Abstract

Current advances in 3D seismic data acquisition have increased the input data volume by many folds. Processing methods have also been changed aiming higher resolution. Further, quest to image seismic data more rapidly while increasing the fidelity of the subsurface structure put forward a paramount increase in the demand for computational power. Most of the seismic algorithms have inherent characteristic of parallelism and enabled the use of parallel processing techniques to meet the growing processing requirements. A large parallel-processing platform is provided by recently evolving grid-computing technology in the form of low cost virtual supercomputer by seamlessly integrating globally distributed heterogeneous computing resources. The opportunity provided by grid computing in the form of enormous computing power is expected to fulfil the need for very high performance computing requirement in seismic processing. However, there are several challenges hindering the exploitation of grid computing in seismic processing. The present paper describes some of these opportunities and challenges in implementing this cutting edge technology in seismic processing industry