- Home
- A-Z Publications
- Geophysical Prospecting
- Previous Issues
- Volume 61, Issue 3, 2013
Geophysical Prospecting - Volume 61, Issue 3, 2013
Volume 61, Issue 3, 2013
-
-
Traveltime approximations for inhomogeneous transversely isotropic media with a horizontal symmetry axis
More LessABSTRACTTraveltime information is crucial for parameter estimation, especially if the medium is described by a set of anisotropy parameters. We can efficiently estimate these parameters if we are able to relate them analytically to traveltimes, which is generally hard to do in inhomogeneous media. I develop traveltime approximations for transversely isotropic media with a horizontal symmetry axis (HTI) as simplified and even linear functions of the anisotropy parameters. This is accomplished by perturbing the solution of the HTI eikonal equation with respect to the anellipticity parameter, η and the azimuth of the symmetry axis (typically associated with the fracture direction) from a generally inhomogeneous, elliptically anisotropic background medium. Such a perturbation is convenient since the elliptically anisotropic information might be obtained from well velocities in HTI media. Thus, we scan for only η and the symmetry‐axis azimuth. The resulting approximations can provide a reasonably accurate analytical description of the traveltime in a homogenous background compared to other published moveout equations. They also help extend the inhomogenous background isotropic or elliptically anisotropic models to an HTI one with a smoothly variable η and symmetry‐axis azimuth.
-
-
-
Frequency‐space wavefield extrapolation using infinite impulse response digital filters: is it feasible?
More LessABSTRACTThe purpose of this paper is to study the possibility of performing practically stable and efficient frequency‐space (f−x) wavefield extrapolation for the application of seismic imaging and datuming via infinite impulse response (IIR) filters. The model reduction control theory was adopted to design such IIR f−x extrapolation filters. The model reduction theory reduces the order of a given order system which, in this case, involves reducing a finite impulse response (FIR) f−x extrapolation filter system into an IIR f−x extrapolation filter system. This theory relies on decomposing the states of the given filter system into strong and weakly coupled sub‐systems, and then eliminating the weakly coupled states via singular value decomposition of the Hankel and the impulse response Gramian matrices. Simulation results indicate that IIR f−x filters can be obtained, which are stable from an IIR filter design point of view. Simulations also indicate that stable seismic impulse responses and synthetics can be obtained with a reduced system model order and, hence, less computational efforts with respect to the number of complex multiplications and additions per output sample. It is hoped that this study will open new possibilities for researchers to reconsider designing IIR f−x explicit depth extrapolation filters due to their expected computational savings and wavenumber response accuracy, when compared to the FIR f−x explicit depth extrapolation filters.
-
-
-
Seismic data analysis using local time‐frequency decomposition
Authors Yang Liu and Sergey FomelABSTRACTMany natural phenomena, including geologic events and geophysical data, are fundamentally nonstationary ‐ exhibiting statistical variation that changes in space and time. Time‐frequency characterization is useful for analysing such data, seismic traces in particular.
We present a novel time‐frequency decomposition, which aims at depicting the nonstationary character of seismic data. The proposed decomposition uses a Fourier basis to match the target signal using regularized least‐squares inversion. The decomposition is invertible, which makes it suitable for analysing nonstationary data. The proposed method can provide more flexible time‐frequency representation than the classical S transform. Results of applying the method to both synthetic and field data examples demonstrate that the local time‐frequency decomposition can characterize nonstationary variation of seismic data and be used in practical applications, such as seismic ground‐roll noise attenuation and multicomponent data registration.
-
-
-
Seismic wave extrapolation using lowrank symbol approximation
Authors Sergey Fomel, Lexing Ying and Xiaolei SongABSTRACTWe consider the problem of constructing a wave extrapolation operator in a variable and possibly anisotropic medium. Our construction involves Fourier transforms in space combined with the help of a lowrank approximation of the space‐wavenumber wave‐propagator matrix. A lowrank approximation implies selecting a small set of representative spatial locations and a small set of representative wavenumbers. We present a mathematical derivation of this method, a description of the lowrank approximation algorithm and numerical examples that confirm the validity of the proposed approach. Wave extrapolation using lowrank approximation can be applied to seismic imaging by reverse‐time migration in 3D heterogeneous isotropic or anisotropic media.
