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Integrating Seismic Technology with Geology- The Future for Hydrocarbon
Reservoir Identification and Definition
NEIDELL, N. S., R. P. MULLIN, and M. SMITH
Recent advances in seismic technology have been tied only rather loosely to the underlying geology. As one example, 3D surveys have had quite limited success in defining stratigraphic objectives, particularly for Consolidated formations. Such applications are emerging as, for example, use of the Amoco Coherence methods in delineating channels on time slices. At the same time, improvements in geologic understanding and newer tools such as basin models remain poorly coupled to seismic technology. Seismic stratigraphy remains at present a qualitative method- almost an art.
Underlying all seismic methods, AVO, Tomography, Trace Inversions, VSP, etc., are fundamental ideas which are quite simple. Basic geological mechanisms by which sedimentary rocks are formed and rearranged are also in themselves readily understood. in bringing together sea level changes, sediment depositional environments, tectonic processes with Fresnel Zones, and Wave theory we attain remarkable insights into the information potential of seismic data.
Interactive systems, 3D data, basin models, stratigraphic concepts and other key technological directions, when effectively coordinated and integrated with one another, can offer the most definitive descriptions of the subsurface yet attainable for finding and defining hydrocarbon reservoirs. We consider here the early steps toward this technology "blending" by example rather than via theory. Ultra-high-resolution seismic imaging results are shown along with discussion of their significance.