Plane-wave attenuation anisotropy in orthorhombic media

Geophysics ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. D9-D19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaping Zhu ◽  
Ilya Tsvankin
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Coefficient ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
The Body ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Attenuation Coefficients ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy ◽  
Homogeneous Wave ◽  
Anisotropy Parameters ◽  
Attenuation Anisotropy

Orthorhombic models are often used in the interpretation of azimuthally varying seismic signatures recorded over fractured reservoirs. Here, we develop an analytic framework for describing the attenuation coefficients in orthorhombic media with orthorhombic attenuation (i.e., the symmetry of both the real and imaginary parts of the stiffness tensor is identical) under the assumption of homogeneous wave propagation. The analogous form of the Christoffel equation in the symmetry planes of orthorhombic and VTI (transversely isotropic with a vertical symmetry axis) media helps to obtain the symmetry-plane attenuation coefficients by adapting the existing VTI equations. To take full advantage of this equivalence with transverse isotropy, we introduce a parameter set similar to the VTI attenuation-anisotropy parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. This notation, based on the same principle as Tsvankin’s velocity-anisotropy parameters for orthorhombic media, leads to concise linearized equations for thesymmetry-plane attenuation coefficients of all three modes (P, [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]).The attenuation-anisotropy parameters also allow us to simplify the P-wave attenuation coefficient [Formula: see text] outside the symmetry planes under the assumptions of small attenuation and weak velocity and attenuation anisotropy. The approximate coefficient [Formula: see text] has the same form as the linearized P-wave phase-velocity function, with the velocity parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] replaced by the attenuation parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The exact attenuation coefficient, however, also depends on the velocity-anisotropy parameters, while the body-wave velocities are almost unperturbed by the presence of attenuation. The reduction in the number of parameters responsible for the P-wave attenuation and the simple approximation for the coefficient [Formula: see text] provide a basis for inverting P-wave attenuation measurements from orthorhombic media. The attenuation processing must be preceded by anisotropic velocity analysis that can be performed (in the absence of pronounced velocity dispersion) using existing algorithms for nonattenuative media.

Frequency-dependent P-wave anisotropy due to scattering in rocks with aligned fractures

Geophysics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. MR97-MR105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junxin Guo ◽  
Boris Gurevich ◽  
Da Shuai
Keyword(s):  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Scattering ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Frequency Dependent ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy ◽  
P Wave Velocity ◽  
Anisotropy Parameters ◽  
Scattering Anisotropy ◽  
Attenuation Anisotropy

Frequency-dependent P-wave anisotropy due to scattering often occurs in fractured formations, whereas the corresponding theoretical study is lacking. Hence, based on a newly developed P-wave scattering model, we have studied the frequency-dependent P-wave scattering anisotropy in rocks with aligned fractures. To describe P-wave scattering anisotropy, we develop the corresponding anisotropy parameters similar to those for elastic anisotropy. Our results indicate that the P-wave velocity anisotropy parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] do not change with frequency monotonically, which is different from that caused by wave-induced fluid flow. Fluid saturation in fractures can greatly decrease the P-wave velocity anisotropy, whose effects depend on the ratio of the fluid bulk modulus to the fracture aspect ratio. The P-wave exhibits elliptical anisotropy for the dry fracture case at low frequencies, but anelliptical anisotropy for the case with fluid-filled fractures. The P-wave attenuation anisotropy parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] vanish in the low- and high-frequency limits but reach their maxima at the characteristic frequency when the P-wavelength is close to the fracture length. The influence of fluid on the P-wave attenuation anisotropy is similar to that on the velocity anisotropy. To further analyze frequency-dependent P-wave scattering anisotropy, theoretical predictions are compared with experimental results, which indicate reasonable agreement between them.

Plane-wave propagation in attenuative transversely isotropic media

Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. T17-T30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaping Zhu ◽  
Ilya Tsvankin
Keyword(s):  
Wave Propagation ◽  
Plane Wave ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Transversely Isotropic ◽  
Attenuation Coefficients ◽  
The Real ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy ◽  
Anisotropy Parameters ◽  
Attenuation Anisotropy ◽  
Ti Media

