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7th Middle East Geosciences Conference and Exhibition
Manama, Bahrain
March 27-29, 2006
1 Spectraseis Technologie AG, Giessereistrasse 5,
CH-8005 Zurich, Switzerland, phone: +41-433213840, fax: +41-433213841, [email protected]
2 Physics Department, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Hydrocarbon Microtremor Analysis (HyMAS) is an innovative passive technology identifying the hydrocarbon content of
geological structures by analyzing low frequency 
seismic
signals. Hydrocarbon indicating information is extracted from
spectral modifications of naturally occurring seismic background noise waves in the 0.01 – 10 Hz range passing through
hydrocarbon bearing porous structures.
In this paper, a simple description of this reproducibly observable phenomenon in terms of a one -dimensional linear model of an oscillating liquid filled porous medium is presented and its relevance for an explanation of the underlying basic HyMAS signal creating mechanisms and related parameters are discussed. Observed values of about 3 Hz for the oscillation and 2·10-6 m/s for the amplitude of the vertical surface movement velocity could be reproduced by introducing realistic parameter values for the geophysical properties in the model.
As a direct hydrocarbon indicator, HyMAS is an ideal complement to 2D- and 3D-seismic structural imaging technologies. Numericalmodeling of suitable geological structures both in the macroscopic as well as in the microscopic domain shows
how the seismic
background noise spectrum can be modified in a different way when interacting with geological structures
containing hydrocarbon filled pores compared to interacting with similar structures not containing hydrocarbons. Pure
HyMAS data can already be used to qualify areas for adequate geological programs. Integrated with existing geophysical
and geological data. HyMAS allows for cost and time saving optimization of well placement during exploration, appraisal
and production. HyMAS is fast, safe, cost-effective and environmentally unobtrusive.