Applications of high-resolution seismic frequency and phase attribute analysis techniques

Abstract

Seismic prospecting for oil and gas exploration and development is limited by seismic data resolution. Improving the accuracy of quantitative interpretation of seismic data in thin layers, thereby identifying effective reservoirs and delineating favorable areas, can be a key factor for successful exploration and development. Historically, the limit of seismic resolution is usually assumed to be about 1/4 wavelength of the dominant frequency of the data in the formation of interest. Constrained seismic reflectivity inversion can resolve thinner layers than this assumed limit. This leads to a series of highresolution quantitative interpretation methods and techniques have been developed. Case studies in carbonates, clastic, and unconventional reservoirs indicate that the application of quantitative interpretation techniques such as high-resolution seismic frequency and phase attribute analysis can resolve and allow/or allow quantitative estimation of rock and fluid properties in such seismically thin layers. Band recovery using high resolution seismic processing technology can greatly improve the ability to recognize geological details such as thin layers, faults, and karst caves. Multiscale fault detection technology can effectively detect small-scale faults in addition to more readily recognized large-scale faults. Based on traditional seismic amplitude information, high-resolution spectral decomposition and phase decomposition technology expands seismic attribute analysis to the frequency and phase dimensions, boosting the interpretable geological information content of the seismic data including subsurface geological characteristics and hydrocarbon potential and thereby improving the reliability of seismic interpretation. These technologies, based on high-resolution quantitative interpretation techniques, make the identification of effective reservoirs more efficient and accurate.