Using Seismic Inversion to Map Sand Porosity/Quality in the Delaware Mountain Group, Eddy County, New Mexico

Seismic trace inversion can be used to provide a qualitative look at sand porosity in the Delaware Mountain group Brushy Canyon interval. A close look at the correlation between well logs and seismic trace inversion is presented.

A brief review of Delaware sand lithology is followed by a very brief explanation of modern seismic trace inversion.

A methodology for calibrating seismic trace inversion is presented showing how each well log in the survey is tied to the inversion, and how the inversion is presented to best tie the well logs. Resolution of the inversion is compared to the well logs and to the wiggle trace seismic data.

The purpose of the inversion is to define fairways for horizontal drilling. Mapping of one Brushy Canyon sand is shown along with the results of two recent horizontal wells drilled to test the target sands on the inversion. The inversion results are tied to oil and gas shows as well as lithology on the mud logs. Finally, a lithologic interpretation of the inversion results is shown.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90142 © 2012 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, April 22-25, 2012, Long Beach, California