scholarly journals VP/VS ratio and shear-wave splitting in the Nankai Trough seismogenic zone: Insights into effective stress, pore pressure, and sediment consolidation

Geophysics ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. WA71-WA82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeshi Tsuji ◽  
Jack Dvorkin ◽  
Gary Mavko ◽  
Norimitsu Nakata ◽  
Toshifumi Matsuoka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pore Pressure ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Seismogenic Zone ◽  
Polarization Direction ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy ◽  
Wave Splitting ◽  
Sediment Consolidation ◽  
Converted Waves ◽  
Plate Subduction

To estimate variation of stress state and sediment consolidation in the Nankai plate subduction zone off southwest Japan, we measured the P-wave to S-wave velocity ratio (VP/VS) and S-wave splitting along the seismic line extending from the trench to the seismogenic zone. For this purpose, we used active-source seismic data recorded by multicomponent ocean bottom seismometers (OBS). Because it is difficult to identify the PS-converted reflection waveforms for each of the geological boundaries in this deep offshore region, we focused on the more easily identified PPS-refracted waveforms that register the conversion of the up-going P-waves to S-waves at the igneous crust surface. We estimated the average VP/VS ratio within the sedimentary section by using the time lag between the P-refracted waves and PPS-converted waves. This VP/VS ratio changes abruptly at the trough axis (i.e., the deformation front of the accretionary prism) arguably because of compaction associated with the accretion process. We observed relatively high VP/VS around the seismogenic megasplay fault, which may partially indicate the abnormal pore pressure and intensive fractures associated with the fault. To estimate the stress-induced fracture orientation and stress magnitude, we computed the fast S-wave polarization direction and estimated S-wave velocity anisotropy by applying the crosscorrelation method to the PPS-converted waves. To improve signal-to-noise ratio of the waveform for S-wave splitting analysis, we stacked PPS-converted waveforms on receiver gather. These anisotropic characteristics change at the seismogenic megasplay fault: the fast polarization direction is nearly parallel to the subduction direction seaward of the megasplay fault and is perpendicular to the subduction direction landward of the megasplay fault. This velocity anisotropy is especially strong around the megasplay fault. These results imply that the preferred fracture orientation, as well as the principal stress orientation, is oblique to the direction of plate subduction near the megasplay fault.

Relating Acoustic Anisotropy to Kerogen Content in Unconventional Formations - A Case Study in A Kerogen-Rich Unconventional Carbonate

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yair Gordin ◽  
Thomas Bradley ◽  
Yoav O. Rosenberg ◽  
Anat Canning ◽  
Yossef H. Hatzor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Water Saturation ◽  
Well Logs ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Thermal Maturity ◽  
Burial Diagenesis ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy ◽  
Thermal Maturation ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract The mechanical and petrophysical behavior of organic-rich carbonates (ORC) is affected significantly by burial diagenesis and the thermal maturation of their organic matter. Therefore, establishing Rock Physics (RP) relations and appropriate models can be valuable in delineating the spatial distribution of key rock properties such as the total organic carbon (TOC), porosity, water saturation, and thermal maturity in the petroleum system. These key rock properties are of most importance to evaluate during hydrocarbon exploration and production operations when establishing a detailed subsurface model is critical. High-resolution reservoir models are typically based on the inversion of seismic data to calculate the seismic layer properties such as P- and S-wave impedances (or velocities), density, Poisson's ratio, Vp/Vs ratio, etc. If velocity anisotropy data are also available, then another layer of data can be used as input for the subsurface model leading to a better understanding of the geological section. The challenge is to establish reliable geostatistical relations between these seismic layer measurements and petrophysical/geomechanical properties using well logs and laboratory measurements. In this study, we developed RP models to predict the organic richness (TOC of 1-15 wt%), porosity (7-35 %), water saturation, and thermal maturity (Tmax of 420-435⁰C) of the organic-rich carbonate sections using well logs and laboratory core measurements derived from the Ness 5 well drilled in the Golan Basin (950-1350 m). The RP models are based primarily on the modified lower Hashin-Shtrikman bounds (MLHS) and Gassmann's fluid substitution equations. These organic-rich carbonate sections are unique in their relatively low burial diagenetic stage characterized by a wide range of porosity which decreases with depth, and thermal maturation which increases with depth (from immature up to the oil window). As confirmation of the method, the levels of organic content and maturity were confirmed using Rock-Eval pyrolysis data. Following the RP analysis, horizontal (HTI) and vertical (VTI) S-wave velocity anisotropy were analyzed using cross-dipole shear well logs (based on Stoneley waves response). It was found that anisotropy, in addition to the RP analysis, can assist in delineating the organic-rich sections, microfractures, and changes in gas saturation due to thermal maturation. Specifically, increasing thermal maturation enhances VTI and azimuthal HTI S-wave velocity anisotropies, in the ductile and brittle sections, respectively. The observed relationships are quite robust based on the high-quality laboratory and log data. However, our conclusions may be limited to the early stages of maturation and burial diagenesis, as at higher maturation and diagenesis the changes in physical properties can vary significantly.

