f 3D Wide Azimuth Land Processing in the U.A.E. - A Middle East Case History

Azimuthal anisotropy from a 3D land seismic dataset acquired in the U.A.E. has been analyzed using wide azimuth processing. Different processing methods and flows were tested to arrive at optimum processed azimuthal volumes. Azimuth sectors both parallel and perpendicular to the three major fault system orientations, were imaged separately to produce the six final azimuth volumes. Comparisons between the different azimuth sectors were used to detect azimuthal differences in velocities and amplitudes that could be correlated with fault and fracture orientation and magnitude. Preliminary analysis of pre-stack and post stack data shows subtle azimuthal velocity differences in these carbonate rocks, which are difficult to attribute to fractures. The difficulty in quantifying velocity differences could be due to an offset limitation in the cross-line direction. Other azimuthal attributes, such as amplitude extractions along horizons above and within the reservoir area are show amplitude signatures that could be related to fracture corridors in the reservoir.