-
-
-
Full waveform inversion in the time lapse mode applied to CO2 storage at Sleipner
Authors Manuel Queißer and Satish C. SinghABSTRACTCarbon capture and storage is a viable greenhouse gas mitigation technology and the Sleipner CO2 sequestration site in the North Sea is an excellent example. Storage of CO2 at the Sleipner site requires monitoring over large areas, which can successfully be accomplished with time lapse seismic imaging. One of the main goals of CO2 storage monitoring is to be able to estimate the volume of the stored CO2 in the reservoir. This requires a parametrization of the subsurface as exact as possible. Here we use elastic 2D time‐domain full waveform inversion in a time lapse manner to obtain a P‐wave velocity constrain directly in the depth domain for a base line survey in 1994 and two post‐injection surveys in 1999 and 2006. By relating velocity change to free CO2 saturation, using a rock physics model, we find that at the considered location the aquifer may have been fully saturated in some places in 1999 and 2006.
-
-
-
Pure acoustic wave propagation in transversely isotropic media by the pseudospectral method
Authors Chunlei Chu, Brian K. Macy and Phil D. AnnoABSTRACTSeismic wave propagation in transversely isotropic (TI) media is commonly described by a set of coupled partial differential equations, derived from the acoustic approximation. These equations produce pure P‐wave responses in elliptically anisotropic media but generate undesired shear‐wave components for more general TI anisotropy. Furthermore, these equations suffer from instabilities when the anisotropy parameter ε is less than δ. One solution to both problems is to use pure acoustic anisotropic wave equations, which can produce pure P‐waves without any shear‐wave contaminations in both elliptical and anelliptical TI media. In this paper, we propose a new pure acoustic transversely isotropic wave equation, which can be conveniently solved using the pseudospectral method. Like most other pure acoustic anisotropic wave equations, our equation involves complicated pseudo‐differential operators in space which are difficult to handle using the finite difference method. The advantage of our equation is that all of its model parameters are separable from the spatial differential and pseudo‐differential operators; therefore, the pseudospectral method can be directly applied. We use phase velocity analysis to show that our equation, expressed in a summation form, can be properly truncated to achieve the desired accuracy according to anisotropy strength. This flexibility allows us to save computational time by choosing the right number of summation terms for a given model. We use numerical examples to demonstrate that this new pure acoustic wave equation can produce highly accurate results, completely free from shear‐wave artefacts. This equation can be straightforwardly generalized to tilted TI media.
-
-
-
A tilted transversely isotropic slowness surface approximation
Authors A. Stovas and T. AlkhalifahABSTRACTThe relation between vertical and horizontal slownesses, better known as the dispersion relation, for transversely isotropic media with a tilted symmetry axis (TTI) requires solving a quartic polynomial equation, which does not admit a practical explicit solution to be used, for example, in downward continuation. Using a combination of the perturbation theory with respect to the anelliptic parameter and Shanks transform to improve the accuracy of the expansion, we develop an explicit formula for the vertical slowness that is highly accurate for all practical purposes. It also reveals some insights into the anisotropy parameter dependency of the dispersion relation including the low impact that the anelliptic parameter has on the vertical placement of reflectors for a small tilt in the symmetry angle.
-
-
-
Moveout approximation for vertical seismic profile geometry in a 2D model with anisotropic layers
By Emil BliasABSTRACTI introduce a new explicit form of vertical seismic profile (VSP) traveltime approximation for a 2D model with non‐horizontal boundaries and anisotropic layers. The goal of the new approximation is to dramatically decrease the cost of time calculations by reducing the number of calculated rays in a complex multi‐layered anisotropic model for VSP walkaway data with many sources. This traveltime approximation extends the generalized moveout approximation proposed by Fomel and Stovas. The new equation is designed for borehole seismic geometry where the receivers are placed in a well while the sources are on the surface. For this, the time‐offset function is presented as a sum of odd and even functions. Coefficients in this approximation are determined by calculating the traveltime and its first‐ and second‐order derivatives at five specific rays. Once these coefficients are determined, the traveltimes at other rays are calculated by this approximation. Testing this new approximation on a 2D anisotropic model with dipping boundaries shows its very high accuracy for offsets three times the reflector depths. The new approximation can be used for 2D anisotropic models with tilted symmetry axes for practical VSP geometry calculations. The new explicit approximation eliminates the need of massive ray tracing in a complicated velocity model for multi‐source VSP surveys. This method is designed not for NMO correction but for replacing conventional ray tracing for time calculations.
