Whither seismic stratigraphy?

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. SA3-SA20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce S. Hart
Keyword(s):  
Feature Detection ◽  
Seismic Analysis ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Seismic Stratigraphy ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Seismic Attribute ◽  
Rock Property ◽  
Seismic Geomorphology ◽  
Reflection Geometry

Here, I provide an historical summary of seismic stratigraphy and suggest some potential avenues for future collaborative work between sedimentary geologists and geophysicists. Stratigraphic interpretations based on reflection geometry- or shape-based approaches have been used to reconstruct depositional histories and to make qualitative and (sometimes) quantitative predictions of rock physical properties since at least the mid-1970s. This is the seismic stratigraphy that is usually practiced by geology-focused interpreters. First applied to 2D seismic data, interest in seismic stratigraphy was reinvigorated by the development of seismic geomorphology on 3D volumes. This type of reflection geometry/shape-based interpretation strategy is a fairly mature science that includes seismic sequence analysis, seismic facies analysis, reflection character analysis, and seismic geomorphology. Rock property predictions based on seismic stratigraphic interpretations usually are qualitative, and reflection geometries commonly may permit more than one interpretation. Two geophysics-based approaches, practiced for nearly the same length of time as seismic stratigraphy, have yet to gain widespread adoption by geologic interpreters even though they have much potential application. The first is the use of seismic attributes for “feature detection,” i.e., helping interpreters to identify stratigraphic bodies that are not readily detected in conventional amplitude displays. The second involves rock property (lithology, porosity, etc.) predictions from various inversion methods or seismic attribute analyses. Stratigraphers can help quality check the results and learn about relationships between depositional features and lithologic properties of interest. Stratigraphers also can contribute to a better seismic analysis by helping to define the effects of “stratigraphy” (e.g., laminations, porosity, bedding) on rock properties and seismic responses. These and other seismic-related pursuits would benefit from enhanced collaboration between sedimentary geologists and geophysicists.

Predicting and 3D modeling of karst zones using seismic facies analysis in Ordovician carbonates of the Tahe oilfield, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. T293-T307
Author(s):  
José N. Méndez ◽  
Qiang Jin ◽  
María González ◽  
Wei Hehua ◽  
Cyril D. Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Input Data ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Seismic Attribute ◽  
Clustering Technique ◽  
Yingshan Formation ◽  
Facies Classification ◽  
Seismic Facies Analysis

Karsted carbonates of the Ordovician Yingshan Formation represent significant hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Tarim Basin, China. Due to the geologic complexity of the formation, realistically predicting and modeling karst zones and rock properties is challenging. This drives the need to apply diverse techniques for building a suitable geologic model. We have developed a static model approach that uses fully automated seismic facies classification processes for predicting and modeling patterns associated with karst elements. Our method uses a seismic attribute and well logs as input data. We initially processed a seismic facies volume using the hierarchical clustering technique. This is based on seismic attribute values that take into account an optimal number of classes. The outcome reveals various patterns illustrated with low amplitudes highlighting the geomorphology of paleokarst elements. Simultaneously, a seismic traces map of the karsted interval was processed using the hybrid clustering technique conducted on seismic trace shape. In this case, the karst facies was extracted from the output and used as secondary input data in trend analysis of the model. Both outputs obtained from clustering techniques are processed in a volume of the most probable facies, which delineate the karst patterns. The results of the modeling process are visualized in various time slices and cross sections, appropriately recognizing the relationship of estimated patterns with karst zones. We have evaluated the karstification thickness and porosity map obtained from the 3D model that detail a reasonable connectivity between karst elements. This is based on the paleogeographic location and type of filling, as well as the dissolution development along the main striking faults. Finally, our method outputs a logical model of karst zones located within the host rock, which reduces the uncertainty and identify nonperforated segments.

