Mid-Continent Section

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Recovering Subsurface Coverage in the Emerging Brown Dense Unconventional play

Abstract

3D seismic data are an essential component of industry E&P programs to provide accurately imaged continuous subsurface coverage for both Conventional and Unconventional shale programs. For Unconventional programs in particular, require large channel 3D acquisition systems with orthogonal design and wide surface coverage. However, the onshore environment especially in U.S. is naturally difficult in many regions with cultural, urban, permit, or topographic obstacles where seismic data cannot be acquired, resulting in lost subsurface coverage, reduced fold, and loss or high variability in subsurface data quality that may compromise the success of shale play programs. A recent 200 square mile 3D program imaging the Lower Smackover Brown Dense play in Southern Arkansas, Northern Louisiana is presented. It exhibits significant surface access restrictions that limit full consistent subsurface coverage down to the target formations. To address these reduced access conditions, modern processing techniques have adapted to this need with the introduction of multi-dimensional interpolation techniques capable of robustly recovering subsurface coverage and distribution across the areas of missing data. This paper discusses advanced interpolation concepts up to 5D and presents results in the Brown Dense program to demonstrate the effectiveness and resolution preservation of the 5D methodology that permit valid rock property and azimuthal analysis in this emerging area.