The Essentials of Rock Physics for Seismic Amplitude Interpretation

 Business Outcomes 

The Essentials of Rock Physics for Seismic Amplitude Interpretation’ is a 4 or 5 day course presenting the physical basis for seismic interpretation within the context of hydrocarbon exploration and production. It is intended for attendees of all geoscience disciplines including geologists, geophysicists, petrophysicists and engineers. 

The following key technologies are explained: 

· Rock physics analysis of log data 

· Well ties 

· 1D and 2D seismic modeling 

· Amplitude and AVO analysis 

· Seismic trace inversion to petro-acoustic and reservoir properties (including net pay analysis, simultaneous pre-stack inversion and forward modeling (trace matching) methods) 

· Incorporation of amplitude information in prospect risking 

Case studies and classroom exercises are used to explain how these technologies work and how they are integrated within an exploration context. Practical exercises utilize the RokDoc TM rock physics software (commercial software owned by Ikon Science Ltd - note no prior knowledge of the software is required). 

Throughout the course key themes are developed including theory vs practice, the importance of geological context for the appropriate application of techniques, common pitfalls and the issue of uncertainty 

Course Outline 

· Seismic reflectivity fundamentals 

· Seismic geometry (S-R, incidence angle, moveout, stacking) 

· Polarity - importance of zero phase 

· The first order seismic model - isotropy, elasticity and the convolutional model 

· Elastic parameters 

· Zoeppritz equations - simplifications 

· Aki-Richards 3 term, 2 term (Shuey) (Rc, R0, G) 

· Hilterman (2 term) approximation 

· Other propagation effects – related to layering and rock factors 

· Anisotropy, stratigraphic filtering and dispersion 

· Types of seismic models 

· Relating seismic data to models 

· Amplitude scaling (to reflection coefficient) 

· Offset to angle relations (utilizing a velocity model and the moveout equation)

· Angle stacks – definition of ‘near’, ‘mid’, ‘far’ and ‘ultra-far’ 

· Rock properties and AVO 

o AVO response description 

o Controls on AI and PR (and reflectivity) 

o Compaction (depth), sand vs shale and fluid fill 

o Rock physics basis for AVO analysis 

o Role of pore geometry, shale content, cementation, pressure …

  

About the Presenter 

Dr. Rob Simm 

Is a seismic interpreter who specializes in applying rock physics in oil and gas exploration and production. Rob spent his early career (1985-1999) with operating oil companies (notably Britoil, Tricentrol and Enterprise Oil). In 1999, he established his own consultancy company, to provide project and training services. Between 2010 and 2019 Rob worked on staff as a Geophysical Adviser for Agora Oil and Gas, Cairn Energy, Origo Exploration AS and DNO Norge. In 2014 Cambridge University Press published his book (co-authored with Dr. Mike Bacon) entitled ‘Seismic Amplitude: An Interpreter’s Handbook’.

Academic Qualifications

1987 PhD Marine Geology and Geophysics (University College London) 1981 MSc Marine Earth Science (University College London) 1980 BSc Geology & Geography (Cambs. Coll. Arts & Technology) (First Class) 

Professional Membership & Qualifications 

Society of Exploration Geophysicists Fellow of the Geological Society of London (Chartered Geologist) Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers 

Selected Publications 

Simm, R.W. and J. Chamberlain, 2017. Practical synthetic well ties: an example. First Break, 35, 1-6. Simm, R.W., 2017. A ‘sense check’ method for incorporating seismic amplitude information into prospect risk (a tribute to Mike Bacon). First Break, 35, 45-49. Simm R.W.  and Bacon M., 2014. Seismic Amplitude: An Interpreter’s Handbook. C.U.P. 271pp Simm, R.W., 2011 What makes the wiggle waggle: a perspective on rock physics. First Break 29, 65-69. Simm, R.W., 2009. Simple net pay estimation from seismic: a modelling study. First Break, 27, 45-53 Simm R.W., 2007. Practical Gassmann fluid substitution in sand/shale sequences. First Break, 25, 61-68 White, R.E. and Simm, R.W., 2003. Tutorial – good practice in well ties. First Break 21, 75-83 Bacon, M., Simm, R.W. and Redshaw, T. 2003, 3-D Seismic Interpretation. Cambridge Univ. Press 212pp. Simm, R.W. and White, R.E., 2002. Phase, polarity and the interpreter’s wavelet (tutorial). First Break, 20, 277281. Simm, R.W., Kemper, M and Deo, J., 2002. AVOImpedance: A New Attribute for Lithology and Fluid Discrimination. Petex conference abstracts. Simm, R.W., White, R.E. and Uden, R.C., 2000. The anatomy of AVO crossplots. Leading Edge, February, 150-155