Seismic Stratigraphy

Trainer(s): Maarten Wiemer Mark Bouman

Duration: 5 days

Business context

Seismic stratigraphy is a great tool for hydrocarbon prospectivity evaluation of sedimentary basins. Seismic data contain a wealth of geological information: structural and stratigraphic. Seismic stratigraphy is an interpretation methodology that focuses on the stratigraphic interpretation of reflection seismic data. As such it is complementary to the structural interpretation methodology. Seismic stratigraphy merges information from reflection seismic data with concepts of sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy to predict lithology distribution in a basin or area. Prediction of reservoir, seal, and source rock distribution away from well control, is greatly enhanced by the application of seismo-stratigraphic tools.

Who should attend

Petroleum geologists and seismic interpreters involved with exploration and development of oil and gas fields.

Course content

Seismic stratigraphy work flow.
Unconformities, reflection terminations & depositional sequences.
Seismic facies, geometry of sedimentary bodies.
Seismic image & lithology prediction.
Relationship sequence stratigraphy & seismic stratigraphy
Eustacy, relative sea-level, and sediment distribution patterns.
Chronostratigraphic charts
Basin formation processes & sedimentation patterns
Effect of seismic display/processing on seismic facies expression.
Usage of velocity information
Resolution issues.
Mapping of seismic facies & prospectivity assessment
Seismic expression of shallow marine clastic, carbonates, turbidites and lacustrine systems

Learning, methods and tools

At the end of this course participants will be able to recognize and map seismic facies belts, sediment distribution systems and litho-facies belts, and use this data for prospectivity assessment. The course spends at least 50% of the time on seismic interpretation exercises, based on data from a wide variety of geological settings. Lectures on theory and background alternate with exercises.

Alternative lecturer is Dr. Jan de Jager

Day by day programme

Day 1:

General Course Introduction

Entrance test

1. Introduction to seismic stratigraphy

Exercise 1.1: general introduction exercise

2. Different depositional sequences

Exercise 2.1: Labuan syncline

Exercise 2.2: Melvin Bay

3. Different seismic facies

Exercise 3.1: Pletmos basin

Day 2:

Review key points Day 1

4. Geometry of sedimentary bodies

Exercise 4.1: interpreting body shapes

5. Effect of seismic processing on seismic facies expression; importance of display parameters

Exercise 5.1: Facies & Resolution

6. Seismic velocity and lithology prediction

Exercise 6.1: Lithology-seismic facies, using velocity information (offshore Morocco).

Day 3:

Review key points Day 2

7. Chronostratigraphy

Exercise 7.1: Mar Cantabrico, Spain

Exercise 7.2: Sulawesi

8. Sedimentation patterns and sea-level changes

Exercise 8.1: Gulf of Cadiz (Spain)

9. Carbonate systems

Exercise 9.1: Bali-Flores

Day 4:

Review key points Day 3

Exercise 9.2: Maldives

10. Clastic systems: Coastal - shallow marine

Exercise 10.1: Niger delta

11. Clastic systems: Turbidites

Exercise 11.1: Turbidites

Exercise 11.2: sand-seal prediction

Day 5:

Review key points Day 4

12. Continental deposits

Exercise 12.1: Bohai Bay

13. Facies mapping

Exercise 13.1: North Sea facies mapping

14. Reservoir scale seismic stratigraphy

Note: Programme is flexible and can be adjusted according to clients´ requirements