Seismic Interpretation The Physical Aspects

In this course we shall assume that all participants are familiar with the essentials of seismic prospecting. Thus A the rudiments of the field work -- spreads, sources, arrays B and digital recording -- are assumed known. So also are the C rudiments of processing -- such processes as gain recovery, D filtering, deconvolution, velocity analysis, and display. E Just as important, we shall assume that all participants F have some feeling for the realities of seismic work -- in the l(B) field, under real conditions. Elementary signal theory and the basic techniques of interpretation are also assumed known. However, for certainty, the following pre-course notes include sections reviewing basic signal theory, geophysical aspects of interpretation, and geological aspects of interpretation. These reviews are not intended to be comprehensive. Their function is solely to cover, with the minimum possible discussion, the essential features which will be assumed to be known in the course. None of the course time will be spent on the material of these pre-course notes. Participants are advised that they will not derive full benefit from the course if this background is not known. Most course participants will be already familiar with this material, and will need to do little more than read it through. If, before the course, any participant requires further discussion of signal theory in the same non-rigorous style, he will find it in other writings of the present author, particularly: "Wiggles", Journal of the CSEG, December 1965, pp.l3-43.

This updated translation connects the literature and routine activities of geophysicists. It shows how practical problems have links to seismic data analysis theory. Phase and amplitude distortions to the seismic signal, the physical processes that it undergoes, and the interpretation methods to recover rock physics properties are explained. Filling the gap between theoretical literature and the routine activities of geophysicists in the oil industry, The Seismic Signal and Its Meaning is a translation of the second edition of Análise do Sinal Sísmico, published in Portuguese by Sociedade Brasileira de Geofísica (SBGf). For those performing acquisition, processing, and/or interpretation, this book will aid an understanding of how practical problems may have important links to seismic data analysis theory. With an emphasis on providing an objective description of the physical and mathematical aspects that support these links, the rules necessary for robust reservoir characterization are presented. With an extensive development of Gassmann’s (and Biot) theory, the book concentrates on phase and amplitude distortions to the seismic signal, the physical processes that it undergoes, and the interpretation methods to recover rock physics properties. Capturing 30 years of teaching and improvement as a part of Petrobras’ internal courses, the book is a modern treatment, reflecting the many advances that have occurred in geophysics. The book serves as both a text and a reference.

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).

This book is meant for geoscientists and engineers who are beginners, and introduces them to the field of seismic data interpretation and evaluation. The exquisite seismic illustrations and real case examples interspersed in the text help the readers appreciate the interpretation of seismic data in a simple way, and at the same time, emphasize the multidisciplinary, integrated practical approach to data evaluation. A concerted effort has been made for the readers to realize that mindless interpretation of seismic data using sophisticated software packages, without having a grasp on the elementary principles of geology and geophysics, and coupled with their over-reliance on workstations to provide solutions can have appalling results all too very often.

Introduction to Petroleum Seismology, second edition (SEG Investigations in Geophysics Series No. 12) provides the theoretical and practical foundation for tackling present and future challenges of petroleum seismology especially those related to seismic survey designs, seismic data acquisition, seismic and EM modeling, seismic imaging, microseismicity, and reservoir characterization and monitoring. All of the chapters from the first edition have been improved and/or expanded. In addition, twelve new chapters have been added. These new chapters expand topics which were only alluded to in the first edition: sparsity representation, sparsity and nonlinear optimization, near-simultaneous multiple-shooting acquisition and processing, nonuniform wavefield sampling, automated modeling, elastic-electromagnetic mathematical equivalences, and microseismicity in the context of hydraulic fracturing. Another major modification in this edition is that each chapter contains analytical problems as well as computational problems. These problems include MatLab codes, which may help readers improve their understanding of and intuition about these materials. The comprehensiveness of this book makes it a suitable text for undergraduate and graduate courses that target geophysicists and engineers as well as a guide and reference work for researchers and professionals in academia and in the petroleum industry.

3-D seismic technology is spreading out beyond the domain of the petroleum industry. The environmental and mining industries and academic groups are collecting and interpreting 3-D seismic data. Increasing numbers of geologists (often with little or no geophysical training) are being exposed to the technology, or results derived therefrom. Despite this interest, there are few opportunities for the practicing geologists (or engineer) to become acquainted with 3-D seismic technology at the appropriate level. This course is an attempt to fill that gap.