Events Calendar

Technical Program

Program Outline

Venue: Grand Galvez — oral presentations in Music Hall, poster presentations and exhibits in Terrace Ballroom.

All times are Central Standard Time (Daylight Savings Time ends 03 November 2:00 a.m.).

4D Forum Monday Dinner Guest Speaker

Kathleen Maca — Haunted Hotels of Galveston
Kathleen is the author of five books, including Ghosts of Galveston, Ghostly Tales of Galveston, and History of the Hotel Galvez. She has been a feature writer for Galveston Monthly magazine for 12 years and been on Ghost Brothers, Texas Country Reporter, Houston Life, KPRC news, Texas Chronicles, Texas Highways, NPR Radio, the Travel Channel and featured in magazines such as Texas Monthly and Texas Highways. Kathleen incorporates over 50 years of genealogy experience into her research and writing about Galveston history and folklore and enjoys uncovering lost stories from the past that prove history can be stranger than any reality show. She is a member of the Association for Gravestone Studies, a cemetery historian, Certified Tourism Ambassador, genealogist, and an admiral in the Texas Navy.

Program Sessions

The 2024 4D Forum will consist of more than 50 formal presentations divided among focused oral presentations and engaging poster sessions.  There will be exhibits with hands-on educational displays that inspire discussion and promote learning about available technologies. Over three days the Forum will explore provocative questions to challenge the way we imagine 4D programs and identify biases that may erode value by clogging the insights to action value chain.

Day 1

Acquisition — 4D seismic methods take advantage of different types of acquisition. We will explore how different acquisition choices from technology and timing impact the value from 4D seismic, and how acquisition choices depend on field setting, geologic complexity, and surveillance requirements. We address the renewed interest in PRM (e.g. Norway, Brazil) with other methods and new developments in the offshore.

4D Processing — This session will examine how 4D processing is advancing, including new least-squares migrations, 4D binning strategies, PS considerations and static corrections.  These processing innovations are continuously lowering the 4D noise floor, thereby leading to new insights from improved 4D data quality. Together with the 4D FWI session, there will be some breakthrough results from the North Sea, Brazil, Guyana, Gulf of Mexico, and elsewhere in the world.

4D FWI — Modern acquisition and increased compute power has enabled massive advancements in FWI which is now being applied for time-lapse reservoir characterization.  Learn about advantages and see examples of how this technique is delivering a new standard of interpretation and integration products.  We will review applications from around the world and compare methods and applications.

Day 2

4D Interpretation and Case Studies — Multiple case studies will demonstrate creative use of 4D data and inversions for gaining insight to drive the production decisions that ring the cash register.  What are the qualities of data delivery that drive value for the interpreter?  Timing, data quality or repeat interval?  What can more quantitative analysis methods bring to the table? How do we interface with decision makers, acquisition experts and processors to get the data we need to test our ideas and generate insight?

Close the Loop and History Matching — How reliable are our models, and to what extent can we trust 4D seismic images? While it seems straightforward to validate full-field 3D fluid flow and pressure effects using 4D seismic data, this is challenging in practice. We will present a range of methods, from low-tech to high-tech, to bridge the gap to the reservoir engineer. By demonstrating the consistency between 4D seismic data and our reservoir models, we aim to generate insights and encourage actionable steps.

Day 3

CCS — 4D seismic in some shape or form may soon become a cornerstone of carbon sequestration monitoring.  The longer time horizons, lower margins and current uncertainty in this business line are driving us to find new ways to develop insight. We explore some of the early work in this growing field and consider how the pressure for efficiency in this new business may radiate innovation into traditional 4D applications.

Automation: ML/AI and Large Data — 4D seismic creates large data sets, that can challenge infrastructure and complicate interpretation. Automated workflows and ML/AI may prove a key enabler for 4D value realization. How do we speed up interpretation tasks, work more efficiently individually, and as integrated teams, while reducing turnaround time?  What are the options and what does the future hold?

Program Concepts

Technology & innovations: What is the current state of the art and what is the road ahead?

• Acquisition: proven, probable, possible technologies: better or cheaper – what do we want? 4D Blending – the next step, or a Trojan horse? Faster nodes unlocking innovative sampling?
• Processing: did we plateau out on the S-curve? Can FWI change the game? Will ML finally crack the turnaround challenge?
• Interpretation and integration: state of the art. How to deal with the data avalanche, including prestack workflows?
• Inversion and ML for dynamic reservoir property predictions
• Geomechanics integration and examples
• Feasibility studies investigating rock physics models and subsurface property changes (pressure, saturation, temperature, geomechanics)

4D Across the value chain: Workflows, management systems, and production optimization to realize the value of surveillance data.

