Total Volume Interpretation: A Holistic Approach to Seismic Structure and Reservoir Characterisation

Nicholas D. J. Purday¹, R. William Keach, II², and Jason P. Sutton^3
1 Landmark Graphics, 2101 CityWest Blvd, Building 1 Suite 200, Houston, TX 77242, Phone: 832-200-4700, [email protected], ² Landmark Graphics, 2101 CityWest Blvd, Houston, TX 77242, ³ Energy Technology Company, ChevronTexaco, 4800 Fournace Place, Bellaire, TX 77401~2324.

Complex geologic problems tend to push interpreters back to "tried, true and safe" 20 approaches. Whilst the 20 method has been proven successful over the last 50+ years advances in technology are providing a viable and efficient alternative. The challenge has been convincing interpreters to adopt 3D methodologies which we call ''Total Volume Interpretation" (TVI).

TVI can be viewed as two processes, first the building of a 3D structural framework and secondly, as reservoir characterisation using seismic attributes within the sequence of interest. Our experience has shown that TVI can yield more precise and detailed information in significantly less time.

Utilisation of the full volume yields a more thorough knowledge of the geologic environment that the interpreter is challenged with understanding. For example, you don't only see the fault, or the channel or the amplitude. Rather you understand the role of the fault in controlling the flow of the channel and its spatial context within the depositional system.

This presentation will focus on TVI methods applied to 3D data sets from basins that are actively being explored. In particular the datasets will focus on current problems seen in West Africa such as salt and rapid sedimentation.