An integrated approach to interactive seismic interpretation

Abstract

The objective of seismic exploration is to image the earth's subsurface in order to improve the success rate of drilling wells. Since hydrocarbons are increasingly being found in subtle and complex traps, it is important to use all the information available for interpretation and to use it as accurately as possible. This implies combining all the surface seismic data with information from other sources, such as well logs and VSPs to provide an integrated interpretation. Moreover, this interpretation must usually be done within tight time constraints. Interactive workstations organise and manipulate large quantities of data in a convenient and efficient manner, permitting either a faster interpretation, or more likely, a more detailed interpretation within a given time. The system described in this paper incorporates Landmark and Discovery workstations. It provides completely interactive structural interpretation, fault analysis, digitizing and final mapping. Well log, VSP processing and seismic attribute analysis may be performed on the workstations and the results incorporated in a detailed interpretation. Interactive modelling is also available. The complete system may be used for 2-D or 3-D datasets.