Directionally dependent attenuation in transversely isotropic (TI) media can influence significantly the body-wave amplitudes and distort the results of the AVO (amplitude variation with offset) analysis. Here, we develop a consistent analytic treatment of plane-wave properties for TI media with attenuation anisotropy. We use the concept of homogeneous wave propagation, assuming that in weakly attenuative media the real and imaginary parts of the wave vector are parallel to one another. The anisotropic quality factor can be described by matrix elements [Formula: see text], defined as the ratios of the real and imaginary parts of the corresponding stiffness coefficients. To characterize TI attenuation, we follow the idea of the Thomsen notation for velocity anisotropy and replace the components [Formula: see text] by two reference isotropic quantities and three dimensionless anisotropy parameters [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. The parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] quantify the difference between the horizontal- and vertical-attenuation coefficients of P- and SH-waves, respectively, while [Formula: see text] is defined through the second derivative of the P-wave attenuation coefficient in the symmetry direction. Although the definitions of [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] are similar to those for the corresponding Thomsen parameters, the expression for [Formula: see text] reflects the coupling between the attenuation and velocity anisotropy. Assuming weak attenuation as well as weak velocity and attenuation anisotropy allows us to obtain simple attenuation coefficients linearized in the Thomsen-style parameters. The normalized attenuation coefficients for P- and SV-waves have the same form as the corresponding approximate phase-velocity functions, but both [Formula: see text] and the effective SV-wave attenuation-anisotropy parameter [Formula: see text] depend on the velocity-anisotropy parameters in addition to the elements [Formula: see text]. The linearized approximations not only provide valuable analytic insight, but they also remain accurate for the practically important range of small and moderate anisotropy parameters — in particular, for near-vertical and near-horizontal propagation directions.

QVOA analysis: P-wave attenuation anisotropy for fracture characterization

Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. C37-C48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Chichinina ◽  
Vladimir Sabinin ◽  
Gerardo Ronquillo-Jarillo
Keyword(s):  
Wave Reflection ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Anisotropy Parameter ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Fracture Parameters ◽  
Fractured Medium ◽  
Seismic Quality Factor ◽  
Pp Wave ◽  
Attenuation Anisotropy

This paper investigates [Formula: see text]-anisotropy for characterizing fractured reservoirs — specifically, the variation of the seismic quality factor [Formula: see text] versus offset and azimuth (QVOA). We derive an analytical expression for P-wave attenuation in a transversely isotropic medium with horizontal symmetry axis (HTI) and provide a method (QVOA) for estimating fracture direction from azimuthally varying [Formula: see text] in PP-wave reflection data. The QVOA formula is similar to Rüger’s approximation for PP-wave reflection coefficients, the theoretical basis for amplitude variation with angle offset (AVOA) analysis. The technique for QVOA analysis is similar to azimuthal AVO analysis. We introduce two new seismic attributes: [Formula: see text] versus offset (QVO) gradient and intercept. QVO gradient inversion not only indicates fracture orientation but also characterizes [Formula: see text]-anisotropy. We relate the [Formula: see text]-anisotropy parameter [Formula: see text] to fractured-medium parameters and invert the QVO gradient to estimate [Formula: see text]. The attenuation parameter [Formula: see text] and Thomsen-style anisotropy parameter [Formula: see text] are found to be interdependent. The attenuation anisotropy magnitude strongly depends on the host rock’s [Formula: see text] parameter, whereas the dependence on fracture parameters is weak. This complicates the QVO gradient inversion for the fracture parameters. This result is independent of the attenuation mechanism. To illustrate the QVOA method in synthetic data, we use Hudson’s first-order effective-medium model of a dissipative fractured reservoir with fluid flow between aligned cracks and random pores as a possible mechanism for P-wave attenuation.

Physical modeling and analysis of P-wave attenuation anisotropy in transversely isotropic media

Geophysics ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. D1-D7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaping Zhu ◽  
Ilya Tsvankin ◽  
Pawan Dewangan ◽  
Kasper van Wijk
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Coefficient ◽  
Symmetry Axis ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Transversely Isotropic ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Velocity Variation ◽  
Ratio Method ◽  
Fracture Detection ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Attenuation Anisotropy

Anisotropic attenuation can provide sensitive attributes for fracture detection and lithology discrimination. This paper analyzes measurements of the P-wave attenuation coefficient in a transversely isotropic sample made of phenolic material. Using the spectral-ratio method, we estimate the group (effective) attenuation coefficient of P-waves transmitted through the sample for a wide range of propagation angles (from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]) with the symmetry axis. Correction for the difference between the group and phase angles and for the angular velocity variation help us to obtain the normalized phase attenuation coefficient [Formula: see text] governed by the Thomsen-style attenuation-anisotropy parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Whereas the symmetry axis of the angle-dependent coefficient [Formula: see text] practically coincides with that of the velocity function, the magnitude of the attenuation anisotropy far exceeds that of the velocity anisotropy. The quality factor [Formula: see text] increases more than tenfold from the symmetry axis (slow direction) to the isotropy plane (fast direction). Inversion of the coefficient [Formula: see text] using the Christoffel equation yields large negative values of the parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The robustness of our results critically depends on several factors, such as the availability of an accurate anisotropic velocity model and adequacy of the homogeneous concept of wave propagation, as well as the choice of the frequency band. The methodology discussed here can be extended to field measurements of anisotropic attenuation needed for AVO (amplitude-variation-with-offset) analysis, amplitude-preserving migration, and seismic fracture detection.