Application of post-stack Rune Inversion for reservoir rock properties estimation in comparison with conventional seismic attribute analysis: a case study from the Paleocene formation, Middle Indus basin, onshore Pakistan

First Break ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 49-55
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zahid Afzal Durrani ◽  
Maryam Talib ◽  
Vita Kalashnikova ◽  
Musharaf Sajjad ◽  
Rune Øverås ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reservoir Rock ◽  
Indus Basin ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Seismic Attribute ◽  
Attribute Analysis

Characterizing a Mississippian tripolitic chert reservoir using 3D unsupervised and supervised multiattribute seismic facies analysis: An example from Osage County, Oklahoma

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. SB109-SB124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atish Roy ◽  
Benjamin L. Dowdell ◽  
Kurt J. Marfurt
Keyword(s):  
Ground Truth ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Seismic Survey ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Seismic Attribute ◽  
Self Organizing Maps ◽  
Seismic Facies Analysis ◽  
Tripolitic Chert ◽  
Mississippi Lime ◽  
Osage County

Seismic interpretation is based on the identification of reflector configuration and continuity, with coherent reflectors having a distinct amplitude, frequency, and phase. Skilled interpreters may classify reflector configurations as parallel, converging, truncated, or hummocky, and use their expertise to identify stratigraphic packages and unconformities. In principal, a given pattern can be explicitly defined as a combination of waveform and reflector configuration properties, although such “clustering” is often done subconsciously. Computer-assisted classification of seismic attribute volumes builds on the same concepts. Seismic attributes not only quantify characteristics of the seismic reflection events, but also measure aspects of reflector configurations. The Mississippi Lime resource play of northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas provides a particularly challenging problem. Instead of defining the facies stratigraphically, we need to define them either diagenetically (tight limestone, stratified limestone and nonporous chert, and highly porous tripolitic chert) or structurally (fractured versus unfractured chert and limestone). Using a 3D seismic survey acquired in Osage County Oklahoma, we use Kohonen self-organizing maps to classify different diagenetically altered facies of the Mississippi Lime play. The 256 prototype vectors (potential clusters) reduce to only three or four distinct “natural” clusters. We use ground truth of seismic facies seen on horizontal image logs to fix three average attribute data vectors near the well locations, resulting in three “known” facies, and do a minimum Euclidean distance supervised classification. The predicted clusters correlate well to the poststack impedance inversion result.

Use of seismic stratigraphy for Minnelusa exploration, northeastern Wyoming

Geophysics ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 715-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reverend Francis D. Raffalovich ◽  
Terrell B. Daw
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Seismic Stratigraphy ◽  
Synthetic Seismograms ◽  
Powder River Basin ◽  
Paper Briefly ◽  
Seismic Attribute ◽  
Seismic Line ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
Sonic Logs ◽  
Section Form

While Minnelusa sands have yielded significant reserves in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, geologic complexities have made these sands an elusive target. This paper briefly describes the development of a technique which was used successfully in the exploration of Minnelusa sands. This tehnique can be applied to many stratigraphic exploration programs. Sonic logs, which are key logs in defining Minnelusa sands, in the C-H field were used to construct synthetic seismograms. These synthetics were then organized in cross‐section form to define whether a change in Minnelusa sands would yield an identifiable change on the synthetics. The “idealized” seismic response did show an obvious lateral change from upper sand to no upper sand conditions, and a pilot seismic line was shot using a Vibroseis® source. This line, which was shot through the C-H field, successfully showed the updip limits of the upper Minnelusa sands. A subsequent seismic program was acquired and other leads and prospects were identified, including prospects that were drilled and successfully completed in the Rozet area. However, a number of other wells conformed to Murphy’s law. In addition to standard processing techniques, high‐resolution processing and seismic attribute processing was done on some of the seismic data, yielding differing degrees of success. By closely coordinating geologic and geophysical principles, a useful stratigraphic‐seismic methodology was developed which has application to a wide variety of exploration problems. ™Trade and service mark of Conoco Inc.

