Seismic Modeling of Petrophysical and Stratal Complexity of Isolated Carbonate Platforms

Abstract

Seismic data provide a fundamental means for visualizing and interpreting subsurface reservoirs. Whereas criteria for defining seismic stratigraphy in isolated carbonate platforms are well-defined, the role of facies and petrophysical variability on seismic character is less constrained. To address this unknown, this project builds seismic models and evaluates seismic attributes to explore how complexity in facies (size, distribution, and stacking patterns) and diagenesis (and porosity) might be recognized from seismic data in subsurface reservoirs. In sampling a range of variability through the suite of simulations, the project explores a spectrum of potential ‘geologic realizations,’ or scenarios that could be encountered in the geologic record of reservoir analogs. Facies morphometrics from Holocene systems and data from Devonian and Miocene analogs provide fundamental spatial, stratigraphic (vertical patterns) and petrophysical (porosity-velocity) input for the suite of seismic forward models. Seismic character is evaluated and quantified through seismic attribute analysis. Comparison between seismic attributes and the known (modeled) geologic variability quantifies geologic controls on seismic character. As such, quantitative and qualitative insights of the role of geology on seismic expression are applicable to exploration, development, and production settings, providing means for refined interpretations of seismic data.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90259 ©2016 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 19-22, 2016