Exploration Geophysicist - Seismic Interpretation

Basin Geology and Seismic Interpretation Workflow

Prospect Generation Workflow

Geological Setting
Basin Tectonics and Structural Style
Lithostratigraphic section and Standard Nomenclature
Regional hydrocarbon sourcing
Typical traps, top seals, lateral seals

Project Area Research
Local Basemap (fields, wells, cultural data)
Producing intervals and cumulative production
Type Logs and stratigraphic column
Seismic data acquisition parameters and processing flow

Normal Fault Relay Ramp

Digital Data Loading
Cultural data
Well curve data
Digital fault cuts and formation picks
Seismic data

Petrophysical Analysis
Standardize and normalize log data
Build local petrophysical model
Determine reservoir characteristics (Rw, OWC, porosities, lithologies)
Create, inventory, and analyze well files (cores, dipmeters, mudlogs, etc.)

Sequence Stratigraphic Framework
Determine major sequence boundaries
Depositional environment modeling
Identify major faults and unconformities

Field development and near field exploration, structural interpretation of PSDM and acoustic impedance volumes using the Charisma GeoFrame interpretation and processing tools. Attribute analysis of fluvial reservoir sands grading into near shore deltaic sands in a normal faulted extensional tectonic setting consisting of a series of syndepositional half-grabens.

Attribute analysis was helpful in identifying locations of river channels systems as well as invasion by intrusive igneous volcanics. Resolution of the seismic data was further complicated by a major unconformity overlain by high energy marine shales and limestones. Seismic character and attributes were examined using Charisma tools and other math functions to create flattened data volumes of the window from the unconformity surface to the basement structure.

Synthetic Seismograms
Frequency analysis of seismic data
Create synthetics integrating vsps, sonic and densities

Structural Reconnaisance
Tie Synthetics to seismic data
Identify seismic reflectors that correspond to regional sequence boundaries
Generate interpretation of regional markers, major faults and unconformities
Identify areas of structural interest

Study Producing Analogs
Delineate reservoir geometry near producing wells
Identify trapping mechanisms
Detailed seismic attribute analysis on productive intervals

Identify Prospects
Detailed mapping of exploration area
Seismic attribute analysis focusing on productive analogs
Map geometry and extent of prospective traps

Extended Seismic Evaluation
Reprocess seismic based on interpretation (if deemed necessary)
Invert seismic data to aid in prospect evaluation
Compute continuity coherence cube for reservoir compartmentalization analysis

Depth Conversion
Detailed velocity analysis of seismic data
Create velocity volumes
Convert interpretations to depth
Plot final contour maps - structure, isopachs, velocities, errors
Output digital files of final interpretation surfaces for geological modeling

Structure Map with Well Logs

Final Report
Recommend drilling locations
Evaluate and quantify depth and thickness of target reservoir
Describe target geometry and trapping style
Discuss risk factors related to quality of input data

Major Unconformity - Extensional Basin