• VOI: what is the standard? Is there a standard?
• Realized value examples demonstrating lessons learned and illustrating valuation of surveillance data, including field development, infill drilling, and production optimization.
• Understanding uncertainty
• Cycle-time reduction
• Lowering surveillance data carbon footprint
• Integrated technology for solving complex production problems
• Synergy with subsea facilities, technologies, and teams

Cost-effective surveillance: Practical surveillance technology for the energy transition and times of low oil prices

• Geophysical CCUS technologies & strategies: how to make monitoring economic onshore and offshore.
• Fiber Optics, passive seismic, microseismic, and permanent installations – where and how can these technologies be most beneficial.

Registration

SPWLA, SPE, AAPG, and GSH Members: In appreciation for collaboration, members of these organizations can register at the SEG Member price. If you are a member of one of these organizations, choose the Member Organization discounted rate during the registration process.

Nonmembers: If you are not a member of SEG, you must have a profile before registering. To confirm you do not have an SEG login or if this is the first time registering for an SEG event, set up a profile:

• Click on Login at the top of the SEG website (link to https://seg.org/)
• Click Get Started

Return to the 4D Forum website to register by clicking on the Register Now button.

Early Registration Rates: On or before 4 September 2024
US$595 (SEG, SPWLA, SPE, AAPG, GSH Members) | US$795 (Nonmember) | US$250 (Student)

Standard Registration Rates: After 4 September 2024 and Onsite
US$695 (SEG, SPWLA, SPE, AAPG, GSH Members) | US$895 (Nonmember) | US$250 (Student)

Dinner: Monday, 4 November
US$0

Field Trip: Thursday, 7 November
US$250

Because of generous sponsorships, students will receive registration at no cost and limited travel support may be available. Before registering, contact [email protected].

Registration fee includes continental breakfasts, breaks, lunches, networking receptions, and one dinner.

Questions about registration? Contact [email protected].

Refund/Cancellation Policy

Registrations can be cancelled online. Cancellations by 4 October 2024 entitles registrant to a full refund of the registration fee minus $50 for processing. No refunds will be issued after 4 October 2024.

4D Forum Lodging

The Forum will be held at the beautiful Grand Galvez, Autograph Collection hotel on the Galveston Island seawall. Grand Galvez has pleased guests worldwide for more than 110 years. It is the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast and is renowned as the Queen of the Gulf, one of the finest Galveston hotels. Besides 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches across the street, Grand Galvez is minutes from famous Galveston attractions.

A block of rooms is reserved at the Grand Galvez, Autograph Collection at the rate of US$199 per room per night plus 15% tax. The group rate will be honored Sunday–Thursday, 3–7 November 2024. Make your reservation online or by calling the Reservations Department directly at 866-455-1193 — reference SEG 4D Surveillance. Reservations cut-off date: Friday, 11 October 2024. Hotel reservations must be canceled four days prior to arrival or be charged the cost of the first night plus tax.

Valet parking is available at US$25 per night. Day parking is available at the nearby parking garage for US$15/day. Forum guests will receive complimentary bottled water, coffee, daily newspapers in the rooms, and 20% off spa services Sunday–Thursday. Onsite dining includes the Monarch restaurant, The Founders Bar, and the 1911 Espresso Bar.

Transportation

For attendees not renting a car, shuttle transportation will be provided from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P Hobby Airport to the Grand Galvez Hotel in Galveston on Sunday, 3 November and on Wednesday, 6 November upon adjournment from the Grand Galvez Hotel to both airports. Sign up for shuttle transportation on one or both days.

William P Hobby Airport, the closest international airport to Galveston, is located on the southern side of Houston and only about 40 miles — and less than an hour if traffic cooperates — from the terminal to the beach.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the largest airport in Houston. It’s about 70 miles and 80+ minutes from Galveston.

Galveston Island

Galveston, Texas is a charming Southern retreat just 50 miles from Houston.  Located about an hour south of Houston and connected to the mainland by a causeway, Galveston is as easy to get to as an island can be. Travel to, from, or on the island by Uber or Lyft, shuttle, limousine, rental car, or personal vehicle.

