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- Volume 64, Issue 6, 2016
Geophysical Prospecting - Volume 64, Issue 6, 2016
Volume 64, Issue 6, 2016
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3D surface‐wave estimation and separation using a closed‐loop approach
Authors T. Ishiyama, G. Blacquière, D.J. Verschuur and W. MulderABSTRACTSurface waves in seismic data are often dominant in a land or shallow‐water environment. Separating them from primaries is of great importance either for removing them as noise for reservoir imaging and characterization or for extracting them as signal for near‐surface characterization. However, their complex properties make the surface‐wave separation significantly challenging in seismic processing. To address the challenges, we propose a method of three‐dimensional surface‐wave estimation and separation using an iterative closed‐loop approach. The closed loop contains a relatively simple forward model of surface waves and adaptive subtraction of the forward‐modelled surface waves from the observed surface waves, making it possible to evaluate the residual between them. In this approach, the surface‐wave model is parameterized by the frequency‐dependent slowness and source properties for each surface‐wave mode. The optimal parameters are estimated in such a way that the residual is minimized and, consequently, this approach solves the inverse problem. Through real data examples, we demonstrate that the proposed method successfully estimates the surface waves and separates them out from the seismic data. In addition, it is demonstrated that our method can also be applied to undersampled, irregularly sampled, and blended seismic data.
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Back‐projection stacking of P‐ and S‐waves to determine location and focal mechanism of microseismic events recorded by a surface array
Authors J. Vlček, T. Fischer and J. VilhelmABSTRACTWe present an automatic method of processing microseismic data acquired at the surface by a star‐like array. The back‐projection approach allows successive determination of the hypocenter position of each event and of its focal mechanisms. One‐component vertical geophone groups and three‐component accelerometers are employed to monitor both P‐ and S‐waves. Hypocenter coordinates are determined in a grid by back‐projection stacking of the short‐time‐average‐to‐long‐time‐average ratio of absolute amplitudes at vertical components and polarization norm derived from horizontal components of the P‐ and S‐waves, respectively. To make the location process more efficient, calculation is started with a coarse grid and zoomed to the optimum hypocenter using an oct‐tree algorithm. The focal mechanism is then determined by stacking the vertical component seismograms corrected for the theoretical P‐wave polarity of the focal mechanism. The mechanism is resolved in the coordinate space of strike, dip, and rake angles. The method is tested on 34 selected events of a dataset of hydraulic fracture monitoring of a shale gas play in North America. It was found that, by including S‐waves, the vertical accuracy of locations improved by a factor of two and is equal to approximately the horizontal location error. A twofold enhancement of horizontal location accuracy is achieved if a denser array of geophone groups is used instead of the sparse array of three‐component seismometers. The determined focal mechanisms are similar to those obtained by other methods applied to the same dataset.
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Wavelet‐based cepstrum decomposition of seismic data and its application in hydrocarbon detection
Authors Ya‐juan Xue, Jun‐xing Cao, Ren‐fei Tian, Hao‐kun Du and Yao YaoABSTRACTHow to use cepstrum analysis for reservoir characterization and hydrocarbon detection is an initial question of great interest to exploration seismologists. In this paper, wavelet‐based cepstrum decomposition is proposed as a valid technology for enhancing geophysical responses in specific frequency bands, in the same way as traditional spectrum decomposition methods do. The calculation of wavelet‐based cepstrum decomposition, which decomposes the original seismic volume into a series of common quefrency volumes, employs a sliding window to move over each seismic trace sample by sample. The key factor in wavelet‐based cepstrum decomposition is the selection of the sliding‐window length as it limits the frequency ranges of the common quefrency section. Comparison of the wavelet‐based cepstrum decomposition with traditional spectrum decomposition methods, such as short‐time Fourier transform and wavelet transform, is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the wavelet‐based cepstrum decomposition and the relation between these two technologies. In hydrocarbon detection, seismic amplitude anomalies are detected using wavelet‐based cepstrum decomposition by utilizing the first and second common quefrency sections. This reduces the burden of needing dozens of seismic volumes to represent the response to different mono‐frequency sections in the interpretation of spectrum decomposition in conventional spectrum decomposition methods. The model test and the application of real data acquired from the Sulige gas field in the Ordos Basin, China, confirm the effectiveness of the seismic amplitude anomaly section using wavelet‐based cepstrum decomposition for discerning the strong amplitude anomalies at a particular quefrency buried in the broadband seismic response. Wavelet‐based cepstrum decomposition provides a new method for measuring the instantaneous cepstrum properties of a reservoir and offers a new field of processing and interpretation of seismic reflection data.