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF ULTRASONIC VELOCITIES AND ANISOTROPY IN THE TUSCALOOSA MARINE SHALE FORMATION

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamal Ahmadov ◽  
Mehdi Mokhtari
Keyword(s):  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Mineralogical Composition ◽  
Organic Content ◽  
P Wave ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Marine Shale ◽  
P Wave Velocity ◽  
Degree Of Anisotropy

Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS) formation is a clay- and organic-rich emerging shale play with a considerable amount of hydrocarbon resources. Despite the substantial potential, there have been only a few wells drilled and produced in the formation over the recent years. The analyzed TMS samples contain an average of 50 wt% total clay, 27 wt% quartz and 14 wt% calcite and the mineralogy varies considerably over the small intervals. The high amount of clay leads to pronounced anisotropy and the frequent changes in mineralogy result in the heterogeneity of the formation. We studied the compressional (VP) and shear-wave (VS) velocities to evaluate the degree of anisotropy and heterogeneity, which impact hydraulic fracture growth, borehole instabilities, and subsurface imaging. The ultrasonic measurements of P- and S-wave velocities from five TMS wells are the best fit to the linear relationship with R2 = 0.84 in the least-squares criteria. We observed that TMS S-wave velocities are relatively lower when compared to the established velocity relationships. Most of the velocity data in bedding-normal direction lie outside constant VP/VS lines of 1.6–1.8, a region typical of most organic-rich shale plays. For all of the studied TMS samples, the S-wave velocity anisotropy exhibits higher values than P-wave velocity anisotropy. In the samples in which the composition is dominated by either calcite or quartz minerals, mineralogy controls the velocities and VP/VS ratios to a great extent. Additionally, the organic content and maturity account for the velocity behavior in the samples in which the mineralogical composition fails to do so. The results provide further insights into TMS Formation evaluation and contribute to a better understanding of the heterogeneity and anisotropy of the play.

Premonitory Variations in S-Wave Velocity Anisotropy before Earthquakes in Nevada

Science ◽  
1973 ◽  
Vol 182 (4117) ◽  
pp. 1129-1132 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. N. Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Wave Velocity ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy

Elastic-wavefield interferometry using P-wave source VSPs at the Wamsutter field, Wyoming

Geophysics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. Q27-Q36 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Gaiser ◽  
Ivan Vasconcelos ◽  
Rosemarie Geetan ◽  
John Faragher
Keyword(s):  
Stationary Phase ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Phase Point ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Wave Source ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Wave Splitting ◽  
Zero Offset ◽  
Tube Wave

In this study, elastic-wavefield interferometry was used to recover P- and S-waves from the 3D P-wave vibrator VSP data at Wamsutter field in Wyoming. S-wave velocity and birefringence is of particular interest for the geophysical objectives of lithology discrimination and fracture characterization in naturally fractured tight gas sand reservoirs. Because we rely on deconvolution interferometry for retrieving interreceiver P- and S-waves in the subsurface, the output fields are suitable for high-resolution, local reservoir characterization. In 1D media where the borehole is nearly vertical, data at the stationary-phase point is not conducive to conventional interferometry. Strong tube-wave noise generated by physical sources near the borehole interfere with S-wave splitting analyses. Also, converted P- to S-wave (PS-wave) polarity reversals occur at zero offset and cancel their recovery. We developed methods to eliminate tube-wave noise by removing physical sources at the stationary-phase point and perturbing the integration path in the integrand based on P-wave NMO velocity of the direct-arrival. This results in using nonphysical energy outside a Fresnel radius that could not have propagated between receivers. To limit the response near the stationary-phase point, we also applied a weighting condition to suppress energy from large offsets. For PS-waves, a derivative-like operator was applied to the physical sources at zero offset in the form of a polarity reversal. These methods resulted in effectively recovering P-wave dipole and PS-wave quadrupole pseudosource VSPs. The retrieved wavefields kinematically correspond to a vertical incidence representation of reflectivity/transmissivity and can be used for conventional P- and S-wave velocity analyses. Four-component PS-wave VSPs retrieve S-wave splitting in transmitted converted waves that provide calibration for PS-wave and P-wave azimuthal anisotropy measurements from surface-seismic data.

