Applications of deterministic and stochastic rock physics modeling to anisotropic velocity model building

Abstract

Modern anisotropic depth imaging requires transverse isotropy (TI) velocity models. These models are often difficult to construct without additional information not included within the acquired seismic data, such as checkshot data. Rock physics compaction modeling of shales and sandy shales can be use to constrain and predict anisotropic parameters of sediments whose depositional environment is governed by compaction. In this study, I present several applications of rock physics modeling to anisotropic velocity model building. I show how both deterministic and stochastic rock physics modeling can be used for initial anisotropic velocity model building and as a constraint for anisotropic parameter estimation. In all cases, all predicted anisotropy models are physical and realizable in terms of effective medium theory (i.e., they will not violate elasticity theory).