--> Seismic Response and Well Logs in Elastic Earth, by Daniel C. Huston; #91024 (1989)

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Seismic Response and Well Logs in Elastic Earth

Daniel C. Huston

The Zoeppritz equations show that seismic reflectivity varies with local incidence angle and, in practice, hydrocarbon saturated sediments often produce an increase in amplitude with increasing source receiver offset. Comparison of a suite of well logs in gas and oil sands to pre-stack and partial stack surface seismic data illustrates this occurrence. The well was drilled in a Gulf Coast-style clastic basin and the marine seismic data are good quality 1970s vintage. The seismic data show clear changes in amplitude vs. offset (AVO) and correlate with hydrocarbon saturation shown on the resistivity log. However, the seismic data are poorly matched with the sonic log. An interpretation based on zero-offset acoustic impedance is inadequate here, and an elastic earth model is required to help explain the data. Nearby seismic line intersections help constrain the accuracy of the final one-dimensional interpretation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91024©1989 AAPG Pacific Section, May 10-12, 1989, Palm Springs, California.