Chevron Research Company

Chevron U.s.a. Inc.

Earl F Herkenhoff

William J Ostrander

John Kenneth Washbourne

Clint W Frasier

A method for obtaining enhanced seismic data and optimized inverted reflectivities includes computing statistical well characterizations based upon band-limited well reflectivities for a subsurface region. Sets of processed seismic data are computed by applying differing processing sequences to seismic data corresponding to the subsurface region. Inverted reflectivities are computed by inverting the sets of processed seismic data. Statistical seismic characterizations are computed based upon the inverted reflectivities. Statistical difference measurements (SDMs) are computed between the statistical well and seismic characterizations. An optimal processing sequence is selected based upon the computed SDMs. Enhanced seismic data is obtained by processing the seismic data corresponding to the subsurface region. An optimal seismic inversion algorithm is obtained based upon the computed SDMs. The seismic data is inverted using the optimal seismic inversion algorithm to produce a set of optimized inverted reflectivities.

Optimizing seismic processing and amplitude inversion utilizing statistical comparisons of seismic to well control data

In accordance with the present invention, progressive changes in amplitude as a function of offset of common gathers can be more easily identified by displaying difference envelopes of 'near' and 'far' amplitude vs. time traces of each gather, as a function of common groups of centerpoints. A significant--and progressive--change in P-wave reflection coefficient as a function of the angle of incidence (within sections) indicates valuable characteristics, such as hydrocarbon-bearing potential and/or lithology of the reflecting horizon.

Method for the interpretation of envelope-related seismic records to

In accordance with the present invention, progressive changes in amplitude as a function of offset of common gathers can be more easily identified by emphasizing the degree of amplitude variation between traces of each gather along a seismic line, and after generating semblance coefficients, displaying the resulting 'weighted' offset traces or representations of such traces as function of either horizontal offset or centerpoint values. A significant --and progressive --change in P-wave reflection coefficient as a function of the angle of incidence (within sections) indicates valuable characteristics, say the fluid hydrocarbon-bearing potential and/or lithology of the reflecting horizon.

Method for the interpretation of statistically-related seismic records

In accordance with the present invention, progressive changes in amplitude as a function of offset of common gathers can be more easily identified by emphasizing the degree of amplitude variation between 'near' and 'far' amplitude vs. time traces of each gather along a seismic line, and displaying the resulting near and far offset sections side-by-side. A significant--and progressive--change in P-wave reflection coefficient as a function of the angle of incidence (within sections) indicates valuable characteristics, say the fluid hydrocarbon-bearing potential and/or the lithology of the reflecting horizon.

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Orinda, CA, United States of America

Earl F Herkenhoff