Inversion by Trace Matching

We propose a method to estimate reservoir properties by matching seismic to very large numbers of pseudo-wells. Each pseudo-well consists of a full suite of well-log curves based on a comprehensive rock physics model. The pseudo-wells are calibrated to real wells and constrained by the seismic interpretation with stochastic micro-layering. The input seismic data are colour inverted angle stacks (optionally multiple angle stacks). The inversion algorithm is 1D, Monte-Carlo. All pseudo-wells are generated completely independently of any previous result and no spatial correlation is enforced. No low-frequency model is required. The procedure also provides estimates of uncertainties allowing the results to be integrated with other data types in a Bayesian framework. We outline the process and illustrate showing application to a deep marine turbidite field.