A system and method implementing a hierarchical approach to RTM (Reverse Time Migration) seismic imaging at different granularity in space and time. An RTM seismic imaging algorithm utilizes RTM technique to convert a parallel problem into one solved using massive domain partitioning. In the method, a coarse-grain grid for the 3D volume of the geological subsurface structure under investigation is initially processed, permitting the RTM imaging process to be performed faster and produces lower level seismic image for inspection. Criteria are then applied to the first level of seismic image to determine whether to reject the image or whether a finer resolution seismic imaging is needed. In the case of finer resolution is needed, RTM resolution for the target volume is adjusted accordingly and RTM imaging process is applied with the new resolution. The process is repeated until either the image is accepted or rejected.