N085 Introduction to Seismic Interpretation
Course Facts
- Course Code:
- N085
- Duration:
- 5 days
- Type:
- Classroom
- CEU:
- 4.0 Continuing Education Units
- PDH:
- 40 Professional Development Hours
- Certificate:
- Certificate Issued Upon Completion
Summary
For petrotechnical professionals and support staff seeking to gain a practical knowledge and a working understanding of the techniques and concepts used in the seismic interpretation process, this course provides a through introduction covering all aspects of seismic data, from the fundamentals of the seismic method to mapping and the use of seismic attributes. It has proven beneficial for petro-engineers that need a better understanding of the products they use from seismic interpreters. This long-standing basic seismic course has added value for new hires, those switching to a seismic-based role, for geo-techs and petroleum engineers.
Duration and Training Method
This is a five-day classroom course with exercise and lecture materials derived from “real-world” examples of producing fields and basins around the world.
Participants will learn to:
- Explain fundamental aspects of seismic wave propagation, diffractions, and reflection criteria.
- Compare 2D and 3D seismic acquisition techniques; evaluate key survey requirements necessary to achieve project objectives.
- Assess the importance of key seismic data processing steps including datum and statics corrections, velocity analyses, migration, and depth imaging.
- Contrast 2D and 3D seismic data benefits, recognize common imaging pitfalls.
- Explain how prospect risk factors can influence project objectives and interpretation workflows.
- Demonstrate practical interpretation skills; construct and use synthetic seismograms, perform well-seismic ties, 2D line correlation, horizon and fault identification, seismic picking and basic mapping.
- Compare seismic time-to-depth conversion techniques and recognize the advantages and disadvantages of different methods.
- Determine factors affecting seismic resolution at the reservoir scale.
- Differentiate the various types of seismic attributes available and select appropriate attributes for a given project.
- Demonstrate the relationship between mapping exercises on paper and modern workstation practices.
- Apply basic stratigraphic seismic interpretation skills including identification of major sequence boundaries, and also 3D stratigraphic slicing to map channel reservoirs.
Seismic data, in particular 3D seismic data, is a mainstay of the petroleum industry. Seismic data are used by geophysicists, geologists and engineers alike to image subsurface structure and stratigraphy, identify hydrocarbons, and thereby generate drilling prospects and effectively drain oil and gas reservoirs. Achieving an understanding of all of the methods and concepts used during the interpretation process can be a daunting task. A partial list of disciplines incorporated into a complete interpretation workflow includes rock physics, signal processing, wireline log analysis, computer visualization, structural geology, stratigraphy and petroleum engineering. Few, if any, new hires have mastered, or perhaps even been exposed to, all of these disciplines during their university education. Other, more experienced, petroleum professionals may have become specialists in one of these or other fields, and lack the “big-picture” view necessary for maximizing the value of a seismic interpretation.
The following five days of lectures, discussions, exercises and case histories are designed to provide broad exposure to the range of skills required of effective seismic interpreters:
Day 1:
1. Introduction
2. Prospect risk factors influencing interpretation workflows
3. Exercise: prospect analysis and risk assessment
4. The seismic method
a. Rock properties
b. Wave propagation, reflectivity, impedance
c. Data acquisition – Land and Marine
d. Exercises; reflection coefficients, time/depth domains, mapping
Day 2:
1. Seismic data processing overview
a. Conventional pre-stack processing and CMP gathers
b. Post-stack processing
c. Seismic migration. Exercises; datum statics, migration
2. Calibration methods (well-tie)
a. Velocity surveys
b. Sonic logs
c. Synthetic seismograms
d. Exercise; Seismic well tie
3. Vertical Seismic Profiles
a. Exercise; VSP correlation to 3D surface seismic
Day 3:
1. Structural interpretation
a. Structural styles
b. Fault interpretation
c. Exercise - fault plane interpretation
d. Horizon interpretation techniques
e. Horizon attributes
f. Exercise – structure mapping
g. Validation methods
h. Interpretation pitfalls
i. Exercises – Compressional tectonics
Day 4:
1. Attributes for lithology, fluids, and rock mechanics
a. Acoustic impedance and inversion
b. AVO and Elastic seismic response
c. Pore pressure effects on velocity
d. Interpretation tools for Unconventional Reservoirs
2. Modelling and depth conversion tools
a. Types of velocity information
b. Depth conversion methods
c. Exercise: Velocity model building
d. Workflow: Depth conversion using 2-layer model
e. Image ray map migration
f. PreStack depth migration
3. Validation using 2D modeling, ray tracing and full waveform modeling
Day 5:
1. Stratigraphic interpretation of seismic data
a. Sequence stratigraphy
b. Seismic facies identification
c. Exercise – Seismic stratigraphy
d. Seismic tuning amplitudes and isochron mapping
e. Exercise: Mapping reservoirs using stratigraphic slices
f. Spectral decomposition
g. Visualization tools
Who should attend
Geoscientists who are new to the petroleum industry and who require tools and techniques for the practical use and interpretation of seismic data; Geotechnical assisstants who are involved in seismic interpretation projects; Petrophysicists, Engineers and Project Managers who would like to learn more about the utilization of seismic data in various project settings.
