Abstract

We present a new method for calibrating a classified 3D seismic volume. The classification process employs a Kohonen self-organizing map, a type of unsupervised artificial neural network; the subsequent calibration is performed using one or more suites of well logs. Kohonen self-organizing maps and other unsupervised clustering methods generate classes of data based on the identification of various discriminating features. These methods seek an organization in a dataset and form relational organized clusters. However, these clusters may or may not have any physical analogues in the real world. In order to relate them to the real world, we must develop a calibration method that not only defines the relationship between the clusters and real physical properties, but also provides an estimate of the validity of these relationships. With the development of this relationship, the whole dataset can then be calibrated.

The clustering step reduces the multi-dimensional data into logically smaller groups. Each original data point defined by multiple attributes is reduced to a one- or two-dimensional relational group. This establishes some logical clustering and reduces the complexity of the classification problem. Furthermore, calibration should be more successful since it will have to consider less variability in the data.

In this paper, we present a simple calibration method that employs Bayesian logic to provide the relationship between cluster centres and the real world. The output will give the most probable calibration between each self-organized map node and wellboremeasured parameters such as lithology, porosity and fluid saturation. The second part of the output comprises the calibration probability.

The method is described in detail, and a case study is briefly presented using data acquired in the Orange River Basin, South Africa. The method shows promise as an alternative to current techniques for integrating seismic and log data during reservoir characterization.