefield extrapolation by solving the Helmholtz equation in the frequency domain, which can provide more comprehensive, effective information to get high-precision locations. Moreover, an optimized grouping imaging condition is proposed, which can improve the imaging resolution and computational efficiency. The effectiveness of the method we propose is illustrated using numerical examples. Compared with traditional source location estimation methods, including with low signal-to-noise ratio or multisource location estimation, this method results in strong energy focusing achieved in an effecient manner.

Automated summary

Passive source location estimation technology is crucial in microseismic monitoring, but the weak energy and noise interference pose challenges to the accuracy of detecting and locating microseismic events. Existing wave-equation-based methods are not suitable for complex geological structures. Therefore, this study proposes a high-resolution microseismic source location estimation method based on scattering theory, contrast source numerical simulation, and optimized grouping imaging condition.