3D Seismic Attributes for Prospect Identification and Reservoir Characterization

A seismic attribute is any measure of seismic data that helps us better visualize or quantify features of interpretation interest. Seismic attributes fall into two broad categories – those that help us quantify the morphological component of seismic data and those that help us quantify the reflectivity component of seismic data. The morphological attributes help us extract information on reflector dip, azimuth, and terminations, which can, in turn, be related to faults, channels, fractures, diapirs, and carbonate buildups. The reflectivity attributes help us extract information on reflector amplitude, waveform, and variation with illumination angle, which can, in turn, be related to lithology, reservoir thickness, and the presence of hydrocarbons. In the reconnaissance mode, 3D seismic attributes help us to rapidly identify structural features and depositional environments. In the reservoir characterization model, 3D seismic attributes are calibrated against real and simulated well data to identify hydrocarbon accumulations and reservoir compartmentalization. In this course, we will gain an intuitive understanding of the kinds of seismic features that can be identified by 3D seismic attributes, the sensitivity of seismic attributes to seismic acquisition and processing, and of how ‘independent’ seismic attributes are coupled through geology. We will also discuss alternative workflows using seismic attributes for reservoir characterization as implemented by modern commercial software and practiced by interpretation service companies. Participants are invited to bring case studies from their workplace that demonstrate either the success or failure of seismic attributes to stimulate class discussion.