Slides and talking points are provided courtesy of AAPG Visiting Geoscientist Fred W. Schroeder.

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Overview of Seismic Interpretation

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Slide 1

• SLIDE 1 This slide introduces seismic interpretation
• It gives an outline of the next several units

 

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Slide 2

• We talked about this simply flowchart for exploration in Lecture 1
• We want to focus in on the box outlined in magenta – how we interpret seismic data

 

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Slide 3

• There are two major tasks in the interpretation & analysis of the seismic data
• First we need to develop a geologic framework
• As you will see, this is the identification and mapping of the main faults and the main stratigraphic horizons
  
  
• Once we have developed the geologic framework, in exploration we want to examine the HC system components:
• Where are potential reservoirs, traps, seals, mature source rocks, and HC migration pathways?
• Then where would we drill to make a new discovery?
• For development and production, we also want to develop a geologic framework (if it does not exist or does not have the level of detail that we need)
• Then we can consider where to drill a development well – to answer a question on the spatial distribution of fluids and reservoir rock properties
• Or we can consider where to drill a production well (a producer or injector) to increase HC production from the field

 

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Slide 4

• Here is the basic workflow for seismic interpretation & beyond
• First, we need to develop a geologic framework; major faults and stratigraphic packages (depositional sequences)
• Then we need to analyze all the key packages – where are potential reservoirs, source rocks, etc.
• Next we have to identify prospects – places where all the HC system elements look favorable & we are willing to propose a drill site to management
• Finally we have to access the prospect – what type and volume of HC do we expect & what is the chance of success or risk

 

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Slide 5

• A bit more about the geologic framework
• We want to use all the available data...
• We have to perform a structural analysis – identify & map faults...
• We also need a stratigraphic interpretation – map unconformities...
• Although we teach these two components separately, an experienced seismic interpreter will work structure & stratigraphy simultaneously

 

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Slide 6

• Module 10 focuses on structural interpretation
• We will look at different types of faults (extensional, compressional, strike-slip)
• We’ll also talk a little about diapiric structures – caused by mobile salt or shale
• A major product is structure maps that indicate the morphology (highs, lows, fault traces) on each of our mapped horizons

 

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Slide 7

• The geologic framework allows us to proceed with the next steps:
  • Analyze the data to get both present-day conditions and information on how the basin evolved
  • Examine the prospect elements to find potential new drill locations (exploration)
  • Assess the prospect (exploration) in terms of the type of HC, the quantity of HC, and the risk associated with the proposed well location

 

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Slide 8

• For modules 12 and beyond, we will use two hypothetical prospects: Alpha and Beta
• This cross-section shows a potential reservoir, source and seal with two fault-bounded anticlines
• The business question is whether we should drill either or both (in which order)
• We’ll look at how we would address this question