Benefits of Ultra-Dense 3D Spatial Sampling for Seismic Processing and Interpretation

The advances in seismic acquisition systems, especially onshore nodes, have made it possible to acquire ultra-dense 3D surveys at a reasonable cost. This new design enables accurate processing sequences that deliver higher resolution images of the subsurface. These images in turn lead to enhanced structural interpretation and better prediction of rock properties. In 2019, ADNOC and partners acquired an 81 square kilometer ultra-high density pilot survey onshore Abu Dhabi. The receivers were nimble nodes laid out on a 12.5x12.5m grid, which recorded continuously and stored the data on a memory chip. The sources were heavy vibrators sweeping the 2-110 Hz frequency range in 14 seconds on a 12.5x100m grid. 184 million traces per square kilometers did make such small area, the densest 3D seismic survey ever recorded. The single sensor data were expectedly very noisy and the unconstrained simultaneous shooting required elaborate deblending, but we managed these steps with existing tools. The dense 3D receiver grid actually enabled the use of interferometry-based ground-roll attenuation, a technique that is rarely used with conventional data due to inadequate sampling, but that resulted in increased signal-to-noise ratio. The data were migrated directly to depth using a velocity model derived after five iterations of tomographic inversion. The final image gathers were made of 18 reciprocal azimuths with 12.5m offset increment, resulting in 5,000 fold on a 6.25x6.25m grid. The main structural interpretation was achieved during the velocity model building stage. Key horizons were picked after the tomographic iterations and the velocity model was adjusted so that their depth matched the well markers. Anisotropic parameters were adjusted to maintain gather flatness and the new model was fed to the next iteration. This ultimately resulted in flat image gathers and horizons that tied to the wells. The final high-resolution data provided a much crisper image of the target clinoforms and faults. This resulted in a more detailed interpretation of the reservoirs. The data was subjected to pre-stack stratigraphic inversion. The availability of low frequency signal (down to 3 Hz) means that less well constraints are needed for the inversion. Preliminary results are particularly encouraging. Amplitude variations with azimuth have yet to be analyzed but data density bodes very well for the process. Ultra-dense 3D seismic acquisition is feasible and results in a step change in image quality. Structural and stratigraphic interpretation provided a more detailed image of faults and clinoforms. Stratigraphic inversion benefited from the low frequencies of the vibrator source and the increased spatial resolution.