Prerequisites and linking courses
A general geological background and some familiarity with oil and gas industry terms and practice are assumed. N085 also provides the foundation necessary for other geophysics courses such as:
N004 (The Essentials of Rock Physics for Seismic Amplitude Interpretation)
N040 (Interpretation of 3D Seismic Data)
N049 (Seismic Attributes for Exploration and Reservoir Characterization)
Click on a name to learn more about the instructor
Rachel Newrick
Rachel Newrick
Background
Since 1992 Rachel has worked for BHP Petroleum in Melbourne, Occidental Petroleum in Houston, Exxon Mobil in Houston, Veritas DGC in Calgary, Nexen Inc in Calgary, Nexen Petroleum UK in London and Cairn Energy in Edinburgh. While at Cairn Energy, Rachel participated in the frontier exploration of West Greenland before taking on the role of Exploration Manager for the Mediterranean and North Africa. On returning to Canada in 2013, to get back to the great outdoors, Rachel started Racian Ventures Ltd and acts as Consultant Geophysicist to international exploration companies.
Rachel is the co-author of the SEG Geophysical Monograph Series #13, Fundamentals of Geophysical Interpretation with Laurence Lines, a contributor to both 52 Things You Should Know About Geophysics and 52 Things You Should Know About Rock Physics, and has presented at a variety of conferences and technical luncheons.
While not working or volunteering in the geoscience community, Rachel is travelling, motorcycling, skiing or enjoying fine wine with her partner Ian. They are based in Alberta, Canada.
Affiliations and Accreditation
PhD University of Calgary, Canada - Exploration Seismology
BSc Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand - Applied Geophysics (Honours)
BSc Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand - Geology
SEG - Member
AAPG - Member
EAGE - Member
APEGA - P. Geoph, P. Geol
CSEG - Member and President (2015 - 2016)
Courses Taught
N040: Interpretation of 3D Seismic Data
N085: Introduction to Seismic Interpretation
N165: Fundamental Concepts of Seismic Techniques
N485: Advanced Seismic Interpretation
John Randolph
John Randolph
Background
John has over 40 years experience in the Oil and Gas Industry and is currently Technical Manager for Nautilus geophysical programs in North America. During his career, John worked as a seismic interpreter for Texaco, a geophysical project manager for The Louisiana Land and Exploration Company, and he served in the role of Chief Geophysicist for Burlington Resources. John retired from Burlington Resources in 2005 as General Manager of Exploration responsible for the company’s exploration activities in the US, Latin America, the UK, Algeria, and China. While working as Chief Geophysicist, John was also responsible for training and career development for Burlington’s geoscience professionals. Since 2005, John has also worked as a consultant to independent oil and gas companies and also national oil companies assisting them with various project management issues.
In addition to his passion for teaching seismic interpretation, John enjoys travel, biking, and hiking. John also taught scuba diving classes for many years.
John and his wife Cheri live in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Affiliations and Accreditation
MS Business Administration
BS Physics and Mathematics
SEG -Member
AAPG - Member
Courses Taught
N080: Geophysics for Subsurface Professionals
N085: Introduction to Seismic Interpretation
N165: Fundamental Concepts of Seismic Techniques
N250: Evaluation Methods for Shale Reservoirs
N281: Introduction to Seismic Interpretation for Exploration and Production
N394: 3D Seismic Interpretation Workflow
N408: Seismic Imaging for Coal
N420: Introduction to Seismic Interpretation for Coal Mining
N443: Essentials of Geophysics
John is a contributer to the following courses:
N092: Reservoir Geophysics
N286: Seismic Acquisition Principles and Practice
Fred Schroeder
Fred Schroeder
Background
Fred started his petroleum industry career in 1977 when he joined Exxon Production Research (EPR, now URC) in Houston Texas. He began as a seismic stratigrapher, being mentored by Pete Vail and Bob Mitchum. Fred worked for Exxon and then ExxonMobil for 32 years, primarily in their research organization.
While at Exxon/ExxonMobil, Dr. Schroeder’s efforts focused on three main items: R&D of new methods, tools and techniques related to seismic analysis, applying cutting-edge technology in exploration offices, and teaching/mentoring. Fred has received several awards for teaching excellence. His areas of expertise include seismic stratigraphic, basin modeling, seismic facies, seismic attributes, DHI/AVO, and visualization.
Dr. Schroeder has also been awarded by AAPG’s Visiting Geoscience Program (VGP) for his teaching efforts. He has presented short courses on over 60 campuses, teaching 1100+ students and 150+ faculty members. Recently he has started teaching at Texas A&M University.
Affiliations and Accreditation
PhD Columbia University - Marine Geology, the highest degree was awarded in 1977
MPhil Columbia University - Marine Geology, the highest degree was awarded in 1977
BS Lehigh University - Engineering Physics
AAPG-VGP Committee
Courses Taught
N240: Seismic Interpretation Workshop: From Opportunity Capture through Early Field Development
N085: Introduction to Seismic Interpretation
Dates for this Course
Related Courses
Related Subjects
“ Excellent course for a novice seismic interpreter. Good overview of seismic technologies.”
Our Safety Management Systems ensure that every course is risk managed appropriately to enable quality, safe and enjoyable learning to take place in the field environment.
To learn more about how RPS manages your health and safety, visit the HSE section of this site.
New to RPS Training?
Create Account