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Efficient volumetric extraction of most positive/negative curvature and flexure for fracture characterization from 3D seismic data
Authors Haibin Di and Dengliang GaoABSTRACTMost positive/negative curvature and flexure are among the most useful seismic attributes for detecting faults and fractures in the subsurface based on the geometry of seismic reflections. When applied to fracture characterization and modelling of a fractured reservoir, their magnitude and azimuth help quantify both the intensity and orientation of fracturing, respectively. However, previous efforts focus on estimating only the magnitude of both attributes, whereas their associated azimuth is ignored in three‐dimensional (3D) seismic interpretation. This study presents an efficient algorithm for simultaneously evaluating both the magnitude and azimuth of most positive/negative curvature and flexure from 3D seismic data. The approach implemented in this study is analytically more accurate and computationally more efficient compared with the existing approach. The added value of extracting most positive/negative curvature and flexure is demonstrated through the application to a fractured reservoir at Teapot Dome (Wyoming). First, the newly extracted attributes make computer‐aided fault/fracture decomposition possible. This allows interpreters to focus on one particular component for fracture characterization at a time, so that a composite fractured reservoir could be partitioned into different components for detailed analysis. Second, curvature/flexure azimuth allows interpreters to plot fracture histogram and/or rose diagram in an automatic and quantitative manner. Compared with the conventional plotting rose diagram based on manual measurements, automatic plotting is more efficient and offers unbiased insights into fracture systems by illuminating the most likely orientations of natural fractures in fractured reservoirs.
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Generalized moveout approximation for P–SV converted waves in vertically inhomogeneous transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis
Authors Qi Hao and Alexey StovasABSTRACTWe present an overall description of moveout formulas of P–SV converted waves in vertically inhomogeneous transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis by using the generalized moveout approximation. The term “generalized” means that this approximation can be reduced to some existing approximations by specific selections of parameters, which provides flexibility in application depending on objectives. The generalized moveout approximation is separately expressed in the phase and group domains. All five parameters of the group domain (or phase domain) generalized moveout approximation are determined using the zero offset (or horizontal slowness) ray and an additional nonzero offset (or horizontal slowness) ray. We discuss the selection of parameters to link the generalized moveout approximation to some existing approximations. The approximations presented are tested on homogeneous, factorized, and layered transversely isotropic models. The results illustrate that utilizing an additional reference ray significantly improves the accuracy of phase‐domain and group‐domain moveout approximations for a large range of horizontal slownesses and source–receiver offsets.
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Efficient amplitude encoding least‐squares reverse time migration using cosine basis
Authors Jiangtao Hu, Huazhong Wang, Zhongyu Fang, Tiancai Li and Jiannan ZhangABSTRACTLeast‐squares reverse time migration provides better imaging result than conventional reverse time migration by reducing the migration artefacts, improving the resolution of the image and balancing the amplitudes of the reflectors. However, it is computationally intensive. To reduce its computational cost, we propose an efficient amplitude encoding least‐squares reverse time migration scheme in the time domain. Although the encoding scheme is effective in increasing the computational efficiency, it also introduces the well‐known crosstalk noise in the gradient that degrades the quality of the imaging result. We analyse the cause of the crosstalk noise using an encoding correlation matrix and then develop two numerical schemes to suppress the crosstalk noise during the inversion process. We test the proposed method with synthetic and field data. Numerical examples show that the proposed scheme can provide better imaging result than reverse time migration, and it also generates images comparable with those from common shot least‐squares reverse time migration but with less computational cost.
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The utilization of the double focal transformation for sparse data representation and data reconstruction
Authors H. Kutscha and D.J. VerschuurABSTRACTIn many cases, seismic measurements are coarsely sampled in at least one dimension. This leads to aliasing artefacts and therefore to problems in the subsequent processing steps. To avoid this, seismic data reconstruction can be applied in advance. The success and reliability of reconstruction methods are dependent on the assumptions they make on the data. In many cases, wavefields are assumed to (locally) have a linear space–time behaviour. However, field data are usually complex, with strongly curved events. Therefore, in this paper, we propose the double focal transformation as an efficient way for complex data reconstruction. Hereby, wavefield propagation is formulated as a transformation, where one‐way propagation operators are used as its basis functions. These wavefield operators can be based on a macro velocity model, which allows our method to use prior information in order to make the data decomposition more effective. The basic principle of the double focal transformation is to focus seismic energy along source and receiver coordinates simultaneously. The seismic data are represented by a number of localized events in the focal domain, whereas aliasing noise spreads out. By imposing a sparse solution in the focal domain, aliasing noise is suppressed, and data reconstruction beyond aliasing is achieved. To facilitate the process, only a few effective depth levels need to be included, preferably along the major boundaries in the data, from which the propagation operators can be calculated. Results on 2D and 3D synthetic data illustrate the method's virtues. Furthermore, seismic data reconstruction on a 2D field dataset with gaps and aliased source spacing demonstrates the strength of the double focal transformation, particularly for near‐offset reflections with strong curvature and for diffractions.
