1887
Volume 54, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 0812-3985
  • E-ISSN: 1834-7533

Abstract

The time-depth conversion process is a significant task in seismic interpretation to establish the link between geophysical information in the time domain and geological information in the depth domain at/away from well locations. Selecting the suitable velocity model for time-depth conversion to generate an accurate depth map is difficult if the accuracy of these models is unknown. In the current study, the cross-validation technique is used as a tool to diagnose and evaluate the performance of time-depth conversion at/away from well controls to predict the depth of Top Hartha and Zubair reservoirs using the dataset of East Baghdad Oil Field. To test this technique, four common velocity model approaches used for time-depth conversion with different scenarios of velocity parameters (initial velocity and depth gradient ()) were applied to produce ten velocity models (1–10). According to the gradient variation of velocity with depth, check shot analysis, the velocity models (1–10) include three key velocities layer-cakes: Layer 1 (Middle Miocene-Upper Cretaceous), Layer 2 (Upper Cretaceous), and Layer 3 (Lower Cretaceous) with 18 horizons from Middle Miocene down to Lower Cretaceous. The cross-validation analysis reveals that the velocity model with a variable surface initial velocity and constant depth gradient (Model 9) was the most accurate with fewer mistie between actual and predicted depth. Consequently, this model is used to construct the depth map of the Hartha and Zubair reservoirs. Finally, this study progresses a workflow that can be applied to the region with any geological setting to investigate time-depth conversion uncertainty.

