Topics: Seismic Wave Propagation/Rock Physics

Understanding and Adapting Rockphysics Principles for Mudrock (Shale) Reservoirs

Manika Prasad

Rock physics principles allow us to understand and interpret matrix- and fluid-related changes in porosity, pore space topology, and seismic and transport properties. Duration Two days Intended Audience Entry Level Prerequisites (Knowledge/Experience/Education Required) Basic Geoscience education or experience required. Working knowledge about shales is a benefit. Course Description This course is meant to introduce attendees to basic mud rock characteristics and explain their differences with conventional reservoir lithologies. Using those differences, the rock physics principles

Understanding Seismic Anisotropy in Exploration and Exploitation

Leon Thomsen

This short course discusses the growing importance of the seismic anisotropy of rock masses in seismic acquisition, processing, and interpretation. All rock masses are seismically anisotropic, but we often ignore this in our seismic acquisition, processing, and interpretation. The anisotropy nonetheless does affect our data, in ways that limit our effectiveness in using it, if we ignore that anisotropy. In this short course, we will understand why this inconsistency between reality and practice has been

Seismic Anisotropy: Basic Theory and Applications in Exploration and Reservoir Characterization

Ilya Tsvankin

Elastic anisotropy, widely recognized as a typical feature of sedimentary formations, has a strong influence on seismic velocities and amplitudes. For example, the difference between stacking and vertical velocity in anisotropic media most commonly is the reason for misties in time-to-depth conversion. This course provides the necessary background information regarding anisotropic wave propagation and discusses modeling, inversion, and processing of seismic reflection data in the presence of anisotropy. Duration Two days Intended Audience Intermediate level

Rock physics, geomechanics, and hazard of fluid-induced seismicity

Serge A. Shapiro

The course provides systematic quantitative rock-physical and geomechanical fundamentals of fluid-induced seismicity. Stimulations of rocks by fluid injections (e.g., hydraulic fracturing) belong to a standard reservoir-development practice. Productions of shale oil, shale gas, heavy oil, and geothermal energy require broad applications of this technology. Production of conventional hydrocarbons, carbon sequestration, saltwater disposal and development of geological gas storages require massive fluid operations in the underground as well. The fact that fluid injections and productions can

Rock Physics: Seismic Reflections of Rock Properties

Dr. Jack Dvorkin

Participants will learn the uses of rock physics in interpreting the elastic properties of earth, as sensed by seismic reflections, for lithology, fluid, and porosity determination. Presented are the basics of rock physics as well as applications of rock physics at various scales – from pore to core to reservoir. Discussed are new cases studies concerning seismic-based porosity and fluid determination in clastics and carbonates. Also, presented are new developments in rock physics of gas

Geophysics Under Stress: Geomechanical Applications of Seismic and Borehole Acoustic Waves

Colin Sayers

The state of stress within the earth has a profound effect on the propagation of seismic and borehole acoustic waves. This leads to many important applications of elastic waves for solving problems in petroleum geomechanics. The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the sensitivity of elastic waves in the earth to the in-situ stress, pore pressure, and anisotropy of the rock fabric resulting from the depositional and stress history of the

Construction of fractured reservoir models for flow simulation incorporating geology, geophysics, and geomechanics

Reinaldo Michelena, Chris Zahm, and James R. Gilman

Objectives Flow models have the purpose of explaining and forecasting reservoir performance that can help plan the development and exploitation of the resource. Conventional and unconventional naturally fractured reservoirs are particularly difficult to model due to the interconnectivity of matrix and fracture properties. Unconventional reservoirs pose the additional challenge of accounting for natural fractures that can become conductive during hydraulic stimulation. This class explains the steps necessary to build fractured reservoir models using sound stratigraphic

Application and Interpretation of Converted Waves

Robert R. Stewart and James E. Gaiser

This course provides a thorough overview of the methods of multi-component (3-C and 4-C) seismic exploration from basic petrophysical analysis and survey design through 3-D converted-wave migration. Numerous examples and case histories show the design, application, and use of multi-component surveys. Both 2-D and 3-D surveys and analysis will be discussed. Marine surveys (up to 4C-4D measurements) and analysis are highlighted. Supporting measurements as dipole sonic logs and 3-C VSP are also included. Field case