A method of analyzing results from an underwater controlled source
electromagnetic (CSEM) survey of an area that is thought or known to
contain a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir is described. The method is
based on a wavefield extrapolation of narrow-band electromagnetic field
data obtained from pairs of source and receiver locations. The data
comprise a plurality of discrete frequencies between 0.01 Hz and 60 Hz.
The wavefield extrapolation is performed for each of these discrete
frequencies to provide distributions of electromagnetic scattering
coefficient as a function of position and depth beneath the survey area.
These distributions may then be combined to provide a displayable image
of electromagnetic scattering coefficient. The method is able to quickly
provide a displayable image that is readily interpretable.