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1080/08123985.2022.2140653
2023-05-04
2026-01-25
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Adli, S., and H.Hafez. 2014. Carbonate pinnacle-reef velocity modeling for depth conversion: pitfalls and best practices. Conference Paper: Offshore Technology Conference-Asia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. doi:10.4043/25068‑MS.
    https://doi.org/10.4043/25068-MS
  2. AI-Mukhtar, K.S., and M.M.AI-Majid. 1995. The study of compaction using seismic velocity analyses in East-Baghdad Oil Field (mid-Iraq). Qatar University Science Journal15: 399–406.
    [Google Scholar]
  3. Al-Ameri, T.K.2011. Khasib and Tannuma oil sources, East Baghdad Oil Field, Iraq. Marine and Petroleum Geology28: 880–94. doi:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2010.06.003.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2010.06.003 [Google Scholar]
  4. Al-Ameri, T.K., A.K.Al-Temimi, and J.Zumberge. 2016. Assessments of oil characterization, source affinities, and hydrocarbon dynamic of East Baghdad Oil Fields, Central Iraq. Marine and Petroleum Geology. doi:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2016.03.009.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2016.03.009 [Google Scholar]
  5. Al-Chalabi, M.1997. Time-depth relationships for multilayer depth conversion. Geophysical Prospecting45: 715–20. doi:10.1046/j.1365‑2478.1997.520293.x.
    https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2478.1997.520293.x [Google Scholar]
  6. Al-Chalabi, M.2001. The use of instantaneous velocity in uplift investigations. Geophysical Prospecting49: 645–55. doi:10.1046/j.1365‑2478.2001.00263.x.
    https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2478.2001.00263.x [Google Scholar]
  7. Al-Chalabi, M.2014. Principles of seismic velocities and time-to-depth conversion. Houten: EAGE Publications Bv.
  8. Al-Khazraji, O.N.A., and S.S.H.Al-Karadaghi. 2020. Reducing the risk and residual errors by uncertainty analysis of depth conversion in Nasiriya Oil Field, Iraq. Arabian Journal of Geoscience13: 498. doi:10.1007/s12517‑020‑05479‑4.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05479-4 [Google Scholar]
  9. Al-Khazraji, O.N.A., S.A.Al-Qaraghuli, L.Abdulkareem, and R.M.Idan. 2022. Uncertainty analysis to assess depth conversion accuracy: A case study of Subba Oilfield, Southern Iraq. Iraqi Journal of Science63, no. 2: 618–31. doi:10.24996/ijs.2022.63.2.18.
    https://doi.org/10.24996/ijs.2022.63.2.18 [Google Scholar]
  10. Alexander, O., and A.O.Temitope. 2019. Velocity modelling and depth conversion uncertainty analysis of onshore reservoirs in the Niger delta basin. Journal of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences14: 239–47.
    [Google Scholar]
  11. Ali, P., and Z.R.Azi. 1993. The Zubair formation, East Baghdad oilfield, Central Iraq. Journal of Petroleum Geology16: 353–64. doi:10.1111/j.1747‑5457.1993.tb00344.x.
    https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-5457.1993.tb00344.x [Google Scholar]
  12. Aqrawi, A.A.M., J.C.Goff, A.D.Horbury, and F.M.Sadooni. 2010. The petroleum geology of Iraq. London: Scientific Press Ltd.
  13. Bartel, D.C., M.Busby, J.Nealon, and J.Zaske. 2006. Time to depth conversion and uncertainty assessment using average velocity modeling. 76th SEG Annual Meeting, Expanded Abstracts. doi:10.1190/1.2369965.
    https://doi.org/10.1190/1.2369965
  14. Brown, A.R.2011. Interpretation of three-dimensional seismic data. AAPG memoir 42. 7th ed. Tulsa, OK: AAPG, 368 p.
  15. Buday, T., and S.Z.Jassim. 1984. Tectonic map of Iraq. Scale 1; 1,000,000. Baghdad: Directorate General of Geological Survey and Mineral Investigation.
  16. Carrier, A., C.Nawratil de Bono, and M.Lupi. 2020. Affordable gravity prospection calibrated on improved time-to-depth conversion of old seismic profiles for exploration of geothermal resources. Geothermics86: 1–16. doi:10.1016/j.geothermics.2020.101800.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2020.101800 [Google Scholar]
  17. Chellingsworth, L., M.Bentley, and T.Wynn. 2015. Human factors in seismic uncertainty – restoring a realistic uncertainty range. Interpretation: Special Section: Seismic Uncertainties, 21–32. doi:10.1190/INT‑2014‑0203.1.
    https://doi.org/10.1190/INT-2014-0203.1 [Google Scholar]
  18. Crabtree, N.J.2004. Using cross-validation to improve depth conversion – a West Africa example. Abstracts CSEG, National Conference.
  19. Crabtree, N.J.2007. Closure confidence: How big is that field? A case study. ASEG Extended Abstracts14: 1–4.
    [Google Scholar]
  20. Crabtree, N.J.2017. Ranking velocity models for depth conversion, closure confidence and volumetric. Frist Break35: 39–49. doi:10.3997/1365‑2397.2017009.
    https://doi.org/10.3997/1365-2397.2017009 [Google Scholar]
  21. Dalfsen, W.V., J.C.Doornenbal, S.Dortland, and J.L.Gunnink. 2006. A comprehensive seismic velocity model for The Netherlands based on lithostratigraphic layers. Netherlands Journal of Geosciences85: 277–92. doi:10.1017/S0016774600023076.
    https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016774600023076 [Google Scholar]
  22. Dubrule, O.1983. Cross-validation of kriging in a unique neighborhood. Mathematical Geology15: 687–99.
    [Google Scholar]
  23. Etris, E.L., N.J.Crabtree, J.Dewar, and S.Pickford. 2001. True depth conversion: More than a pretty picture. CSEG Recorder26, no. 9: 11–22.
    [Google Scholar]
  24. Grant, R.J., J.R.Underhill, J.Hernández-Casado, S.M.Barkerb, and R.J.Jamieson. 2017. Upper Permian Zechstein supergroup carbonate-evaporite platform palaeomorphology in the UK Southern North Sea. Marine and Petroleum Geology. doi:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.11.029.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.11.029 [Google Scholar]
  25. Hillis, R.R., T.A.Macklin, and P.Siffleet. 1995. Regional depth-conversion of mapped seismic two-way-times in the Cooper-Eromanga basins. Exploration Geophysics26: 412–8. doi:10.1071/EG995412.
