Adding Value to Seismic With Non-Seismic Techniques

Abstract

Inclusion of geophysical techniques other than seismic data early in the exploration cycle can have a strong impact on cost reduction and further geological analysis. For example, satellite and airborne techniques offer large areal coverage useful for focusing and optimizing the more expensive ground acquisitions, saving both time and money. Additionally, alternative physical property measurements can also have a strong impact on de-risking the sub-surface interpretation, for example density and/or resistivity information can be used to augment and extend the seismic imaging in structurally complex areas. The base technical concept is to view this approach as an exploration ‘zoom-in’, starting at a large, regional scale from space and step by step focusing while optimizing the survey area to the most promising targets. In short, the idea is to promote large and quick screening of areas followed by targeting of the most promising structures with the optimum seismic survey. Getting access to multi physics data (seismic and non seismic) allows also to aim towards a common earth model through joint interpretation (covisualisation) or joint inversion. Examples from Total cases studies will be shown: - Where GraviMag data and magnetotelluric data either already available or acquired through a dedicated survey can help to rapidly define and with minimum costs geological concepts to be targeted with seismic. - Where resistivity or electromagnetic measurements (ground or airborne) are acquired in advance of a seismic acquisition to improve the seismic parameters, to better define the up-hole locations and to provide a near surface model for improved seismic imaging.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90291 ©2017 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Houston, Texas, April 2-5, 2017