Extending the reach of FWI with reflection data: Potential and challenges

We present a Reflection FWI (RFWI) workflow to update the velocity model using the low-wavenumber component of the FWI gradient of reflection data. This is achieved by alternately using high-wavenumber and low-wavenumber components to update density and velocity models, respectively. With synthetic examples, we discuss the limitations and requirements of this approach and propose possible ways to overcome some of the limitations. Finally, the method is applied to a deep-water survey in the Gulf of Mexico, where significant improvement is observed.