S-wave splitting: Key to earthquake prediction?

1974 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1943-1951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Ryall ◽  
William U. Savage
Keyword(s):  
Crustal Structure ◽  
Source Parameters ◽  
Seismic Source ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Basin And Range Province ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy ◽  
Wave Splitting ◽  
The Many ◽  
Induced Velocity

abstract This paper presents a detailed analysis of S-wave data for two areas in western Nevada. Some of these data were used by Gupta (1973b, c) as the basis for his claim that large premonitory changes in the extent of stress-induced S-wave splitting are observed for moderate-sized earthquakes in Nevada. Analysis of particle motion for an earthquake sequence near Slate Mountain indicates that changes in S-wave splitting did not occur during that sequence. For the Mina area, comparison of S-wave signatures for 158 events occurring over a 3-year period resulted in the identification of numerous events that would be considered anomalous by Gupta's criteria, but these were not followed by larger earthquakes. The present state of knowledge on crustal structure and seismic source parameters in the western Basin and Range province is not sufficient to discriminate between stress-induced velocity anisotropy and the many other factors that contribute to the complexity of S-wave signatures.

scholarly journals An Experimental and Modeling Study on the Response to Varying Pore Pressure and Reservoir Fluids in the Morrow A Sandstone

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron V. Wandler ◽  
Thomas L. Davis ◽  
Paritosh K. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Pore Pressure ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Well Logs ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Core Samples ◽  
Fluid Saturation

In mature oil fields undergoing enhanced oil recovery methods, such as CO2injection, monitoring the reservoir changes becomes important. To understand how reservoir changes influence compressional wave (P) and shear wave (S) velocities, we conducted laboratory core experiments on five core samples taken from the Morrow A sandstone at Postle Field, Oklahoma. The laboratory experiments measured P- and S-wave velocities as a function of confining pressure, pore pressure, and fluid type (which included CO2in the gas and supercritical phase). P-wave velocity shows a response that is sensitive to both pore pressure and fluid saturation. However, S-wave velocity is primarily sensitive to changes in pore pressure. We use the fluid and pore pressure response measured from the core samples to modify velocity well logs through a log facies model correlation. The modified well logs simulate the brine- and CO2-saturated cases at minimum and maximum reservoir pressure and are inputs for full waveform seismic modeling. Modeling shows how P- and S-waves have a different time-lapse amplitude response with offset. The results from the laboratory experiments and modeling show the advantages of combining P- and S-wave attributes in recognizing the mechanism responsible for time-lapse changes due to CO2injection.

scholarly journals ANISOTROPY STUDY OF THE FEBRUARY 4TH 2008 SWARM IN NW PELOPONNESUS (GREECE)

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 2084 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Kaviris ◽  
P. Papadimitriou ◽  
K. Makropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Time Delay ◽  
Shear Wave ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Vertical Component ◽  
Polarization Direction ◽  
Normal Faulting ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Gulf Of Corinth ◽  
Moderate Earthquake ◽  
Wave Splitting

The Gulf of Corinth, located in central Greece, is characterized by normal faulting and by high seismicity since the antiquity. On 4 February 2008 a seismic swarm burst in NW Peloponnesus characterized by the occurrence of two moderate-size earthquakes of moment magnitudes 4.7 and 4.5, respectively. Analysis of the data revealed the existence of shear-wave splitting. The events that were chosen for the anisotropy study fit the selection criteria, having clear and impulsive S wave arrival phases on the horizontal components. In addition, the amplitude of the S wave phase on the vertical component was smaller than on the horizontal ones. The representations that were used to determine the polarization direction of the fast split shear wave, the time delay between the two split shear waves and the polarization direction of the source were the polarigram and the hodogram. The uniform fast shear wave polarizations, irrespective of the azimuth of each event, are consistent with the general NNE-SSW direction of extension in the Gulf and, therefore, in agreement with the extensive dilatancy anisotropy (EDA) model. Finally, a decrease of the time delay values was observed after the occurrence of the first moderate earthquake, implying changes of the medium’s properties.

Vp/Vs and shear‐wave splitting at the seismogenic plate subduction zone: Insight into effective‐ stress and pore pressure distribution

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeshi Tsuji ◽  
Norimitsu Nakata ◽  
Toshifumi Matsuoka ◽  
Jack Dvorkin ◽  
Ayako Nakanishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Pore Pressure ◽  
Subduction Zone ◽  
Shear Wave ◽  
Effective Stress ◽  
Shear Wave Splitting ◽  
Wave Splitting ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Plate Subduction
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