Crosswell seismic imaging of acoustic and shear impedance in a Michigan reef

Abstract

Acoustic and shear impedance images, obtained from deterministic simultaneous inversion of a high-resolution crosswell seismic survey, were used to obtain the internal structure of Niagaran reef in Michigan. The crosswell seismic survey was conducted using two monitor wells external to the reef. These wells had depths that extended beyond the depth of the reef, and imaging used reflections from above and beneath the reef, resulting in the best seismic images of any Niagaran pinnacle reef obtained to date. The top of the reservoir can be clearly distinguished, as well as its lateral extent or dipping edges. Reflection events internal to the reef are evident; some are fairly continuous across the reef and others are discontinuous.