Seismic Evaluation of

Reservoirs
Bruce Hart
McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Contents

Introduction
Rock Properties and Seismic Data
Effects of Acquisition and Processing on
Interpretation
Structural Interpretation
Depth Conversion

Contents (continued)

Stratigraphic Interpretation
Seismic Attributes
Amplitude Variation with Offset
Summary

Seismic data, in particular 3-D seismic data, are

a mainstay of the petroleum industry

Seismic data provide subsurface images and other information

that may be used by geophysicists, geologists and engineers
alike to identify and effectively drain hydrocarbon reservoirs

Purpose

Use of seismic data in reservoir

characterization
Primary focus on geological
interpretation

I used to be a geologist
Structural and stratigraphic features form
reservoirs, traps, compartments, barriers,
baffles, etc.
Seismic methods for detecting them

Purpose

Emphasize the geological interpretation of

seismic data for the exploration and
development of hydrocarbons
Geophysics for geologists
New geologic concepts for geophysicists
Survey design -> processing ->
interpretation

Purpose

Provide a basic tool set and workflow for

interpretation
Touch on certain aspects of acquisition and
processing
Focus on the principles underlying
interpretation process
Nuts-and-bolts of specific software
applications not discussed

Format

Lectures

Powerpoint slides
Most images and text are in the notes

Exercises

Some I cannot give you

Some may be added as we go along,
depending on your interests

Few, simple

Discussions

Format

Do not hesitate to ask questions, make

comments as we go along

Do you understand?
Do you agree?
Have you seen this before?
How did I do that?

Do not hesitate to ask for breaks

Please respect the interests of others

My Background

Ph.D. in Geology

Clastic sequence stratigraphy

20 years experience

Generally collaborative/applied research

with Industry partners
Integration of seismic/geology/engineering
Clastics/carbonates
Stratigraphy/structure
Modern -> Precambrian

My Background

Professional instruction/short courses

on (3-D) seismic interpretation

Past 9 years
Conferences (AAPG, CSPG, etc.)
Workshops
In-house (Anadarko, ConocoPhillips,
Devon, etc.)
Training companies (OGCI, Erex, Nautilus)

What about you?

Please introduce yourself

Background

Geology/geophysics
Years experience
Company

Interests

What do you want to get out of the course?

The 3-D seismic dream

An example from the Offshore Gulf of Mexico

3-D seismic data allowed operators to identify by-passed pay

Structural and stratigraphic compartments

The Development of Seismic

Seismic data
CMP method
There are no silver bullets
Bright spots
3-D seismic
Time-lapse (4-D) seismic
Seismic attributes
AVO
Multicomponent seismic
Etc.

Seismic data should not be interpreted in a stand-alone fashion.

Geological, geophysical and engineering expertise and data
need to be included in a complete interpretation

Especially at the Reservoir Level!