Basic Geophysical Data Acquisition and Processing


Trainer(s): Jaap Mondt
Duration: 5 days

Business context

Geophysics provides technology with which we can "look" into the subsurface. It is a key enabler of many activities in the search for hydrocarbons, minerals and fresh water. It is also extensively used in the domain of monitoring pollution and rejuvenation of polluted sites. The course provides the fundamentals of seismic refraction & reflection methods, the use of gravity, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic methods. Modern geophysical acquisition and processing techniques will be taught not only based on a text book but above all by applying the theory in mainly Excel based assignments 

Who should attend

Geologists, geophysicists and petroleum engineers, involved in exploration and development of oil and gas fields and for those involved in projects related to the shallow subsurface. In addition, it would be useful for those dealing with the (geo)physical effects of production of a field.

A reasonable level of understanding of mathematics and physics is assumed.

Course content

Various geophysical methods from gravity, magnetics, electrical, electro-magnetic, refraction and reflection seismic.

Topics are:

  • Gravity surveying
  • Magnetics surveying
  • Electrical surveying
  • Electro-Magnetic surveying, including Ground Penetrating Radar
  • Acquisition of shallow refraction seismic data
  • Acquisition of reflection seismic data
  • When to use 2D, 3D and 4D seismic
  • Principles of wave propagation
  • Basic designs of 2D and 3D seismic acquisition
  • Processing of seismic and GPR data: Objectives
  • How to improve signal-to-noise ratio, vertical and lateral resolution
  • From simple migration to Imaging
  • Result in depth (Time-to-Depth conversion)
  • What to spend on a new survey (Value of Information)

Learning, methods and tools

At the end of the course participants will have a good understanding of what information geophysical data can give and for what purposes it can be used. This will enable them to specify the requirements for a survey, either done by themselves of by a special service provider.

Other benefits include:

  • To place and value geophysical activities in a multi-disciplinary context
  • Judge the merits of various geophysical techniques
  • Better liaise and collaborate with staff in related disciplines
  • Recognise artefacts and direct hydrocarbon indications on seismic
  • Value novel developments such as time lapse methods for hydrocarbon reservoir monitoring