Multi-trace Curvature and Rotation Attributes- Application to Fractured and Hydrothermally Altered Reservoirs
Sullivan, Charlotte and Marfurt, Kurt
Allied Geophysical Labs, University of Houston
Modern multi-trace geometric seismic attributes include the
well-known coherence technology, and new estimates of curvature and dip
rotation. These attributes, which are generated from conventional P-wave 3-D
seismic volumes, are especially useful in imaging rugose surfaces, and in
identifying fracture zones, joint systems, small faults, and other features
previously considered to be subseismic. In contrast to conventional attribute
analysis
, we generate a complete 3-D volume for each
attribute
, thereby
eliminating interpretation errors involved in picking irregular surfaces that
are so common in faulted and karsted terrains. The resulting multi-trace
attribute
volumes are loaded and interpreted within standard interpretation
software packages. The attributes can be viewed in time slices, vertical
sections and in extractions along picked horizons. Of special interest for
operators in the Appalachian basin is the potential of these attributes to: 1)
predict stress regimes and most likely azimuth of open fracture direction for
any level within a 3-D survey, 2) map and quantify lineament density and azimuth
through time, and 3) predict most likely areas of localization of fluid flow
along faults that have a wrench component. We illustrate the calibration and
application of these robust attributes to fractured, karsted and hydrothermally
altered reservoirs in the Appalachian and other basins.