Role of the inhomogeneity angle in anisotropic attenuation analysis

Geophysics ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. WB177-WB191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyoti Behura ◽  
Ilya Tsvankin
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Coefficient ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Spectral Ratio ◽  
Ratio Method ◽  
Attenuation Coefficients ◽  
Anisotropic Models ◽  
High Attenuation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Anisotropy Parameters ◽  
Attenuation Anisotropy

The inhomogeneity angle (the angle between the real and imaginary parts of the wave vector) is seldom taken into account in estimating attenuation coefficients from seismic data. Wave propagation through the subsurface, however, can result in relatively large inhomogeneity angles [Formula: see text], especially for models with significant attenuation contrasts across layer boundaries. Here we study the influence of the angle [Formula: see text] on phase and group attenuation in arbitrarily anisotropic media using the first-order perturbation theory verified by exact numerical modeling. Application of the spectral-ratio method to transmitted or reflected waves yields the normalized group attenuation coefficient [Formula: see text], which is responsible for amplitude decay along seismic rays. Our analytic solutions show that for a wide range of inhomogeneity angles, the coefficient [Formula: see text] is close to the normalized phase attenuation coefficient [Formula: see text] computed for [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. The coefficient[Formula: see text] can be inverted directly for the attenuation-anisotropy parameters, so no knowledge of the inhomogeneity angle is required for attenuation analysis of seismic data. This conclusion remains valid even for uncommonly high attenuation with the quality factor [Formula: see text] less than 10 and strong velocity and attenuation anisotropy. However, the relationship between group and phase attenuation coefficients becomes more complicated for relatively large inhomogeneity angles approaching so-called ‘‘forbidden directions.’’ We also demonstrate that the velocity function remains practically independent of attenuation for a wide range of small and moderate angles [Formula: see text]. In principle, estimation of the attenuation-anisotropy parameters from the coefficient [Formula: see text] requires computation of the phase angle, which depends on the anisotropic velocity field. For moderately anisotropic models, however, the difference between the phase and group directions should not significantly distort the results of attenuation analysis.

P-wave attenuation anisotropy in TI media and its application in fracture parameters inversion

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 649-657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Yuan He ◽  
Tian-Yue Hu ◽  
Chuan He ◽  
Yu-Yang Tan
Keyword(s):  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Fracture Parameters ◽  
Parameters Inversion ◽  
Attenuation Anisotropy ◽  
Ti Media

P-wave attenuation anisotropy in fractured media: A seismic physical modelling study

2012 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. 420-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.M. Ekanem ◽  
J. Wei ◽  
X.-Y. Li ◽  
M. Chapman ◽  
I.G. Main
Keyword(s):  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Physical Modelling ◽  
Fractured Media ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Attenuation Anisotropy ◽  
Modelling Study

Reflection coefficients in attenuative anisotropic media

Geophysics ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. WB193-WB202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyoti Behura ◽  
Ilya Tsvankin
Keyword(s):  
Plane Wave ◽  
Wave Reflection ◽  
Symmetry Plane ◽  
Anisotropic Media ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Substantial Contribution ◽  
Reflection Coefficients ◽  
Slowness Vector ◽  
Anisotropy Parameters ◽  
Attenuation Anisotropy

Such reservoir rocks as tar sands are characterized by significant attenuation and, in some cases, attenuation anisotropy. Most existing attenuation studies are focused on plane-wave attenuation coefficients, which determine the amplitude decay along the raypath of seismic waves. Here we study the influence of attenuation on PP- and PS-wave reflection coefficients for anisotropic media with the main emphasis on transversely isotropic models with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI). Concise analytic solutions obtained by linearizing the exact plane-wave reflection coefficients are verified by numerical modeling. To make a substantial contribution to reflection coefficients, attenuation must be strong, with the quality factor [Formula: see text] not exceeding 10. For such highly attenuative media, it is also necessary to take attenuation anisotropy into account if the magnitude of the Thomsen-styleattenuation-anisotropy parameters is relatively large. In general, the linearized reflection coefficients in attenuative media include velocity-anisotropy parameters but have almost “isotropic” dependence on attenuation. Our formalism also helps evaluate the influence of the inhomogeneity angle (the angle between the real and imaginary parts of the slowness vector) on the reflection coefficients. A nonzero inhomogeneity angle of the incident wave introduces additional terms into the PP- and PS-wave reflection coefficients, which makes conventional amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) analysis inadequate for strongly attenuative media. For instance, an incident P-wave with a nonzero inhomogeneity angle generates a mode-converted PS-wave at normal incidence, even if both half-spaces have a horizontal symmetry plane. The developed linearized solutions can be used in AVO inversion for highly attenuative (e.g., gas-sand and heavy-oil) reservoirs.