    https://doi.org/10.1071/EG995412 [Google Scholar]
  26. Hwang, L., and D.McCorkindale. 1994. Troll field depth conversion using geostatistically derived average velocities. The Leading Edge. doi:10.1190/1.1437018.
    https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1437018 [Google Scholar]
  27. Japsen, P.1994. Retarded compaction due to overpressure deduced from a seismic velocity/depth conversion study in the Danish Central Trough, North Sea. Marine and Petroleum Geology11: 715–33. doi:10.1016/0264‑8172(94)90025‑6.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/0264-8172(94)90025-6 [Google Scholar]
  28. Jassim, S.Z., and J.C.Goff. 2006. Geology of Iraq. Brno: Dolin, Prague and Moravian Museum, 341 p.
  29. Jensen, L.P., E.S.Toft, S.Pearse, and A.Cherrett. 2015. An integrated approach to geostatistical depth conversion and gross rock volume estimation. Interpretation3: 9–17. doi:10.1190/INT‑2014‑0030.1.
    https://doi.org/10.1190/INT-2014-0030.1 [Google Scholar]
  30. Keho, T., and D.Samsu. 2002. Depth conversion of Tangguh gas fields. The Leading Edge. doi:10.1190/1.1518432.
    https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1518432 [Google Scholar]
  31. Khorshid, S.Z., F.M.Duaij, and H.H.Majeed. 2017. Structural and stratigraphic study of Hartha formation in the East Baghdad Oil Field, Central of Iraq. Iraqi Journal of Science58: 2118–27.
    [Google Scholar]
  32. Khorshid, S.Z., and A.D.Kadhm. 2015. Subsurface investigation of Oligocene geologic formations age, East Baghdad Oil Field. Iraqi Journal of Science56: 3441–51.
    [Google Scholar]
  33. Liu, X., Y.Li, B.Jiang, X.Duan, Y.Li, and G.Xiao. 2018. Multivariate constraints time-depth conversion method based on velocity tomography and application in Bohai K Oilfield. 80th EAGE Conference & Exhibition, 11–14, Copenhagen, Denmark. doi:10.3997/2214‑4609.201800993.
    https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.201800993
  34. Logel, J., and R.Holyrod. 2000. Quantifying depth conversion and volumetric uncertainty for a Norwegian field. GeoCanada 2000 Conference. doi:10.3997/2214‑4609.201800012.
    https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.201800012
  35. Lyon, P.J., P.J.Boult, A.Mitchell, and R.R.Hillis. 2004. Improving fault geometry interpretation through “pseudo-depth” conversion of seismic data in the Penola Trough, Otway Basin. PESA Eastern Australasian Basins Symposium II, 695–706.
  36. Maesano, F.E., and C.D.D’Ambrogi. 2016. Vel-IO 3D: A tool for 3D velocity model construction, optimization and time-depth conversion in 3D geological modeling workflow. Computers & Geosciences99: 171–82. doi:10.1016/j.cageo.2016.11.013.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2016.11.013 [Google Scholar]
  37. Marsden, D.1992. V0 – K method of depth conversion. The Leading Edge11, no. 8. doi:10.1190/1.1436898.
    https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1436898
  38. Piazza, J.L., L.Sandjivy, and S.Legeron. 1997. Use of geostatistics to improve seismic velocities: case studies. 67th SEG Annual Meeting, Expanded Abstracts. doi:10.1190/1.1885638.
    https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1885638
  39. Quintero, J.A., and M.L.Tejada. 2020. Time to depth conversion: Velocity modelling in the Llanos Basin, Onshore Colombia. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 1–17. doi:10.1016/j.jsames.2020.102557.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2020.102557 [Google Scholar]
  40. Rimando, P.M., and G.A.Manuel. 1997. Depth conversion in geologically complex structures: case study in offshore southwest Palawan. Journal Asian Earth Science15: 241–50. doi:10.1016/S0743‑9547(97)00010‑X.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/S0743-9547(97)00010-X [Google Scholar]
  41. Robein, E.2003. Velocities, time-imaging and depth-imaging in reflection seismics. Houten, Netherland: EAGE Publications.
  42. Schultz, P.1998. The seismic velocity model as an interpretation asset. Society of Exploration Geophysicists, 234 p. doi:10.1190/1.9781560801849.
    https://doi.org/10.1190/1.9781560801849
  43. Sheriff, R.E.2002. Encyclopedic dictionary of applied geophysics. 4th ed. Tulsa: SEG. 429 p.
  44. Smallwood, J.R.2002. Use of V0-K depth conversion from shelf to deep-water: How deep is that bright spot. First Break20, no. 2. doi:10.1046/j.1365‑2397.2002.00243.x.
    https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2397.2002.00243.x [Google Scholar]
  45. Todorov, T., and R.R.Stewart. 1997. Geostatistical analysis of 3C-3D seismic data for depth, isopachs, and sand/shale distribution. CREWES Research Report9: 1–40.
    [Google Scholar]
  46. Totake, Y., R.W.H.Butler, and C.E.Bond. 2017. Structural validation as an input into seismic depth conversion to decrease assigned structural uncertainty. Journal Structural Geology95: 32–47. doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2016.12.007.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2016.12.007 [Google Scholar]
  47. Total, C.F.1984. Sedimentation and diagenesis study of Tanuma and Khasib reservoirs, synthesis of the available core data. Interim Report. Baghdad: INOC Library, 98 pp.
  48. Velásquez, A.J., and H.Alfonso. 2018. Depth-conversion techniques and challenges in complex sub-Andean provinces. Interpretation6, no. 1: 1–12. doi:10.1190/INT‑2017‑0046.1.
    https://doi.org/10.1190/INT-2017-0046.1 [Google Scholar]
  49. Yusof, M.A., A.Agi, A.Gbadamosi, R.Junin, and A.Abbas. 2018. Uncertainty analysis of hydrocarbon in place calculation using 3D seismic and well data during appraisal stage – case study of Goldie Field, offshore Sarawak. Journal Natural Gas Science Engineering57: 238–65. doi:10.1016/j.jngse.2018.06.038.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2018.06.038 [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.1080/08123985.2022.2140653
Loading
/content/journals/10.1080/08123985.2022.2140653
Loading

Data & Media loading...

Most Cited This Month Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error