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7th Middle East Geosciences Conference and Exhibition
Manama, Bahrain
March 27-29, 2006
1 Spectraseis Technologie AG, Giessereistrasse 5,
CH-8005 Zurich, Switzerland, phone: +41-433213840, fax: +41-433213841, [email protected]
2 Physics Department, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Hydrocarbon Microtremor Analysis (HyMAS) is an innovative passive technology identifying the hydrocarbon content of geological structures by analyzing low frequency seismic signals. Hydrocarbon indicating information is extracted from spectral modifications of naturally occurring seismic background noise waves in the 0.01 – 10 Hz range passing through hydrocarbon bearing porous structures.
In this paper, a simple description of this reproducibly observable phenomenon in terms of a one -dimensional linear model
of an oscillating liquid filled porous medium is presented and its relevance for an explanation of the underlying basic HyMAS
signal creating mechanisms and related parameters are discussed. Observed values of about 3 Hz for the oscillation and
2·10-6 m/s for the amplitude of the vertical surface movement 
velocity
could be reproduced by introducing realistic
parameter values for the geophysical properties in the model.
spectrum
can be modified in a different way when interacting with geological structures
containing hydrocarbon filled pores compared to interacting with similar structures not containing hydrocarbons. Pure
HyMAS data can already be used to qualify areas for adequate geological programs. Integrated with existing geophysical
and geological data. HyMAS allows for cost and time saving optimization of well placement during exploration, appraisal
and production. HyMAS is fast, safe, cost-effective and environmentally unobtrusive.