Abstract

Poststack seismic data contain a tremendous amount of information about reservoir stratigraphy, sedimentology, and physical properties. However, this information is far from fully utilized because of (1) the lack of understanding of the relationship between geology and its seismic responses and (2) poorly conditioned seismic data that fail to express the geology in a way geologists can understand. Geology-guided reconditioning of seismic data is the key to improve extraction of relevant geologic information. At Fullerton Field, the most convenient and useful tools for data reconditioning are phase shifting and high-frequency enhancement. A simple seismic phase rotation (to 90°) reconditions seismic data for impedance representation, roughly linking seismic amplitude directly to log lithology and porosity. High-frequency enhancement raises the dominant frequency of 3-D seismic data from 30 to 50 Hz, significantly improving seismic resolution. More accurate and finer scale seismic mapping of reservoir parameters is achieved from progressive inversion that seamlessly integrates the geologic interpretation of well-seismic data and model-based seismic inversion for high-resolution (20 ft) impedance models.