Basin-scale integrated earth-model building using rock-physics constraints

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangjun (Kevin) Liu ◽  
Nader Chand Dutta ◽  
Denes Vigh ◽  
Jerry Kapoor ◽  
Cara Hunter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Model Building ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Earth Model ◽  
Basin Scale

Improving hydrocarbon exploration with pore pressure assisted earth-model building

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. SG41-SG47
Author(s):  
Yangjun (Kevin) Liu ◽  
Michael O’Briain ◽  
Cara Hunter ◽  
Laura Jones ◽  
Emmanuel Saragoussi
Keyword(s):  
Pore Pressure ◽  
Initial Velocity ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Hydrocarbon Exploration ◽  
Earth Model ◽  
Well Control ◽  
Physics Model ◽  
Rock Physics Model

In shale-dominated clastic lithology environments, a rock-physics model relating velocity and pore pressure (PP) can be calibrated and used to convert velocity to PP properties. The crossvalidation between velocity and overpressure, which follows the geology, can be used to better understand the model, help to build an initial velocity model, and allow selecting tomography solutions with more confidence. The velocity model developed using this approach is more plausible and more suitable for subsequent PP analysis. We highlight the application of this method in areas with poor seismic illumination and insufficient well control.

Pore-pressure-constrained, rock-physics-guided velocity model building method: Alternate solution to mitigate subsalt geohazard

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. SE1-SE11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nader Dutta ◽  
Bhaskar Deo ◽  
Yangjun (Kevin) Liu ◽  
Krishna Ramani ◽  
Jerry Kapoor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pore Pressure ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Image Point ◽  
Earth Model ◽  
Velocity Modeling ◽  
Integrated Method ◽  
Fracture Pressure ◽  
Physics Model

We developed an integrated method that can better constrain subsalt tomography using geology, thermal history modeling, and rock-physics principles. This method, called rock-physics-guided velocity modeling for migration uses predicted pore pressure as a guide to improve the quality of the earth model. We first generated a rock-physics model that provided a range of plausible pore pressure that lies between hydrostatic (lowest possible pressure) and fracture pressure (highest possible pressure). The range of plausible pore pressures was then converted into a range of plausible depth varying velocities as a function of pore pressure that is consistent with geology and rock physics. Such a range of plausible velocities is called the rock-physics template. Such a template (constrained by geology) was then used to flatten the seismic gathers. We call this the pore-pressure scan technique. The outcome of the pore-pressure scan process was an “upper” and “lower” bound of pore pressure for a given earth model. Such velocity bounds were then used as constraints on the subsequent tomography, and further iterations were carried out. The integrated method not only flattened the common image point gathers but also limited the velocity field to its physically and geologically plausible range without well control; for example, in the study area it produced a better image and pore-pressure prognosis below salt. We determined that geologic control is essential, and we used it for stratigraphy, structure, and unconformity, etc. The method had several subsalt applications in the Gulf of Mexico and proved that subsalt pore pressure can be reliably predicted.

Earth-model building using rock physics and geology for depth imaging

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 1136-1152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nader C. Dutta ◽  
Sherman Yang ◽  
Jianchun Dai ◽  
S. Chandrasekhar ◽  
Firoze Dotiwala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Model Building ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Earth Model ◽  
Depth Imaging

Multiple joint wavefield inversions: Theory and field data implementations

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 411-421
Author(s):  
Daniele Colombo ◽  
Diego Rovetta ◽  
Taqi Al-Yousuf ◽  
Ernesto Sandoval ◽  
Ersan Turkoglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Input Data ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Joint Inversion ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Earth Model ◽  
Information Need ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Velocity Models

Accurate velocity models for the near surface and overburden are needed for seismic processing and reliable depth imaging. Seismic with multiphysics data, well logs, and geology information need to be quantitatively integrated to obtain high-resolution velocity models. We detail our development and application of the joint wavefield inversion software platform, which enables flexible algorithmic schemes for the integration of multiparameter data and constraints. Inversion is performed in cascade or simultaneously using a variety of input data to constrain the velocity field reconstruction at multiple scales. Coupling mechanisms based on structure similarity together with rock-physics relations are optimally combined to boost resolution and enhance accuracy of the inverted velocity models. Ill-posed inversion problems are then solved using extensive geologic and rock-physics regularization instead of relying on smoothness constraints alone. We detail workflows and algorithms to guide the application of multiparameter joint inversion for velocity model building whether the input data are seismic traveltimes, electromagnetics (time/frequency domains), gravity, and/or surface waves. Extensive applications of multiparameter joint inversion are presented for a variety of complex geologic scenarios in which various multiparameter coupling strategies are illustrated. Robust velocity modeling and enhanced seismic imaging in time and depth domains are obtained as a result, proving the importance of multiphysics integration for reliable earth model parameter estimation.

Integrated VTI model building with seismic data, geologic information, and rock-physics modeling — Part 1: Theory and synthetic test

Geophysics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 81 (5) ◽  
pp. C177-C191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunyue Li ◽  
Biondo Biondi ◽  
Robert Clapp ◽  
Dave Nichols
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Seismic Anisotropy ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Seismic Inversion ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Synthetic Test ◽  
Rock Physics Modeling ◽  
Physics Modeling ◽  
Geologic Information

Seismic anisotropy plays an important role in structural imaging and lithologic interpretation. However, anisotropic model building is a challenging underdetermined inverse problem. It is well-understood that single component pressure wave seismic data recorded on the upper surface are insufficient to resolve a unique solution for velocity and anisotropy parameters. To overcome the limitations of seismic data, we have developed an integrated model building scheme based on Bayesian inference to consider seismic data, geologic information, and rock-physics knowledge simultaneously. We have performed the prestack seismic inversion using wave-equation migration velocity analysis (WEMVA) for vertical transverse isotropic (VTI) models. This image-space method enabled automatic geologic interpretation. We have integrated the geologic information as spatial model correlations, applied on each parameter individually. We integrate the rock-physics information as lithologic model correlations, bringing additional information, so that the parameters weakly constrained by seismic are updated as well as the strongly constrained parameters. The constraints provided by the additional information help the inversion converge faster, mitigate the ambiguities among the parameters, and yield VTI models that were consistent with the underlying geologic and lithologic assumptions. We have developed the theoretical framework for the proposed integrated WEMVA for VTI models and determined the added information contained in the regularization terms, especially the rock-physics constraints.

Integrated earth model building in the shallow water Bay of Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadxieli De La Rosa Perez ◽  
Juan Perdomo ◽  
David Manzano ◽  
Hao Deng ◽  
Anastasia Pavlovskaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Shallow Water ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Earth Model

Introduction to this special section: Rock physics

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 332-332
Author(s):  
Yongyi Li ◽  
Lev Vernik ◽  
Mark Chapman ◽  
Joel Sarout
Keyword(s):  
Reservoir Characterization ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Seismic Analysis ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Special Section ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Seismic Inversion ◽  
Reservoir Properties ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Experimental Rock

Rock physics links the physical properties of rocks to geophysical and petrophysical observations and, in the process, serves as a focal point in many exploration and reservoir characterization studies. Today, the field of rock physics and seismic petrophysics embraces new directions with diverse applications in estimating static and dynamic reservoir properties through time-variant mechanical, thermal, chemical, and geologic processes. Integration with new digital and computing technologies is gradually gaining traction. The use of rock physics in seismic imaging, prestack seismic analysis, seismic inversion, and geomechanical model building also contributes to the increase in rock-physics influence. This special section highlights current rock-physics research and practices in several key areas, namely experimental rock physics, rock-physics theory and model studies, and the use of rock physics in reservoir characterizations.

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