Multivariate statistical analyses applied to seismic facies recognition

Geophysics ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 1151-1159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Dumay ◽  
Frederique Fournier
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Stratigraphy ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Second Step ◽  
Multivariate Statistical Analyses ◽  
Multivariate Statistical ◽  
Seismic Parameters ◽  
Data Analyses ◽  
Well Data ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Reservoir Facies

One of the most important goals of seismic stratigraphy is to recognize and analyze seismic facies with regard to the geologic environment. The first problem is to determine which seismic parameters are discriminant for characterizing the facies, then to take into account all those parameters simultaneously. The second problem is to be sure that there is a link between the seismic parameters and the geologic facies we are investigating. This paper presents a methodology for automatic facies recognition based upon two steps. The first, or learning step, begins with the definition of learning seismic traces for each facies we wish to recognize. The choice of learning traces is based upon either well data or a seismic stratigraphic interpretation. A large number of seismic parameters are then computed from the learning traces; multidimensional analyses are carried out in order to validate the choice of learning traces and to select, among all the available parameters, those that discriminate best. At this stage, a modeling step may be carried out to relate the seismic parameters to the geologic features. The second step is a predictive one which allows automatic facies recognition. We compute the previously chosen discriminant parameters on unknown seismic traces and classify the unknown traces with regard to the learning traces. We develop the methodology and successfully apply it to two examples of reservoir facies recognition. Our main conclusion is that seismic traces contain geologic information that can be extracted by multivariate data analyses of a large number of seismic parameters. Automatic facies recognition is reliable and fast; the derived facies map has the great advantage of combining simultaneously several discriminant parameters.

Seismic stratigraphy based chronostratigraphy (SSBC) of the Serbian Banat region of the Pannonian Basin

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Pigott ◽  
Dejan Radivojevic
Keyword(s):  
Pannonian Basin ◽  
Local Stress ◽  
Seismic Stratigraphy ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Stratigraphic Sequence ◽  
Sediment Dispersal ◽  
Structural Problems ◽  
Tectonic Events ◽  
Lithostratigraphic Units

AbstractSeismic stratigraphy based chronostratigraphic (SSBC) analysis of the Serbian Banat region allows the delineation of the spatial and stratigraphic relationships of the generally regressive and shallowing upward Neogene depositional fill of a tectonically unstable central portion of the Pannonian Basin. When geometrically restored in time and space, the sediment dispersal directions, sediment source directions, types of sedimentation breaks and the tectonic events influencing basin evolution can be delineated. For such an analysis the time-transgressive lithostratigraphic units used in the neighbouring Hungarian part of the Pannonian Basin are conveniently introduced based upon their characteristic seismic facies and constrained borehole log records as mappable seismic stratigraphic sequence units, termed “seismic operational sequences”. The respective Neogene stage and operational sequence equivalents (Hungarian lithostratigraphic units or formations) are the Middle Miocene (Badenian, Sarmatian), Upper Miocene-Lower Pliocene (Pannonian-Endrod and Szolnok Formations; Pontian- Algyo and Ujfalu Formations and Lower Pliocene- Zagyva Formation) and Upper Pliocene-Quaternary (Nagyalfold Formation).SSBC analysis greatly assists in the geological constraint or “geovalidation” of interpreted seismic stratigraphic relationships and provides potentially critical insight into stratigraphic and structural problems of non-unique interpretations. In the specific case, using such an approach on previously unpublished regional seismic lines, SSBC analysis reveals that the Banat region has undergone structural inversion. This may be related to changes in local stress directions along strike slip faults, which initiated in earliest Late Miocene (Endrod Formation), culminating in the reverse tilting and incipient shortening of the western graben. Therefore during the time interval that the Badenian through Endrod sediments were deposited in the graben, autocyclic progradation initiated from the Kikinda Szeged High in the East followed by Szolnok, Algyo, Ujfalu and younger units prograding from the West as the central high uplifted relative to the graben. Such tectonic inversion has substantial hydrocarbon potential implications for exploration in the region.

scholarly journals Applying seismic stratigraphy analysis for assessing upper Oligocene stratigraphic traps in Southeastern Cuu Long Basin

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (K4) ◽  
pp. 48-56
Author(s):  
Chuc Dinh Nguyen ◽  
Tu Van Nguyen ◽  
Hung Quang Nguyen ◽  
Cuong Van Bui ◽  
Thanh Quoc Truong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Seismic Stratigraphy ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Hydrocarbon Potential ◽  
Seismic Attribute ◽  
Oil And Gas Production ◽  
Attribute Analysis ◽  
Exploration Drilling ◽  
Seismic Sections ◽  
Log Interpretation

