3-D Seismic Interpretation

3-D seismic data have become the key tool used in the petroleum industry to understand the subsurface. In addition to providing excellent structural images, the dense sampling of a 3-D survey can sometimes make it possible to map reservoir quality and the distribution of oil and gas. This book covers basic structural interpretation and map-making; the use of 3-D visualisation methods; interpretation of seismic amplitudes, including their relation to rock and fluid properties; and the generation and use of AVO and acoustic impedance datasets. Also included is the increasingly important field of time-lapse seismic mapping, which allows the interpreter to trace the movement of fluids within the reservoir during production. Written by professional geophysicists with many years experience in the oil industry, the book will be indispensable for geoscientists learning to use 3-D seismic data, including graduate students and new entrants into the petroleum industry.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. 3-D seismic data acquisition and processing; 3. Structural interpretation; 4. Geological interpretation; 5. Interpreting seismic amplitudes; 6. Inversion; 7. 3-D seismic data visualisation; 8. Time-lapse seismic; Appendix 1. Workstation issues; Appendix 2. Glossary; Index.

About the Author :
Mike Bacon was awarded a PhD in geophysics from the University of Cambridge before becoming a Principal Scientific Officer at the Institute of Geological Sciences in Edinburgh (now the British Geological Survey). After working as a lecturer in the Geology Department of the University of Accra, Ghana, he took a position with Shell UK where he worked for 19 years as a seismic interpreter and as team leader in seismic special studies. He now works for Petro-Canada UK as a geophysical advisor. Dr Bacon is a co-author of Introduction to Seismic Interpretation by McQuillin et al (1979) and is a member of the editorial board of the petroleum industry magazine First Break. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society and a member of the EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers). Rob Simm is a geophysicist with 16 years experience in the oil and gas industry and a specialist in the rock physics interpretation of seismic data in both exploration and production. After gaining an MSc and PhD in marine geology at University College London, the early part of his career was spent with Britoil plc and Tricentrol plc as a seismic interpreter. He subsequently took a position at Enterprise Oil and progressed from North Sea exploration to production and equity determination, prior to becoming an internal consultant to asset teams and management. Since 1999 Dr Simm has provided independent consultancy and training services to numerous independent and multi-national oil companies through his company Rock Physics Associates Ltd. Terry Redshaw gained a PhD in numerical analysis from the University of Wales before becoming a Geophysical Researcher with Western Geophysical. Since 1985 he has been employed by BP in a variety of roles. These have included research into imaging and inversion algorithms, as well as leading a team supplying BP's worldwide assets with support in the areas of seismic modelling, rock properties, AVO and seismic inversion. Dr Redshaw works at present in BP's Exploration Excellence team, which helps operating units to carry out the technical work needed to evaluate oil prospects and decide whether to drill them or not.

Review :
'I found this book very easy to read. Complex concepts are clearly explained and only essential mathematics is included. In particular the chapters on amplitudes and inversion were especially good and have not to my knowledge been adequately covered at an introductory level before. Each chapter concludes with a list of references which can be followed up if the reader requires more detailed information. The book is aimed at geologists and geophysicists who may be new to interpreting seismic data, and although titled 3-D Seismic Interpretation there is much to be learned from within this volume about interpretation of other forms of seismic data. For a comprehensive guide to getting the most out of seismic data [this book] has few competitors.' Geological Magazine 'The authors provide a basic overview of seismic interpretation suitable for newcomers to the industry, or specialists in other fields who need an understanding of the siemic interpretation process. The book is short and very readable. The book is short and very readable. The chapters are broken up nicely into logical and easily absorbed presentations. …offers a comprehensive survey of the entire seismic process from acquisition through interpretation and visualisation, hitting many key technical high points such as rock physics, inversion, and time lapse to name a few. … I would recommend the book to readers who require a quick overview and introduction to seismic interpretation.' The Leading Edge '… well-written, clearly illustrated and easy to follow. … The … price … is also reasonable, making it affordable for graduate students. This volume should be highly useful for an introductory graduate-level class, but I would also recommend it to anyone wanting to quickly come up to speed on the basics of 3-D seismic interpretation. … the principles of camera optics, practical photography and image processing are solid and well explained, making this book the perfect companion for a budding amateur astronomer.' EOS