Quantitative Seismic Interpretation demonstrates how rock physics can be applied to predict reservoir parameters, such as lithologies and pore fluids, from seismically derived attributes. The authors provide an integrated methodology and practical tools for quantitative interpretation, uncertainty assessment, and characterization of subsurface reservoirs using well-log and seismic data. They illustrate the advantages of these new methodologies, while providing advice about limitations of the methods and traditional pitfalls. This book is aimed at graduate students, academics and industry professionals working in the areas of petroleum geoscience and exploration seismology. It will also interest environmental geophysicists seeking a quantitative subsurface characterization from shallow seismic data. The book includes problem sets and a case-study, for which seismic and well-log data, and MATLAB® codes are provided on a website (http://www.cambridge.org/9780521151351). These resources will allow readers to gain a hands-on understanding of the methodologies.

Exploration and characterization of conventional and unconventional reservoirs using seismic technologies are among the main activities of upstream technology groups and business units of oil and gas operators. However, these activities frequently encounter difficulties in quantitative seismic interpretation due to remaining confusion and new challenges in the fast developing field of seismic petrophysics. Seismic Petrophysics in Quantitative Interpretation shows how seismic interpretation can be made simple and robust by integration of the rock physics principles with seismic and petrophysical attributes bearing on the properties of both conventional (thickness, net/gross, lithology, porosity, permeability, and saturation) and unconventional (thickness, lithology, organic richness, thermal maturity) reservoirs. Practical solutions to existing interpretation problems in rock physics-based amplitude versus offset (AVO) analysis and inversion are addressed in the book to streamline the workflows in subsurface characterization. Although the book is aimed at oil and gas industry professionals and academics concerned with utilization of seismic data in petroleum exploration and production, it could also prove helpful for geotechnical and completion engineers and drillers seeking to better understand how seismic and sonic data can be more thoroughly utilized.

3-D seismic data have become the key tool used in the petroleum industry to understand the subsurface. In addition to providing excellent structural images, the dense sampling of a 3-D survey makes it possible to map reservoir quality and the distribution of oil and gas. Topics covered in this book include basic structural interpretation and map-making; the use of 3-D visualisation methods; interpretation of seismic amplitudes, including their relation to rock and fluid properties; and the generation and use of AVO and acoustic impedance datasets. This new paperback edition includes an extra appendix presenting new material on novel acquisition design, pore pressure prediction from seismic velocity, elastic impedance inversion, and time lapse seismics. Written by professional geophysicists with many years' experience in the oil industry, the book is indispensable for geoscientists using 3-D seismic data, including graduate students and new entrants into the petroleum industry.

Elementary, conceptual, and easy to read, this book describes the methods and techniques used to estimate rock properties from seismic data, based on a sound understanding of the elastic properties of materials and rocks and how the amplitudes of seismic reflections change with those properties. By examining the recorded seismic amplitudes in some detail, we can deduce properties beyond the basic geological structure of the subsurface. We can, using AVO and other amplitude techniques, characterize rocks and the reservoirs inside them with some degree of qualitative, and even quantitative, detail. Mathematics is not ignored, but is kept to a minimum. Intended for geophysicists, seismic acquisition specialists, processors, and interpreters, even those with little previous exposure to ‘quantitative interpretation’, ‘interpretive processing’ or ‘advanced seismic analysis’, this book also would be appropriate for geologists, engineers, and technicians who are familiar with the concepts but need a methodical review as well as managers and businesspeople who would like to obtain an understanding of these concepts.

This book introduces practical seismic analysis techniques and evaluation of interpretation confidence, for graduate students and industry professionals - independent of commercial software products.

Interpreting Subsurface Seismic Data presents recent advances in methodologies for seismic imaging and interpretation across multiple applications in geophysics including exploration, marine geology, and hazards. It provides foundational information for context, as well as focussing on recent advances and future challenges. It offers detailed methodologies for interpreting the increasingly vast quantity of data extracted from seismic volumes. Organized into three parts covering foundational context, case studies, and future considerations, Interpreting Subsurface Seismic Data offers a holistic view of seismic data interpretation to ensure understanding while also applying cutting-edge technologies. This view makes the book valuable to researchers and students in a variety of geoscience disciplines, including geophysics, hydrocarbon exploration, applied geology, and hazards. - Presents advanced seismic detection workflows utilized cutting-edge technologies - Integrates geophysics and geology for a variety of applications, using detailed examples - Provides an overview of recent advances in methodologies related to seismic imaging and interpretation

AVO (SEG Investigations in Geophysics No. 16) by Satinder Chopra and John Castagna begins with a brief discussion on the basics of seismic-wave propagation as it relates to AVO, followed by a discussion of the rock-physics foundation for AVO analysis including the use of Gassmann’s equations and fluid substitution. Then, the early seismic observations and how they led to the birth of AVO analysis are presented. The various approximations for the Zoeppritz equations are examined, and the assumptions and limitations of each approximation are clearly identified. A section on the factors that affect seismic amplitudes and a discussion of the processing considerations important for AVO analysis are included. A subsequent section explores the various techniques used in AVO interpretation. Finally, topics including the influence of anisotropy in AVO analysis, the use of AVO inversion, estimation of uncertainty in AVO analysis, converted-wave AVO, and the future of the AVO method are discussed. Equally helpful to new entrants into the field as well as to seasoned workers, AVO will provide readers with the most up-to-date knowledge on amplitude variation with offset.

This book introduces readers to the field of seismic data interpretation and evaluation, covering themes such as petroleum exploration and high resolution seismic data. It helps geoscientists and engineers who are practitioners in this area to both understand and to avoid the potential pitfalls of interpreting and evaluating such data, especially the over-reliance on sophisticated software packages and workstations alongside a lack of grasp on the elementary principles of geology and geophysics. Chapters elaborate on the necessary principles, from topics like seismic wave propagation and rock-fluid parameters to seismic modeling and inversions, explaining the need to understand geological implications. The difference between interpretation of data and its evaluation is highlighted and the author encourages imaginative, logical and practical application of knowledge. Readers will appreciate the exquisite illustrations included with the accessibly written text, which simplify the process of learning about interpretation of seismic data. This multidisciplinary, integrated and practical approach to data evaluation will prove to be a valuable tool for students and young professionals, especially those connected with oil companies.

Geopressure, or pore pressure in subsurface rock formations impacts hydrocarbon resource estimation, drilling, and drilling safety in operations. This book provides a comprehensive overview of geopressure analysis bringing together rock physics, seismic technology, quantitative basin modeling and geomechanics. It provides a fundamental physical and geological basis for understanding geopressure by explaining the coupled mechanical and thermal processes. It also brings together state-of-the-art tools and technologies for analysis and detection of geopressure, along with the associated uncertainty. Prediction and detection of shallow geohazards and gas hydrates is also discussed and field examples are used to illustrate how models can be practically applied. With supplementary MATLAB® codes and exercises available online, this is an ideal resource for students, researchers and industry professionals in geoscience and petroleum engineering looking to understand and analyse subsurface formation pressure.