It’s Island Time

Visit Galveston Free Savings Pass for 4D Forum Attendees

The 4D Forum technical program is expected to adjourn by 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 6 November. If you are joining the Thursday, 7 November field trip or flying home on Thursday, enjoy all Galveston has to offer Wednesday afternoon and evening. Of special interest is the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, 2002 Wharf Rd, open until 5:00 p.m. This unique museum allows you to step aboard a retired jack-up rig and experience three floors of exhibits and interactive displays illustrating the history of offshore oil and gas from seismic technology to exploration and production.

Visas/Letters of Invitation

The United States requires citizens of many foreign countries to obtain visas to enter the U.S. If you are not a U.S. citizen and are intending to attend the 4D Forum, please ensure you obtain the correct visa to enter the country. The process of obtaining a visa may take several months. Detailed information on the U.S. Visa Policy can be found online at the U.S. Department of State website.

It is your responsibility to apply for a passport, visa, or any other required documents and to demonstrate to consular officials that you are properly classifiable as a visitor under the U.S. law.

You may print your own 4D Forum visa invitation letter here. SEG supplies this letter for visa purposes only. If your visa application is denied and SEG receives a copy of the denial by email before 25 October 2024, your registration fee will be refunded in full. After 25 October, your registration fee will be refunded less a $50 processing fee.

Please note this letter does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa, nor does it commit SEG to assist you in obtaining a visa.

Coastal Sedimentological Processes — Brazos River Delta to Galveston Island

Thursday, 7 November 2024 | 8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Objectives

Understand the processes that transport sediment and the characteristics of the deposits in a coastal environment dominated by barrier islands that can be used as an analog for subsurface exploration and production.

Course Content

Sites ~60 miles south of Houston along ~35 miles of the SE Texas coastline provide excellent locations to observe coastal sedimentological processes and their resultant deposits. This section of the Texas coast is characterized by barrier islands separated by tidal inlets and river outlets. The larger, sand-ridge cored, prograding Galveston Island contrasts with the smaller, wash-over dominated, retreating Follets Island and is separated by the stable, long-lived San Luis Pass that exhibits well developed flood and ebb tide delta systems. The Brazos River empties into the Gulf of Mexico to the south of Follets Island and forms a wave-dominated delta system.

The Brazos River Delta has undergone significant changes due to human intervention and demonstrates the dynamic nature of sediment movement and deposition along the coast. This section of the coast provides insight into the steady lower energy background processes of sediment movement and the higher energy short term events, and the resultant reservoir characteristics of clastic coastal deposits from these different mechanisms. The understanding gained from these modern systems can be applied as an analog for subsurface exploration and production along the Gulf Coast and elsewhere.

Itinerary

• 8:00 AM leave the Grand Galvez, Galveston Island
• Drive to Bryan Beach at Freeport, Texas
  • Stops 1–4 along stretch of coast from Bryan Beach south to the Brazos River Delta
• Lunch at the Brazos River Delta
• Drive to Follets Island
  • Stops 5–6 on Follets Island
• Drive to Galveston Island
  • Stops 7–9 on Galveston Island
• 6:00 PM Return to the Grand Galvez

Fee

US$250 includes transportation, field guide, and lunch. Space is limited to 24 participants.

Field Trip Leader

Erik D. Scott is the chief geologist for Vecta Oil & Gas based in the Woodlands, Texas generating conventional prospects along the Gulf Coast and across the continental United States. Over his career, he has worked on a wide variety of exploration and production projects as a senior geoscientist and sedimentological specialist in onshore and offshore Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, offshore West Africa, Southeast Asia, North and South America, and the eastern Mediterranean. Erik is an adjunct professor at Rice University where he teaches seismic interpretation and clastic sedimentology and the Principal Geologist for E&P Geoscience, LLC, an energy industry consulting group. He received a Ph.D. in Geology from Louisiana State University, studying under Dr. Arnold H. Bouma, with whom he investigated the influence of tectonics and structure on deep water sedimentation based on the turbidite outcrops in the Karoo Basin of South Africa.

You are invited to offer your support of the 4D Forum – Insight to Actions by purchasing a sponsorship from the following list of opportunities.

To sign up as a Forum sponsor, please download and submit the Sponsorship Form to [email protected].