As oil and gas production has been going on over a few decades, conventional plays such as pre-Tertiary fractured basement highs and Cenozoic structural traps become more and more exhausted, and the remaining targets of the same type do not have sufficient reserves for development and production. Exploration activities in Cuu Long basin, therefore, are shifting towards more complicating types of plays which are stratigraphic traps and combination traps. Several researches were conducted in southeastern marginal slope and indicated the possibility of stratigraphic pinch-out traps with insufficient petroleum system and low hydrocarbon potential. In spite of many researches, there are still difficulties in defining the distribution and in evaluating hydrocarbon potential of these traps, so seismic stratigraphy analysis in accompanied with interpretation of seismic attribute and well logs is very necessary to support this problem. Seismic stratigraphic analysis on seismic sections, in agreement with seismic attributes’ and log analysis’ findings, show that the stratigraphic/combination traps in Oligocene C and D were formed during lowstand system tract as sigmoid-oblique clinoforms downlapping onto underlying strata in distributary mouths/delta settings. The integration of seismic attribute analysis and well log interpretation has further defined the fan-shaped distribution of these traps. Thus, using various methods, the stratigraphic traps can be better revealed. Further studies, however, need to be carried out to fully evaluate hydrocarbon potential of these stratigraphic/ combination traps, and minimize risks in exploration drilling.

scholarly journals Uncertainties in geomechanical models – exhaustive vs. feasible approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 187-188
Author(s):  
Moritz Ziegler ◽  
Oliver Heidbach
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Stress State ◽  
Stress Tensor ◽  
In Situ Stress ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Geomechanical Model ◽  
Rock Property ◽  
Stress Changes ◽  
Stress States

Abstract. The stress state is a key component for the safety and stability of deep geological repositories for the storage of nuclear waste. For the stability assessment and prediction over the repository lifetime, the stress state is put in relation to the rock strength. This assessment requires knowledge of both the future stress changes and the current in situ stress state. Due to the limited number of in situ stress data records, 3D geomechanical models are used to obtain continuous stress field prediction. However, meaningful interpretation of the stress state model requires quantification of the associated uncertainties that result from the geological, stress and rock-property data. This would require thousands of simulations which in a high-resolution model is called an exhaustive approach. Here we present a feasible approach to reduce computation time significantly. The exhaustive approach quantifies uncertainties that are due to variabilities in stress data records. Therefore, all available data records within a model volume are used individually in separate simulations. Due to the inherent variability in the available data, each simulation represents one of many possible stress states supported by data. A combination of these simulations allows estimation of an individual probability density function for each component of the stress tensor represented by an average value and a standard deviation. If weighting of the data records can be performed, the standard deviation can usually be reduced and the significance of the model result is improved. Alternatively, a range of different stress states supported by the data can be provided with the benefit that no outliers are disregarded, but this comes at the cost of a loss in precision. Both approaches are only feasible since the number of stress data records is limited. However, it is indicated that large uncertainties are also introduced by variabilities in rock properties due to natural intra-lithological lateral variations that are not represented in the geomechanical model or due to measurement errors. Quantification of these uncertainties would result in an exhaustive approach with a high number of simulations, and we use an alternative, feasible approach. We use a generic model to quantify the stress state uncertainties from the model due to rock property variabilities. The main contributor is the Young's module, followed by the density and the Poisson ratio. They affect primarily the σxx and σyy components of the stress tensor, except for the density, which mainly affects the σzz component. Furthermore, a relative influence of the stress magnitudes, the tectonic stress regime and the absolute magnitude of rock properties is observed. We propose to use this information in a post-computation assignment of uncertainties to the individual components of the stress tensor. A range of lookup tables need to be generated that compile information on the effect of different variabilities in the rock properties on the components of the stress tensor in different tectonic settings. This allows feasible quantification of uncertainties in a geomechanical model and increases the significance of the model results significantly.

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