-
-
-
Reservoir permeability prediction by neural networks combined with hybrid genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization
Authors Mohammad Ali Ahmadi, Sohrab Zendehboudi, Ali Lohi, Ali Elkamel and Ioannis ChatzisABSTRACTReservoir characterization involves describing different reservoir properties quantitatively using various techniques in spatial variability. Nevertheless, the entire reservoir cannot be examined directly and there still exist uncertainties associated with the nature of geological data. Such uncertainties can lead to errors in the estimation of the ultimate recoverable oil. To cope with uncertainties, intelligent mathematical techniques to predict the spatial distribution of reservoir properties appear as strong tools. The goal here is to construct a reservoir model with lower uncertainties and realistic assumptions. Permeability is a petrophysical property that relates the amount of fluids in place and their potential for displacement. This fundamental property is a key factor in selecting proper enhanced oil recovery schemes and reservoir management. In this paper, a soft sensor on the basis of a feed‐forward artificial neural network was implemented to forecast permeability of a reservoir. Then, optimization of the neural network‐based soft sensor was performed using a hybrid genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization method. The proposed genetic method was used for initial weighting of the parameters in the neural network. The developed methodology was examined using real field data. Results from the hybrid method‐based soft sensor were compared with the results obtained from the conventional artificial neural network. A good agreement between the results was observed, which demonstrates the usefulness of the developed hybrid genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization in prediction of reservoir permeability.
-
-
-
Poro‐acoustoelasticity of fluid‐saturated rocks
Authors Jing Ba, José M. Carcione, Hong Cao, Fengchang Yao and Qizhen DuABSTRACTWe generalize the classical theory of acoustoelasticity to the porous case (one fluid and a solid frame) and finite deformations. A unified treatment of non‐linear acoustoelasticity of finite strains in fluid‐saturated porous rocks is developed on the basis of Biot’s theory. A strain‐energy function, formed with eleven terms, combined with Biot’s kinetic and dissipation energies, yields Lagrange’s equations and consequently the wave equation of the medium. The velocities and dissipation factors of the P‐ and S‐waves are obtained as a function of the 2nd‐ and 3rd‐order elastic constants for hydrostatic and uniaxial loading. The theory yields the limit to the classical theory if the fluid is replaced with a solid with the same properties of the frame. We consider sandstone and obtain results for open‐pore jacketed and closed‐pore jacketed ‘gedanken’ experiments. Finally, we compare the theoretical results with experimental data.
-
-
-
Seismic driven probabilistic classification of reservoir facies for static reservoir modelling: a case history in the Barents Sea
Authors Dario Grana, Enrico Paparozzi, Silvia Mancini and Cristiano TarchianiABSTRACTIn this paper we present a case history of seismic reservoir characterization where we estimate the probability of facies from seismic data and simulate a set of reservoir models honouring seismically‐derived probabilistic information. In appraisal and development phases, seismic data have a key role in reservoir characterization and static reservoir modelling, as in most of the cases seismic data are the only information available far away from the wells. However seismic data do not provide any direct measurements of reservoir properties, which have then to be estimated as a solution of a joint inverse problem. For this reason, we show the application of a complete workflow for static reservoir modelling where seismic data are integrated to derive probability volumes of facies and reservoir properties to condition reservoir geostatistical simulations. The studied case is a clastic reservoir in the Barents Sea, where a complete data set of well logs from five wells and a set of partial‐stacked seismic data are available. The multi‐property workflow is based on seismic inversion, petrophysics and rock physics modelling. In particular, log‐facies are defined on the basis of sedimentological information, petrophysical properties and also their elastic response. The link between petrophysical and elastic attributes is preserved by introducing a rock‐physics model in the inversion methodology. Finally, the uncertainty in the reservoir model is represented by multiple geostatistical realizations. The main result of this workflow is a set of facies realizations and associated rock properties that honour, within a fixed tolerance, seismic and well log data and assess the uncertainty associated with reservoir modelling.
