A multi-stage inversion method for deblending seismic data includes: a) acquiring blended seismic data from a plurality of seismic sources; b) constructing an optimization model that includes the acquired blended seismic data and unblended seismic data; c) performing sparse inversion, via a computer processor, on the optimization model; d) estimating high-amplitude coherent energy from result of the performing sparse inversion in c); e) re-blending the estimated high-amplitude coherent energy; and f) computing blended data with an attenuated direct arrival energy.

A method for seismic imaging includes receiving a multi-shot seismic data set that was collected using one or more streamers having recorders configured to detect seismic waves that propagate through a subterranean domain. The method also includes partitioning the multi-shot seismic data set into windows including a source dimension. The method also includes defining one or more first basis functions that describe the windows of the multi-shot seismic data set. The method also includes generating a model that describes a decomposition of the multi-shot seismic data set using the one or more first basis functions. The method also includes defining one or more second basis functions that describe a selected output data. The method also includes combining the one or more second basis functions with the model to produce a result for a source side wavefield and a receiver side wavefield.

Deblending and deghosting seismic data may include processing blended seismic data acquired after actuation of a first seismic source located at a first depth and a second seismic source located at a second depth. The processing may comprise deblending and deghosting the blended seismic data based on a difference in ghost responses of the first seismic source and the second seismic source.

Methods are described for separating the unknown contributions of two or more sources from a commonly acquired set of wavefield signals representing a wavefield where the sources are laterally located relatively close to each other and fire relatively close in time, and where the contributions from different sources are separated using different source encoding techniques in different parts of a frequency band of interest.

Techniques and apparatus are disclosed for performing marine seismic surveys. In some embodiments, one or more vessels are used to tow a set of streamers and two or more sources such that a first set of sources consists of all those that are disposed within a first threshold distance from the streamers, and a second set of sources consists of all those that are disposed beyond a second, greater, threshold distance from the streamers. Sources in the first set are activated more frequently than sources in the second set are activated.

A system for constraining a dither time can comprise a source and a controller coupled to the source. The controller can be configured to actuate the source in sequence, while the source is moving through a fluid volume at a bottom speed, with an actuation time interval between each actuation comprising a sum of a nominal time and a dither time for each actuation and constrain the dither time for each actuation such that a reduction of the actuation time interval relative to a directly precedent actuation time interval is at most a threshold dither time difference, wherein the threshold dither time difference corresponds to a maximum bottom speed.

The invention relates to continuously or near continuously acquiring seismic data where at least one pulse-type source is fired in a distinctive sequence to create a series of pulses and to create a continuous or near continuous rumble. In a preferred embodiment, a number of pulse-type seismic sources are arranged in an array and are fired in a distinctive loop of composite pulses where the returning wavefield is source separable based on the distinctive composite pulses. Firing the pulse-type sources creates an identifiable loop of identifiable composite pulses so that two or more marine seismic acquisition systems with pulse-type seismic sources can acquire seismic data concurrently, continuously or near continuously and the peak energy delivered into the water will be less, which will reduce the irritation of seismic data acquisition to marine life.

A multi-stage inversion method for deblending seismic data includes: a) acquiring blended seismic data from a plurality of seismic sources; b) constructing an optimization model that includes the acquired blended seismic data and unblended seismic data; c) performing sparse inversion, via a computer processor, on the optimization model; d) estimating high-amplitude coherent energy from result of the performing sparse inversion in c); e) re-blending the estimated high-amplitude coherent energy; and f) computing blended data with an attenuated direct arrival energy.

A method for deblending seismic signals includes entering as input to a computer recorded signals comprising seismic energy from a plurality of actuations of one or more seismic energy sources. A model of deblended seismic data and a blending matrix are initialized. A blending matrix inversion is performed using the initialized model. The inversion includes using a scaled objective function. The inversion is constrained by a thresholding operator. The thresholding operator is arranged to recover coefficients of the model of the deblended seismic data that are substantially nonzero, against a Gaussian white noise background. The thresholded model is projected into data space. Performing the blending matrix inversion is repeated if a data residual exceeds a selected threshold and the inversion is terminated if the data residual is below the selected threshold. At least one of storing and displaying an output of the blending matrix inversion is performed when the blending matrix inversion is terminated.

Source element of a source subarray can be individually actuated according to an actuation sequence. The actuation sequence can be at least partially based on a relative position of each of the source elements within a particular geometry of the source subarray with respect to a previously actuated source element and a towing velocity of the source subarray.