Residual moveout correction based on the improved dynamic time warping method for wide-azimuth seismic exploration

Conventional processing (e.g., velocity analysis, normal moveout (NMO) correction, static correction) often fails to fully flatten the seismic events due to subsurface anisotropy and heterogeneity. Consequently, residual moveout persists in imaging gathers, which is particularly pronounced in wide-azimuth data. Residual moveout compromises both seismic imaging accuracy and prestack inversion requirements. To address this, we propose a gather correction method using cross-correlations dynamic time warping (CDTW), which constructs an error matrix from cross-correlation in time and offset. This significantly improves trace matching accuracy and stability. The method overcomes traditional dynamic time warping, such as low precision and instability, while effectively preserving gather waveform characteristics. Theoretical model tests and field confirm the method’s robustness and practical value. After correction, seismic events show improved continuity and resolution. The processed data exhibit a 4-Hz bandwidth broadening over the original. These results provide high-quality input for subsequent seismic interpretation and prestack inversion.