-
-
-
Electrical properties and geochemistry of carbonate rocks from the Qasr El‐Sagha Formation, El‐Faiyum, Egypt
Authors Esmat A. Abou El‐Anwar and Mohamed M. GomaaABSTRACTUnderstanding petrographical, geochemical and electrical properties of rocks is essential for investigating minerals. This paper presents a study of the petrographical, geochemical and A.C. electrical properties of carbonate rock samples. The samples collected show six lithostratigraphic rock units.
Electrical properties were measured using a non‐polarizing electrode at room temperature (∼20°C) and a relative atmospheric humidity of ∼50% by weight in the frequency range from 42 Hz to 5 MHz. The difference in electrical properties between the samples was attributed to the change in composition and texture between the samples. Electrical properties generally change with many factors (grain size, chemical composition, grain shape and facies). The dielectric constant decreases with frequency and increases with conductor composition. The conductivity increases with the increase of conductor paths between electrodes. Many parameters can contribute to the same result of the electrical properties.
The main objective of the present study is to shed more light on the relation between the texture and geochemical composition of measured samples (carbonates that contain clays and quartz grains) through electrical laboratory measurements (conductivity and dielectric constant as a function of frequency).
-
-
-
A fast integral equation solver for 3D induction well logging in formations with large conductivity contrasts
Authors Xiao Chun Nie, Ning Yuan and Richard LiuABSTRACTSimulation of induction logging responses in formations with large conductivity contrasts is an important but challenging problem due to the singularity of a linear system caused by large contrasts. Also, three‐dimensional (3D) analysis of complex geophysical structures usually encounters high computational demands. In this paper, a pre‐corrected fast Fourier transform (pFFT)‐accelerated integral equation method is applied to overcome these difficulties. In the approach, the entire formation is included in the solution domain. The volume integral equation is set up in the region based on the fact that the total field is the summation of the excitation field and the secondary field. The emitted field by the transmitter coil (treated as a magnetic dipole) is regarded as the excitation of the system. Then the method of moments (MoM) is used to solve the integral equation. To reduce the high computational requirements of the MoM, the pFFT method is used to speed up the solution of the matrix equation and reduce the memory requirement as well. The resultant method is capable of computing induction logging problems involving large and complex formations. For problems with high conductivity contrasts, the solution of the matrix equation usually converges very slow or even fails to converge due to the large condition number of the coefficient matrix. To overcome this difficulty, an incomplete LU pre‐conditioner is used to significantly speed up the convergence of the matrix equation, thus further reducing the computation time. Numerical results show that the present method is efficient and flexible for 3D simulation of induction logging and is specifically superior for problems with high conductivity contrasts.
-
-
-
Influence of dispersive soil electromagnetic properties on hand‐held time domain electromagnetic sensors
Authors Guy Cross and Yogadhish DasABSTRACTAlthough metal detectors remain the workhorses of humanitarian demining, it is well established that the performance of both continuous wave (frequency domain) and pulsed induction (time domain) detectors can be severely compromised by so‐called ‘soil‐effects’. Generally, problem soils reduce the signal‐to‐noise ratio and increase the false‐detection rate. In certain locations, the soil‐effect is so severe as to render the detector practically inoperable. The current study is part of an ongoing international effort to establish and quantify the influence of soil electromagnetic properties on the operation of metal detectors and related sensor technologies. In particular, we examine the relative influence of soil electrical conductivity, magnetic susceptibility and associated frequency dependence on the time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) response of pulsed induction metal detectors and related small‐scale TDEM sensors.
-
-
-
A radio magnetotelluric study to evaluate the extents of a limestone quarry in Estonia
Authors Mehrdad Bastani, Lena Persson, Majid Beiki and Ritva HarinenABSTRACTElectromagnetic signals from distant radio transmitters in the frequency range 15–250 kHz were measured to model an electrical resistivity structure beneath 7 profiles in the vicinity of the Karinu limestone quarry in Estonia with the aim to map the extent of the economically exploitable limestone. The resistivity models from a 2D inversion of determinant resistivity and phase values using an Occam type of regularization contained reasonably accurate information about the geometry, namely depth to the top and the bottom of the target high‐resistivity limestone. The resistivity models correlated well with existing geological evidences as well as information from closely located boreholes. However, the sharp lithological boundaries seen in the boreholes were not resolved exactly in the resistivity models. This is probably because of the smoothing regularization used in the inversion process. Combined use of borehole data together with resistivity models resulted in two major geological interpretations; a) towards the western part of the existing limestone quarry there is a NNW to NS striking fault, covered by post‐glacial sediments, b) a potential cost‐effective exploitable area containing high quality highly resistive limestone is located south of the existing quarry. This case study shows the applicability of the reasonably fast radio magnetotelluric (RMT) method for the exploration of near‐surface resources.
