Colorado School of Mines
Abstract: 4-D, 3-C Seismology and Dynamic Reservoir Characterization - A Geophysical Renaissance
SUMMARY
Multicomponent time-lapse (4-D) seismology enables more accurate
determinations of rock/fluid property characteristics, their
geometry, and changes over time. Multicomponent 4-D seismology
involves repeated or time-lapse acquisition of seismic data in
three orientations at each receiver location: two orthogonal and
one vertical. The horizontal components of source and receiver
displacements enable the recording of shear (S) waves, which are a
powerful complement to P-waves. When three components or source are
used, nine times the data of a conventional (P) wave
3-D are
recorded thanks to advancements in today's acquisition and
processing systems. The cost effectiveness and power of
multicomponent 4-D will increase as new systems are developed.
Multicomponent 4-D will increase the fidelity of seismic data to
determine rock/fluid properties and their changes in the
subsurface. Seismic wave
propagation
characteristics determined
from multicomponent 4-D, including traveltime, anisotropy and
attenuation, are critical to the dynamic characterization of
petroleum reservoirs.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90928©1999 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas