Velocity modeling in Schleswig-Holstein as part of the TUNB Velo 2.0 project

The Geological Survey of Schleswig-Holstein is project partner in the joint project TUNB Velo 2.0. This R&D project aims to develop large-scale velocity models for the Northwestern German Basin based on all velocity data available.

Previous models rely on borehole velocity data (mainly check shot data) only. However, such measurements are sparsely available throughout the entire modeling region, thus emphasizing the need for additional data types. Velocities obtained during seismic processing, particularly stacking velocities, are originally provided by the oil and gas industry alongside with the corresponding seismic sections. These seismic velocity data are much more widely distributed across Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg than the borehole data and therefore cover the modeling region to a much larger extent. Furthermore, partly available raw data allow us to conduct our own seismic reprocessing including a velocity analysis.

In our study, we discuss the integration of processing velocities into the regional velocity models by performing our own seismic velocity analyses at specific locations. We thereby derive confidence intervals for velocities. Near check shot measurements, we evaluate the relationship between check shot and processing velocities with regard to a future calibration of both data types.