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The effects of inter‐vibrator interference on vibrator performance
Authors Timothy Dean, John Tulett and Darvin LaneABSTRACTThe output from the hydraulic vibrators typically used for land seismic surveys is controlled by monitoring the acceleration measured by accelerometers mounted on the reaction mass and baseplate. The considerable energy output by such vibrators, which are coupled with the sensitivity of the accelerometers used, results in crosstalk if more than one vibrator is being used. In this paper, we present the results of a field experiment in which we measured the crosstalk between two adjacent vibrators. We found that the level of crosstalk was approximately ‐20 dB when the vibrators were adjacent but decreased with increasing frequency and separation. This result has implications for measurements of vibrator performance, source‐signature deconvolution, and in particular, estimates of the total energy output by a fleet of vibrators.
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Physical constraints on c13 and δ for transversely isotropic hydrocarbon source rocks
Authors Fuyong Yan, De‐Hua Han and Qiuliang YaoABSTRACTBased on the theory of anisotropic elasticity and observation of static mechanic measurement of transversely isotropic hydrocarbon source rocks or rock‐like materials, we reasoned that one of the three principal Poisson's ratios of transversely isotropic hydrocarbon source rocks should always be greater than the other two and they should be generally positive. From these relations, we derived tight physical constraints on c13, Thomsen parameter δ, and anellipticity parameter η. Some of the published data from laboratory velocity anisotropy measurement are lying outside of the constraints. We analysed that they are primarily caused by substantial uncertainty associated with the oblique velocity measurement. These physical constraints will be useful for our understanding of Thomsen parameter δ, data quality checking, and predicting δ from measurements perpendicular and parallel to the symmetrical axis of transversely isotropic medium. The physical constraints should also have potential application in anisotropic seismic data processing.
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Using slowness and azimuth fluctuations as new observables for four‐dimensional reservoir seismic monitoring
Authors B. de Cacqueray, P. Roux and M. CampilloABSTRACTFour‐dimensional imaging using geophysical data is of increasing interest in the oil and gas industries. While travel‐time and amplitude variations are commonly used to monitor reservoir properties at depth, their interpretation can suffer from a lack of information to decipher the parts played by different parameters. In this context, this study focuses on the slowness and azimuth angle measured at the surface using source and receiver arrays as complementary observables. In the first step, array processing techniques are used to extract both azimuth and incidence angles at the source side (departure angles) and at the receiver side (arrival angles). In the second step, the slowness and angle variations are monitored in a laboratory environment. These new observables are compared with traditional arrival‐time variations when the propagation medium is subject to temperature fluctuations. Finally, field data from a heavy‐oil permanent reservoir monitoring system installed onshore and facing steam injection and temperature variations are investigated. The slowness variations are computed over a period of 152 days. In agreement with Fermat's principle, strong correlations between the slowness and arrival‐time variations are highlighted, as well as good consistency with other techniques and field pressure measurements. Although the temporal variations of slowness and arrival time show the same features, there are still differences that can be considered for further characterization of the physical changes at depth.
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Integrating basin modeling with seismic technology and rock physics
Authors Wisam Al Kawai and Tapan MukerjiABSTRACTWe explore the link between basin modelling and seismic inversion by applying different rock physics models. This study uses the E‐Dragon II data in the Gulf of Mexico. To investigate the impact of different rock physics models on the link between basin modelling and seismic inversion, we first model relationships between seismic velocities and both (1) porosity and (2) effective stress for well‐log data using published rock physics models. Then, we build 1D basin models to predict seismic velocities derived from basin modelling with different rock physics models, in a comparison with average sonic velocities measured in the wells. Finally, we examine how basin modelling outputs can be used to aid seismic inversion by providing constraints for the background low‐frequency model. For this, we run different scenarios of inverting near angle partial stack seismic data into elastic impedances to test the impact of the background model on the quality of the inversion results. The results of the study suggest that the link between basin modelling and seismic technology is a two‐way interaction in terms of potential applications, and the key to refine it is establishing a rock physics models that properly describes changes in seismic signatures reflecting changes in rock properties.
