High-Productivity Land Seismic Acquisition Techniques: Harmonic Noise Characterization, Attenuation Methods, and Field Performance

Abstract

High-productivity land seismic acquisition has become essential for reducing survey time and improving operational efficiency in large-scale Vibroseis campaigns. However, techniques such as Slip-Sweep, Distance-Separated Simultaneous Sweeping, and Independent Simultaneous Sweeping introduce complex interference patterns, mainly harmonic noise and blended wavefields, which may affect seismic data quality if not properly controlled. This thesis investigates the evolution of land Vibroseis acquisition from conventional sequential methods to modern high-productivity techniques, with particular focus on harmonic noise generation, behavior, and attenuation. Four attenuation methods are reviewed and compared: HPVA, PSD-Harmonic, CHARM, and ENAGEO-Advance. The comparison is supported by published case studies that illustrate the relationship between acquisition parameters, noise severity, processing stage, and final data quality. Since no proprietary field data were available, the study adopts a literature-based comparative methodology. The main contribution of this work is the development of HNAM-DST, a decision-support tool designed to assist in selecting the most suitable harmonic noise attenuation method according to survey conditions, processing constraints, and quality objectives. The results show that no single attenuation method is optimal for all cases; instead, method selection must consider acquisition mode, slip time, terrain conditions, available software, and required data quality. This work provides a structured framework for linking high-productivity acquisition design with appropriate harmonic noise mitigation strategies.