Fluid and lithology identification using high-resolution 3D seismic data

Abstract

BP acquired its first high-resolution 3D survey data in late 2000 over their Greater Plutonio development area in Block 18, offshore Angola. The seismic acquisition and processing parameters were designed to maximize temporal and spatial resolution of the reservoir sands. A compact and shallow source was used in conjunction with shallow cable deployment. The data were processed at 2 ms to a bin size of 6.25 m. AVO imaging and inversion technology were used to provide fluid and lithological impedance cubes. The survey was designed to aid development well drilling as well as providing a baseline 4D survey. The final datasets have significantly improved resolution compared to the previous conventional 3D survey. The new data show sharply defined fluid contacts, which allows the identification of potential pressure barriers within the reservoir.