Definition of charge and depth parameter in seismic acquisition for hydrocarbons using explosive sources through basic preprocessing

Abstract

Ground-based seismic acquisition using explosive sources is a key tool in hydrocarbon exploration, as the proper definition of the firing charge and depth parameters directly impacts the quality and reliability of the resulting seismic image. The objective of this study is to determine the optimal firing charge and depth pattern through a comparative evaluation of different experimental designs, considering the ground response and the depth of the target horizons. The scope of this work focuses on the execution of a firing charge and depth test using nine different firing configurations. The methodology included a basic seismic preprocessing workflow that encompassed amplitude and true amplitude recovery, FXY deconvolution, bandpass filtering, static and residual corrections, normal moveout correction (NMO), and spectral analysis. The results show significant differences between the evaluated patterns in terms of amplitude, signal-to-noise ratio, and frequency content, allowing the identification of the most efficient configurations for adequate illumination of deep targets. The discussion shows that an inappropriate selection of load and depth parameters can lead to first-arrival saturation and energy loss at distant offsets, affecting seismic processing and interpretation.