Business context
Seismic interpretation is a critical step in evaluating the subsurface. Interpretation turns the large investments in seismic data acquisition and processing into tangible value: A geological subsurface model that can be used for making well considered E&P decisions with major investment consequences. Seismic interpretation therefore plays a pivotal role in the E&P workflow and it is essential that staff involved are well educated in the principles of seismic interpretation.
Who should attend
Geologists, geophysicists and petroleum engineers involved in the interpretation of 2D and 3D seismic data.
Course content
Day 1: Recapitulation of the fundamentals that are of direct relevance for interpretation, reflection coefficients, polarity convention etc. Exercises on seismic fundamentals. Brief summary on seismic acquisition and processing, focusing on aspects that have direct relevance for interpretation, such as minimum/maximum offset, multiplicity, type of imaging, phase issues etc. Seismic acquisition/processing related exercises.
Day 2: Generation of synthetic seismograms and well-to-seismic matching. Well-to seismic Matching exercise. Summary of well geophysics. Interpretation fundamentals and introduction of 2D/3D seismic interpretation workflows. Marker recognition and transfer. Seismic (volume) attributes for seismic interpretation.
Day 3: Seismic illustration of structural styles: extension, compression, wrench and halokinesis. Exercise with examples from the different styles. Structural interpretation workflow in detail. Exercise with round correlation of shallow markers. Horizon tracking exercises. Mechanics of faulting and Fault interpretation. Exercise with hand interpretation of fault segments.
Day 4: Brief summary of stratigraphic interpretation. Exercise on stratigraphic interpretation. Interpretation pitfalls. Interpretation project QAQC. Overview of seismic velocities. Time-to-depth conversion. Exercise on seismic velocities, and time-do-depth conversion. Mapping and contouring.Contouring exercise. Volumetrics and uncertainties. Exercise on volumetrics.
Day 5: Seismic expression of DHI's.Introduction to rock and fluid prediction from seismic. Seismic inversion and AvO, exercises.
Learning, methods and tools
At the end of the course participants will have a solid foundation in Seismic Interpretation principles and workflows. They will be able to plan and execute an interpretation project and be able to avoid the most common pitfalls and will be familiar with interpretation QAQC. Whereas the course does not cover training in the hands-on use of common industry software tools for interpretation, it will provide the necessary foundation required for subsequent use of such tools in a professional manner. A workstation based version of this course can be provided on request.
The course uses a mixture of lectures, practical exercises and case histories. Participants can bring own cases for discussion..
The course should be customized to meet the specific background and needs of the participants. The content can be tuned to the geological setting in which participants operate, and focus on those interpretation techniques that are most likely to be successful there. The course can be extended with extra time for coaching participants on their own seismic interpretation projects.