Quartic moveout coefficient for a dipping azimuthally anisotropic layer

Geophysics ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 699-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés Pech ◽  
Ilya Tsvankin
Keyword(s):  
Reservoir Characterization ◽  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Symmetry Plane ◽  
Exact Expression ◽  
Naturally Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Orthorhombic Symmetry ◽  
Fracture Density ◽  
Weak Anisotropy ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy

Interpretation and inversion of azimuthally varying nonhyperbolic reflection moveout requires accounting for both velocity anisotropy and subsurface structure. Here, our previously derived exact expression for the quartic moveout coefficient A4 is applied to P‐wave reflections from a dipping interface overlaid by a medium of orthorhombic symmetry. The weak‐anisotropy approximaton for the coefficient A4 in a homogeneous orthorhombic layer is controlled by the anellipticity parameters η(1), η(2), and η(3), which are responsible for time processing of P‐wave data. If the dip plane of the reflector coincides with the vertical symmetry plane [x1, x3], A4 on the dip line is proportional to the in‐plane anellipticity parameter η(2) and always changes sign for a dip of 30○. The quartic coefficient on the strike line is a function of all three η–parameters, but for mild dips it is mostly governed by η(1)—the parameter defined in the incidence plane [x2, x3]. Whereas the magnitude of the dip line A4 typically becomes small for dips exceeding 45○, the nonhyperbolic moveout on the strike line may remain significant even for subvertical reflectors. The character of the azimuthal variation of A4 depends on reflector dip and is quite sensitive to the signs and relative magnitudes of η(1), η(2), and η(3). The analytic results and numerical modeling show that the azimuthal pattern of the quartic coefficient can contain multiple lobes, with one or two azimuths of vanishing A4 between the dip and strike directions. The strong influence of the anellipticity parameters on the azimuthally varying coefficient A4 suggests that nonhyperbolic moveout recorded in wide‐azimuth surveys can help to constrain the anisotropic velocity field. Since for typical orthorhombic models that describe naturally fractured reservoirs the parameters η(1,2,3) are closely related to the fracture density and infill, the results of azimuthal nonhyperbolic moveout analysis can also be used in reservoir characterization.

scholarly journals Prediction of sweet spots in tight sandstone reservoirs based on anisotropic frequency-dependent AVO inversion

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 664-680
Author(s):  
Xilin Qin ◽  
Zhixian Gui ◽  
Fei Yang ◽  
Yuanyuan Liu ◽  
Wei Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Dispersion ◽  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
Tight Sandstone ◽  
Anisotropic Parameter ◽  
Frequency Dependent ◽  
Anisotropy Parameters ◽  
Fluid Detection ◽  
Parameter Dispersion

Abstract The frequency-dependent amplitude-versus-offset (FAVO) method has become a practical method for fluid detection in sand reservoirs. At present, most FAVO inversions are based on the assumption that reservoirs are isotropy, but the application effect is not satisfactory for fractured reservoirs. Hence, we analyse the frequency variation characteristics of anisotropy parameters in tight sandstone reservoirs based on a new petrophysical model, and propose a stepwise anisotropic FAVO inversion method to extract frequency-dependent attributes from prestack seismic field data. First, we combine the improved Brie's law with the fine-fracture model to analyse frequency-dependent characteristics of velocities and Thomsen anisotropy parameters at different gas saturations and fracture densities. Then, we derive an anisotropic FAVO inversion algorithm based on Rüger's approximation formula and propose a stepwise anisotropic FAVO inversion method to obtain the dispersions of anisotropy parameters. Finally, we propose a method that combines the inversion spectral decomposition with the stepwise anisotropy FAVO inversion and apply it to tight sand reservoirs in the Xinchang area. We use P-wave velocity dispersion and anisotropy parameter ε dispersion to optimise favourable areas. Numerical analysis results show that velocity dispersion of the P-wave is sensitive to fracture density, which can be used for fracture prediction in fractured reservoirs. In contrast, anisotropic parameter dispersion is sensitive to gas saturation and can be used for fluid detection. The seismic data inversion results show that velocity dispersion of the P-wave and anisotropic parameter dispersion are sensitive to fractured reservoirs in the second member of Xujiahe Group, which is consistent with logging interpretation results.

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