--> Abstract: A Case History on 3D Seismic Imaging in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production, by R. C. Cole, J. C. Deknatel, S. M. Devries, R. East, P. P. Gelderblom, P. Gerritsma, D. J. Smit, and M. Vanderveen; #90942 (1997).

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Abstract: A Case History on 3D Seismic Imaging in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production

COLE, R.C., J.C. DEKNATEL, S.M. DEVRIES, R. EAST, P.P. GELDERBLOM, P. GERRITSMA, D.J. SMIT, M. VANDERVEEN

Decision making in hydrocarbon exploration and production depends critically on a sharp and correct image of the subsurface. The most powerful technique with which seismic data can be processed in order to obtain such an image is 3D pre-stack depth migration. This technique is nowadays routinely used by many operating units of Shell.

Despite the use of this technique, the image is often vague and incorrect in areas with very complex subsurfaces, for example the presence of overthrusts or saltdomes. Especially in these areas the quality of the image can be enhanced when all the geological information is used together with data from (physically) different types of measurements. To sharpen such an image the seismic data processing can benefit from well data (where sonic logs provide velocity information and the depth of key horizons is known) and/or from gravity measurements (which have a higher lateral resolution than seismic data). Uncertainties can even be further reduced if the seismic processing carefully takes into account the effects of elastic wave conversion (longitudinal waves convert to transverse waves, and vice versa, when they hit a geological layer with different elastic properties).

The case history that will be presented shows the effect of the integration of these various techniques and data sets on the imaging of a complex salt dome. The level of confidence in the interpretation of the image of the subsurface is increased significantly, once all sources of information are integrated.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90942©1997 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Vienna, Austria