SUMMARY

Multicomponent time-lapse (4-D) seismology enables more accurate determinations of rock/fluid property characteristics, their geometry, and changes over time. Multicomponent 4-D seismology involves repeated or time-lapse acquisition of seismic data in three orientations at each receiver location: two orthogonal and one vertical. The horizontal components of source and receiver displacements enable the recording of shear (S) waves, which are a powerful complement to P-waves. When three components or source are used, nine times the data of a conventional (P) wave 3-D are recorded thanks to advancements in today's acquisition and processing systems. The cost effectiveness and power of multicomponent 4-D will increase as new systems are developed.

Multicomponent 4-D will increase the fidelity of seismic data to determine rock/fluid properties and their changes in the subsurface. Seismic wave propagation characteristics determined from multicomponent 4-D, including traveltime, anisotropy and attenuation, are critical to the dynamic characterization of petroleum reservoirs.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90928©1999 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas