Print this pageAVO Modeling: A Tool for the Specialist or a General Interpretation Aid?
Richard Cooper1, Lars Hübert2, Jack Dvorkin3, Jurgen Hoffmann2, Matthew Carr1,
and Alsing Selnes2
1 Rock Solid Images, Houston, TX
2 Rock Solid
Images, Oslo, Norway
3 Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Significant progress has been made in the use of AVO inversion methods for lithology and fluid prediction from seismic data. However, AVO results may be ambiguous, and therefore not easy to interpret. Well-based forward AVO modeling is critical to prevent costly interpretation mistakes. However, rock physics modeling in general, and AVO modeling in particular, are tasks usually undertaken by a handful of specialists, thereby limiting the use AVO modeling. Existing rock physics software and workflows are not easy to use which further limits the widespread use of AVO modeling.
In this paper, we present a novel technology approach designed to move AVO modeling from the specialist's realm to the interpreter's realm, while ensuring that the modeling is robust and valid. The workflow starts with the assembly of a database of pre-processed well-log data. This step includes petrophysical evaluation and Geophysical Well Log Analysis to ensure a consistent and robust input dataset. A rock physics analysis is then performed in order to determine the optimum effective medium models specific to the given area or field (Rock Physics Diagnostics). Finally, the effective medium models are uploaded to an easy-to-use analysis application for the interpreter to use alongside standard seismic interpretation tools. The interpreter can now conduct forward AVO modeling effectively and efficiently with robust, site specific rock physics. The adoption of this workflow allows more rapid and reliable analysis of AVO based prospects, resulting in reduced drilling risk.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005