New Developments in Use of Image Processing for Integrated Geological and Geophysical Data Evaluation: ABSTRACT

Abstract

Interactive work stations for seismic interpretation and mapping have been available for several years. Geological interpretation and display systems have also been available, but separate from the seismic interpretation work station. The need for integrated geological and geophysical systems is now greater than ever. The limits between the geologist's and geophysicist's work is overlapping more and more. The title explorationist would nowadays be more characteristic. In this paper, a system for integrated geological and geophysical interpretation and presentation using image processing will be presented. Integration of well data such as VSP, synthetic seismograms, electric logs, and stratigraphic logs with seismic data is important for the best correlation between wells and seismic. Composite displays and data bases present a unique way of doing this using an image processor. Seismic interpretation is often based on a previously defined geological model; therefore, it is important to be able to compare seismic interpretation with the geological model and vice versa. A new method of using image processing in depth conversion on either a single seismic line or on a map using a flexible velocity field will present the explorationist with instant ways to verify the interpretation. Once an interpretation is performed, the interpreted horizonsmore » can be used as input to a geophysical 3D seismic modeling concept. The user can input survey parameters as they were used during acquisition to produce synthetic seismograms and compare results with existing seismic data. When depth conversion parameters are established, the image processor performs this within seconds, and the final depth map is presented to the explorationist.« less