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Effect of pore geometry on Gassmann fluid substitution
Authors Fuyong Yan and De‐Hua HanABSTRACTAlthough there is no assumption of pore geometry in derivation of Gassmann's equation, the pore geometry is in close relation with hygroscopic water content and pore fluid communication between the micropores and the macropores. The hygroscopic water content in common reservoir rocks is small, and its effect on elastic properties is ignored in the Gassmann theory. However, the volume of hygroscopic water can be significant in shaly rocks or rocks made of fine particles; therefore, its effect on the elastic properties may be important. If the pore fluids in microspores cannot reach pressure equilibrium with the macropore system, assumption of the Gassmann theory is violated. Therefore, due to pore structure complexity, there may be a significant part of the pore fluids that do not satisfy the assumption of the Gassmann theory. We recommend that this part of pore fluids be accounted for within the solid rock frame and effective porosity be used in Gassmann's equation for fluid substitution. Integrated study of ultrasonic laboratory measurement data, petrographic data, mercury injection capillary pressure data, and nuclear magnetic resonance T2 data confirms rationality of using effective porosity for Gassmann fluid substitution. The effective porosity for Gassmann's equation should be frequency dependent. Knowing the pore geometry, if an empirical correlation between frequency and the threshold pore‐throat radius or nuclear magnetic resonance T2 could be set up, Gassmann's equation can be applicable to data measured at different frequencies. Without information of the pore geometry, the irreducible water saturation can be used to estimate the effective porosity.
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Dynamic microplasticity manifestation in consolidated sandstone in the acoustical frequency range
More LessABSTRACTMicroplasticity manifestations caused by acoustic wave in the frequency range of about 4.5 kHz–7.0 kHz are detected in consolidated artificial sandstone. Equipment was tested by means of comparison of data obtained for a standard material (aluminium) and sandstone. Microplasticity manifestations in acoustic records are present in the form of ladder‐like changes in the amplitude course. The stress plateaus in the acoustic trace interrupt the amplitude course, transform the wavefront, and shift the arrival time along the time axis. Microplasticity contribution to the acoustic record changes with the increase in the strain amplitude value. The combined elastic–microplastic process conditions the wavefront steepness and its duration. Stress plateaus exert influence on the waveform and, accordingly, on pulse frequency response. These results confirm the earlier data obtained for weakly consolidated rock. This contribution to wave propagation physics can be useful in solving applied problems in material science, seismic prospecting, diagnostics, etc.
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Deep massive sulphide exploration using 2D and 3D geoelectrical and induced polarization data in Skellefte mining district, northern Sweden
Authors Saman Tavakoli, Tobias E. Bauer, Thorkild M. Rasmussen, Pär Weihed and Sten‐Åke ElmingABSTRACTGeoelectrical and induced polarization data from measurements along three profiles and from one 3D survey are acquired and processed in the central Skellefte District, northern Sweden. The data were collected during two field campaigns in 2009 and 2010 in order to delineate the structures related to volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits and to model lithological contacts down to a maximum depth of 1.5 km. The 2009 data were inverted previously, and their joint interpretation with potential field data indicated several anomalous zones. The 2010 data not only provide additional information from greater depths compared with the 2009 data but also cover a larger surface area. Several high‐chargeability low‐resistivity zones, interpreted as possible massive sulphide mineralization and associated hydrothermal alteration, are revealed. The 3D survey data provide a detailed high‐resolution image of the top ∼450 m of the upper crust around the Maurliden East, North, and Central deposits. Several anomalies are interpreted as new potential prospects in the Maurliden area, which are mainly concentrated in the central conductive zone. In addition, the contact relationship between the major geological units, e.g., the contact between the Skellefte Group and the Jörn Intrusive Complex, is better understood with the help of 2010 deep‐resistivity/chargeability data. The bottommost part of the Vargfors basin is imaged using the 2010 geoelectrical and induced polarization data down to ∼1‐km depth.
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Fast approximate 1D modelling and inversion of transient electromagnetic data
More LessABSTRACTA novel, fast, and approximate forward modelling routine for time‐domain electromagnetic responses is presented. It is based on the separation of the forward problem into a configuration‐independent part, mapping conductivity as a function of depth onto apparent conductivity as a function of time, and a configuration‐dependent part, i.e., the half‐space step response. The response of a layered model is then found as the half‐space response for a half‐space conductivity equal to the apparent conductivity. The mapping is ten times faster than traditional accurate forward modelling routines, and through stochastic modelling, it is found that the standard deviation of the modelling error is 0.7 %. The forward mapping lends itself to integration in a modern state‐of‐the‐art inversion formulation in exactly the same way as traditionally computed responses, and a field example is included where inversion results using the approximate forward response are compared with those of an accurate forward response for helicopterborne transient electromagnetic data. In addition to being used in its own right in inversion of transient data, the speed and accuracy of the approximate inversion mean that it is well suited for quality control and fast turnaround data delivery of survey results to a client. It can also be used in hybrid inversion formulations by supplying initial iterations and high‐quality derivatives in an inversion based on accurate forward modelling.
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Volumes & issues
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Volume 72 (2023 - 2024)
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Volume 71 (2022 - 2023)
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Volume 70 (2021 - 2022)
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Volume 69 (2021)
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Volume 68 (2020)
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Volume 67 (2019)
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Volume 66 (2018)
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Volume 64 (2015 - 2016)
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Volume 63 (2015)
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Volume 1 (1953)