-
-
-
Experimental measurements of the streaming potential and seismoelectric conversion in Berea sandstone
Authors Zhenya Zhu and M. Nafi ToksözABSTRACTThe streaming potential across a porous medium is induced by a fluid flow due to an electric double layer between a solid and a fluid. When an acoustic wave propagates through a porous medium, the wave pressure generates a relative movement between the solid and the fluid. The moving charge in the fluid induces an electric field and seismoelectric conversion. In order to investigate the streaming potential and the seismoelectric conversion in the same rock sample, we conduct measurements with Berea sandstone saturated by NaCl solutions with different conductivities. We measure the electric voltage (streaming potential) across a cylindrical sample in NaCl solutions with different conductivities and under different pressures to determine the DC coupling coefficients. We also measure the seismoelectric signals induced by acoustic waves with a Berea sandstone plate at different frequencies and solution conductivities. The pressures of the acoustic waves are calibrated with a standard hydrophone (Brüel & 8103) at different frequencies (15–120 kHz). We calculate the quantitative coupling coefficients of the seismoelectric conversion at DC and at high frequencies with samples saturated by solutions with different conductivities. When the Berea sandstone sample is saturated by the NaCl solution with 0.32 mS/m in conductivity, for example, the DC and seismoelectric coupling coefficients at 15 kHz are 0.024 μV/Pa and 0.019 μV/Pa, respectively. The seismoelectric coupling coefficient is an important and helpful parameter for designing a seismoelectric tool. More experimental measurements of seismoelectric coupling coefficients in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 15 kHz are needed in the future.
-
Volumes & issues
-
Volume 72 (2023 - 2024)
-
Volume 71 (2022 - 2023)
-
Volume 70 (2021 - 2022)
-
Volume 69 (2021)
-
Volume 68 (2020)
-
Volume 67 (2019)
-
Volume 66 (2018)
-
Volume 65 (2017)
-
Volume 64 (2015 - 2016)
-
Volume 63 (2015)
-
Volume 62 (2014)
-
Volume 61 (2013)
-
Volume 60 (2012)
-
Volume 59 (2011)
-
Volume 58 (2010)
-
Volume 57 (2009)
-
Volume 56 (2008)
-
Volume 55 (2007)
-
Volume 54 (2006)
-
Volume 18 (1970 - 2006)
-
Volume 53 (2005)
-
Volume 52 (2004)
-
Volume 51 (2003)
-
Volume 50 (2002)
-
Volume 49 (2001)
-
Volume 48 (2000)
-
Volume 47 (1999)
-
Volume 46 (1998)
-
Volume 45 (1997)
-
Volume 44 (1996)
-
Volume 43 (1995)
-
Volume 42 (1994)
-
Volume 41 (1993)
-
Volume 40 (1992)
-
Volume 39 (1991)
-
Volume 38 (1990)
-
Volume 37 (1989)
-
Volume 36 (1988)
-
Volume 35 (1987)
-
Volume 34 (1986)
-
Volume 33 (1985)
-
Volume 32 (1984)
-
Volume 31 (1983)
-
Volume 30 (1982)
-
Volume 29 (1981)
-
Volume 28 (1980)
-
Volume 27 (1979)
-
Volume 26 (1978)
-
Volume 25 (1977)
-
Volume 24 (1976)
-
Volume 23 (1975)
-
Volume 22 (1974)
-
Volume 21 (1973)
-
Volume 20 (1972)
-
Volume 19 (1971)
-
Volume 17 (1969)
-
Volume 16 (1968)
-
Volume 15 (1967)
-
Volume 14 (1966)
-
Volume 13 (1965)
-
Volume 12 (1964)
-
Volume 11 (1963)
-
Volume 10 (1962)
-
Volume 9 (1961)
-
Volume 8 (1960)
-
Volume 7 (1959)
-
Volume 6 (1958)
-
Volume 5 (1957)
-
Volume 4 (1956)
-
Volume 3 (1955)
-
Volume 2 (1954)
-
Volume 1 (1953)