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.

Hardcover plus DVD

Elements of 3D Seismology, third edition is a thorough introduction to the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of 3D seismic data. This third edition is a major update of the second edition. Sections dealing with interpretation have been greatly revised in accordance with improved understanding and availability of data and software. Practice exercises have been added, as well as a 3D seismic survey predesign exercise. Discussions include: conceptual and historical foundations of modern reflection seismology; an overview of seismic wave phenomena in acoustic, elastic, and porous media; acquisition principles for land and marine seismic surveys; methods used to create 2D and 3D seismic images from field data; concepts of dip moveout, prestack migration, and depth migration; concepts and limitations of 3D seismic interpretation for structure, stratigraphy, and rock property estimation; and the interpretation role of attributes, impedance estimation, and AVO. This book is intended as a general text on reflection seismology, including wave propagation, data acquisition, processing, and interpretation and will be of interest to entry-level geophysicists, experts in related fields (geology, petroleum engineering), and experienced geophysicists in one subfield wishing to learn about another (e.g., interpreters wanting to learn about seismic waves or data acquisition).

Details the properties of 3D acquisition geometries and shows how they naturally lead to the 3D symmetric sampling approach to 3D survey design. Many examples are used to illustrate choices of acquisition parameters, and the link between survey parameters and noise suppression as well as imaging is an intrinsic part of the contents.

Intended for beginning interpreters, this book approaches seismic interpretation via synthesis of concepts and practical applications rather than through formal treatment of basic physics and geology. Based on the author's personal experience as a seismic interpreter, it is organised along the lines of notes from classes he designs and teaches.

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.

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.

This book demystifies that art and science of seismic interpretation for those with and without formal geophysical training. From geologists to managers and investors, The Art and Science of Seismic Interpretation is a guide to what seismic data is, how it is interpreted, and what it can deliver.

Expanding the author's original work on processing to include inversion and interpretation, and including developments in all aspects of conventional processing, this two-volume set is a comprehensive and complete coverage of the modern trends in the seismic industry - from time to depth, from 3D to 4D, from 4D to 4C, and from isotropy to anisotropy.