To evaluate the wavefield for realistic 2-D and 3-D models we used a parall
el computer, employing algorithms designed specifically to profit from the
parallel architecture. The numerical procedures are iterative domain decomp
osition algorithms employing a nonconforming finite element, which are used
to discretize the viscoacoustic and viscoelastic wave equations describing
wave propagation in a porous medium saturated by either a single-phase or
a two-phase compressible inviscid fluid and subject to absorbing boundary c
onditions at the artificial boundaries. Our purpose is to establish the eff
ect of gas, brine or oil and gas-brine or gas-oil pore fluids on seismic ve
locities. Numerical examples showing the implementation of the algorithm to
compute crosshole seismic response of simple 2-D and 3-D hydrocarbon reser
voirs are presented.