Abstract: 3D Seismic
and the Geologist: How Do We Fit In?
Steven M. Ellsworth
One of the most common issues in 3D seismic
interpretation
today is geological integration. This issue is very pervasive and potentially important to those of us in the geological profession. Despite it's importance, most of us appear to resist learning more about 3D
seismic
and the computer systems that assist in interpreting the 3D
seismic
data
. This unfortunate dilemma may be caused by several factors:
Our geophysicist handles the "3D interpretation
".
I do not have digital data
and it is too difficult to get my well
data
into a computer system.
The workstation is too complex for me to effectively use.
I am computer illiterate - I'll never figure it out.
I use the computer for information - not interpretation
.
I couldn't tell a "good" 3D survey from a "bad" one!
I've found more oil with subsurface geology than I ever have with seismic
data
!
The log data
is the only "true" reflection of subsurface conditions. I don't trust
data
that is in time.
The new (and continued) reality is that the technical people in our profession will soon be "outsourced," laid-off or simply be unable to compete with geologists who are adept at providing "geological integration" with 3D seismic
data
. A portion of this problem can be attributable to the attitude in the industry that geologists (and geological interpretations) are "free." This attitude may be caused by the fact that, in the past, we typically have not had the
seismic
budget of the geophysicist or have needed high priced computer systems to interpret our
data
. Currently a major shift in our profession has started towards the use of new high-powered geological computer
interpretation
systems. The fact that oil operators are demanding geological integration with 3D
seismic
data
is respon
ible for starting to change all of the past "rules."
While geological computer systems have been available for some time, the new geological computer systems having the power to exchange depth data
(geological) with time
data
(geophysical) have just become available to the explorationist. These new computer systems are a quantum leap forward in
data
loading,
data
manipulation, depth of
interpretation
capability and integration with
seismic
data
. Assuming the U.S. oil industry is able to survive, those of us with the foresight to learn these new systems should prosper and be in high demand in the coming decade.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90960©1995 AAPG Southwest Section Meeting, Dallas, Texas