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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Abstract
Abstract: 3-D Volumetric
Interpretation
with Computational Stratigraphy Models
Seismic
sequence stratigraphic approaches rely upon the basic assumption that
seismic
reflections represent time-equivalent surfaces. Many studies demonstrate that tracked
seismic
reflections reveal apparent morphological forms of depositional systems but these studies seldom address how
seismic
reflections, impedance contrasts and formation boundaries relate. Formation and fluid boundaries create scale-dependent
seismic
responses. We should expect that as vertical and lateral facies changes occur and
seismic
frequency degrades the impedance and
seismic
amplitude responses will also be altered. Complex relationships between facies and
seismic
response can create reflections that are discordant with geologic time. Recognizing how
seismic
response relates to lateral and vertical facies changes is critical to understanding whether
seismic
reflections accurately reveal the geomorphologic form of time-equivalent geologic surfaces.
Figure.
Seismic
and property backddrops: how does well density and
seismic
frequency influence your interpretations?
To investigate whether seismic
reflections accurately capture geomorphology stratal boundaries and test how frequency content in
seismic
volumes changes reflection response we utilize computational stratigraphy to generate 3D geological depositional models that are transformed into scalable
seismic
analogs. Honoring the physics of depositional process and grain transport a scale model of a fluvially-dominated delta was created. The depositional model is converted into
seismic
volumes of various frequencies (1D convolutional approach) and the resulting
seismic
reflections are compared to known positions of time-equivalent depositional/erosional surfaces and facies from the synthetic model. At all tested
seismic
frequencies we observed reflections discordant with known time-synchronous events from the model. The observed discordance often worsened with frequency loss and occasionally resulted in amplitude responses that were discordant with facies trends in the model. This result suggests that the assumption that
seismic
reflections are time-synchronous boundaries in the subsurface requires further investigation. We conclude that scale and
seismic
frequency are critical components of sequence stratigraphic classification and should not be overlooked in our quest to classify our interpretations.
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Lisa Reneé Goggin developed an early interest in chemistry, a love of outdoor activities and a penchant to collect rocks led to a pursuit of advanced degrees in geology and chemistry. An opportunity to sit a well as a mud-logger during her undergraduate years gave her a passion for finding oil and gas and after completing multiple internships in the oil industry. She completed her PhD in Geology in 1999 at Indiana University after joining Chevron in 1997. Lisa has served as an exploration and development geologist, described and interpreted cores, led field schools and taught seismic
interpretation
and visualization techniques to teams around the globe. She is currently a Senior Staff Research Geologist and a team member of new technology and applied geologic workflows designed to bridge the gap between low-resolution
data
and high-resolution modeling. She is a proven Oil Finder and received several patents and currently has numerous additional patent applications on file at the US Patent office. She is an enthusiastic speaker and leader who is passionate about sharing technology and ideas. Her Professional associations include: Registered Professional Geologist (ASBOG), member of AAPG, GSA, HGS, Sigma Xi & Sigma Zeta Honor Societies and is currently serving on the Board of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute.
Acknowledgments and Associated Footnotes
1 Lisa Goggin: Chevron Energy Technology Company
2 Tao Sun: Chevron Energy Technology Company
3 Maisha Amaru: Chevron Energy Technology Company
4 Ashley Harris: Chevron Energy Technology Company
5 Anne Dutranois: Chevron Energy Technology Company
6 Andrew Madof: Chevron Energy Technology Company
Copyright © 2017 by HGS (Houston Geological Society)