Supercomputers In Seismic Exploration

Provides an authoritative overview of the role which computers now play in the field of seismology and discusses ways in which they can be improved for solving the increasingly complex problems now facing the scientist and engineer. Topics covered include typical seismic models, computational requirements associated with several standard numerical modelling techniques, three-dimensional processing, migration and forward modelling, advances in both hardware and software, iterative modelling, hypercube supercomputing, reservoir simulation using supercomputers, algorithms used in modelling and inversion, wave equation computations and simulation of seismic waves.

Provides an authoritative overview of the role which computers now play in the field of seismology and discusses ways in which they can be improved for solving the increasingly complex problems now facing the scientist and engineer. Topics covered include typical seismic models, computational requirements associated with several standard numerical modelling techniques, three-dimensional processing, migration and forward modelling, advances in both hardware and software, iterative modelling, hypercube supercomputing, reservoir simulation using supercomputers, algorithms used in modelling and inversion, wave equation computations and simulation of seismic waves.

Researchers in the field of exploration geophysics have developed new methods for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of gravity and magnetic data, based on detailed investigations of bore wells around the globe. Fractal Models in Exploration Geophysics describes fractal-based models for characterizing these complex subsurface geological structures. The authors introduce the inverse problem using a fractal approach which they then develop with the implementation of a global optimization algorithm for seismic data: very fast simulated annealing (VFSA). This approach provides high-resolution inverse modeling results-particularly useful for reservoir characterization. Serves as a valuable resource for researchers studying the application of fractals in exploration, and for practitioners directly applying field data for geo-modeling Discusses the basic principles and practical applications of time-lapse seismic reservoir monitoring technology - application rapidly advancing topic Provides the fundamentals for those interested in reservoir geophysics and reservoir simulation study Demonstrates an example of reservoir simulation for enhanced oil recovery using CO2 injection

This volume presents an overview of the results of a European Union integrated program in which approximately two hundred earth scientists participated, drawn from all fields related to exploration. Two classes of modeling were addressed - geological modeling - the relationship between the conditions of sedimentation and the resulting reservoir conditions; and wave-propagation modeling - the investigation of wave-propagation through media of various degrees of complexity. Wave-propagation modeling was carried out either mathematically or physically with the most modern tools. An important aspect of the project was the inversion of seismic data, that is the determination of the parameters of the medium from observations. This problem is closely related to modeling since it is based on the inversion of the mathematical steps and often uses modeling for verification and updating. The geological data presents novel concepts with a coverage that is both broad in area and in discipline. The geophysical investigations are at the leading edge of current research. Although detailed results have been published separately by investigators, this volume is the only source of reference which summarises the results; but incorporating sufficient detail to enable the reader to follow the scientific reasoning.

The interest in seismic stratigraphic techniques to interpret reflection datasets is well established. The advent of sophisticated subsurface reservoir studies and 4D monitoring, for optimising the hydrocarbon production in existing fields, does demonstrate the importance of the 3D seismic methodology. The added value of reflection seismics to the petroleum industry has clearly been proven over the last decades. Seismic profiles and 3D cubes form a vast and robust data source to unravel the structure of the subsurface. It gets nowadays exploited in ever greater detail. Larger offsets and velocity anisotropy effects give for instance access to more details on reservoir flow properties like fracture density, porosity and permeability distribution, Elastic inversion and modelling may tell something about the change in petrophysical parameters. Seismic investigations provide a vital tool for the delineation of subtle hydrocarbon traps. They are the basis for understanding the regional basin framework and the stratigraphic subdivision. Seismic stratigraphy combines two very different scales of observation: the seismic and well-control. The systematic approach applied in seismic stratigraphy explains why many workers are using the principles to evaluate their seismic observations. The here presented modern geophysical techniques allow more accurate prediction of the changes in subsurface geology. Dynamics of sedimentary environments are discussed with its relation to global controling factors and a link is made to high-resolution sequence stratigraphy. ‘Seismic Stratigraphy Basin Analysis and Reservoir Characterisation’ summarizes basic seismic interpretation techniques and demonstrates the benefits of intergrated reservoir studies for hydrocarbon exploration. Topics are presented from a practical point of view and are supported by well-illustrated case histories. The reader (student as well as professional geophysicists, geologists and reservoir engineers) is taken from a basic level to more advanced study techniques. * Overview reflection seismic methods and its limitations.* Link between basic seismic stratigraphic principles and high resolution sequence stratigraphy.* Description of various techniques for seismic reservoir characterization and synthetic modelling.* Overview nversion techniques, AVO and seismic attributes analysis.

The material in this volume provides the basic theory necessary to understand the principles behind imaging the subsurface of the Earth using reflection and refraction seismology. For reflection seismology, the end product is a "record section" from a collection of "wiggly traces" that are recorded in the field from which information about the properties of subsurface structure and rock can be derived. For the most part, the principles of imaging are the same regardless of the depth to the target; the same mathematical background is necessary for targeting a shallow water table as for investigating the base of the earth's continental "crust" at a depth of 30-50 km.

Following the breakthrough in the last decade in identifying the key parameters for time and depth imaging in anisotropic media and developing practical methodologies for estimating them from seismic data, Seismic Signatures and Analysis of Reflection Data in Anisotropic Media primarily focuses on the far reaching exploration benefits of anisotropic processing. This volume provides the first comprehensive description of reflection seismic signatures and processing methods in anisotropic media. It identifies the key parameters for time and depth imaging in transversely isotropic media and describes practical methodologies for estimating them from seismic data. Also, it contains a thorough discussion of the important issues of uniqueness and stability of seismic velocity analysis in the presence of anisotropy. The book contains a complete description of anisotropic imaging methods, from the theoretical background to algorithms to implementation issues. Numerous applications to synthetic and field data illustrate the improvements achieved by the anisotropic processing and the possibility of using the estimated anisotropic parameters in lithology discrimination. Focuses on the far reaching exploration benefits of anisotropic processing First comprehensive description of reflection seismic signatures and processing methods in anisotropic media