Interval Velocity Research Articles

Updating Subsurface Image of Khashim Al-Ahmer Gas Field Using the Interpretation for Anisotropic Velocity Model North-Eastern Iraq

This research deals with structural interpretation of Khashim Al-Ahmer Gas Field North-Eastern Iraq in Diyala Province, using the interpretation of inhomogeneous velocity data. The specific target in this field is the gaseous Jeribe reservoir representing the L. Miocene-Tertiary period. A very thick layer of evaporates Al-Fatha Formation is overlap the Jeribe Formation in the gas field and play as a sealed bed and transition zone for faults movement as a thrust fault. The thrust fault with gas content negatively affected the seismic energy, causing a high attenuation below the level of Al-Fatha Formation in the dome of the Khashm Al-Ahmer structure. Using the interval velocities derived from the sonic logs of five surrounding wells that represent the inhomogeneous behavior of the seismic wave velocity within the rock layers, a model of the velocity behavior in the field was built and the extent of the Jeribe gas reservoir was reconstructed according to the new velocities interpretation data.

Seismic resonance: Wavelet-free reflectivity retrieval via modified cepstral decomposition

Spectral decomposition is a proven tool in seismic interpretation. It helps interpreters highlight channels and map temporal bed thickness and other geologic discontinuities. In spectrally decomposed seismic data, amplitude spectra contain notch patterns. The period of these notch patterns inversely correlates to the reservoir layer’s thickness and/or its interval velocity. Additional cepstral decomposition will directly extract the bed time thickness or arrival time under simple reflectivity setups. Based on these observations, we have adopted a new workflow for reflectivity retrieval in stably phased seismic. There is no need to understand the details of the wavelet in this workflow. We find that the reflector time and its “apparent strength” can be identified in a transformed seismic resonance domain resulting from a modified cepstrum analysis. We find that linear hot spots in this domain lead to direct quantification of the reflectivity series. The timing and strength of the linear hot spots reveals reflector times and scaled reflectivity coefficients. We applied this method for thickness prediction for a target deepwater reservoir with a complex geologic setting. Because of the large reservoir thickness variations and weak impedance contrast with underlying lithology, identification of the base reservoir and therefore the reservoir thickness has been historically challenging in this field. In a blind test, the reservoir thicknesses evaluated from this method are close to the true vertical thickness found in wells.

Multiple Regression and Modified Faust Equation on Well Logging Data in Application to Seismic Procedures: Polish Outer Carpathians Case Study

An appropriate velocity model from well logs is a key issue in the processing and interpretation of seismic data. In a deep borehole located in the central part of the Polish Outer Carpathians, the sonic measurements were inadequate for seismic purposes due to the poor quality of data and gaps in the logging. Multiple regression (MR) and a modified Faust equation were proposed to model the velocity log. MR estimated the P-wave slowness as a dependent variable on the basis of sets of various logs as independent variables. The solutions were verified by the interval velocity from Check Shots (CS) and by the convergence of synthetic seismograms and the real seismic traces. MR proved to be an effective method when a set of other logs was available. The modified Faust method allowed computation of P-wave velocity based on the shallow resistivity logs, depth, and compaction factor. Faust coefficients were determined according to the lithology and stratigraphy divisions and were calibrated with the use of the velocity previously determined in the MR analysis. The modified Faust equation may be applied in nearby old wells with limited logging data, particularly with no sonic logs, where MR could not be successfully applied.

Estimating sediment interval velocity using a monostatic sonar from a seabed with tilted layers

Recently, it has been shown that sediment layer interval velocity can be obtained from a multibeam monostatic sonar. In that work, plane-parallel sediment layering was assumed. Since tilted sediment layers are common in the marine environment, the method is expanded to treat them explicitly. The in- and out-of-plane tilted layers affect the travel times in each layer, which complicates interval velocity estimation. This effect is mitigated by applying a dip moveout correction for each sediment layer. Testing is performed using simulated scattering data from rough, tilted, layered seabeds for dip angles up to a few degrees. The interval velocity estimation method is also applied to at-sea data (acquired by the 2–9 kHz SBP29 multibeam sub-bottom profiler) in areas with tilted layers. [Research supported by ONR Coastal Geosciences]

Overpressure-generating mechanisms in the Blok F3, North Sea, Netherland

Block F3 North Sea is a block with pore pressure values that vary over time due to complex geological conditions such as burial and various sedimentation zones. Pore pressure is one of the important aspects that need to be analyzed as a basis for the identification of zones and overpressure mechanisms. Overpressure is a greater pore pressure condition than normal pressure and may cause drilling problems, such as kicks, blowouts, etc. This study calculated pore pressure values using the eaton method approach with well data and seismic data. Both data are integrated for generating pore pressure values in 1D and 3D. 1D Modelling uses Interactive Petrophysics 3.5, while 3D modeling uses Petrel software. In 3D modeling, the variables used are interval velocity and inversion velocity obtained by acoustic impedance inversion. The sub-variables used are the inversion density and the regression density obtained from well density acoustic impedance inversion. The existence of a 1D overpressure zone at a depth of 1,100 – 1,800 m with an overpressure value of 3,836 – 18,975 kPa. In addition, the overpressure value based on the 3D model is 8,000 – 18,000 kPa. The overpressure zone is validated using an acoustic impedance inversion model with a high value of 5,200 – 5,380 (m/s)*(gr/cc). Overpressure in Block F3 is predicted to occur from disequilibrium compaction..

Near Surface Velocity Estimation Using GPR Data: Investigations by Numerical Simulation, and Experimental Approach with AVO Response

The velocity of near-surface materials is one of the most important for Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR). In the study, we evaluate the options for determining the GPR velocity to measure the accuracy of velocity approximations from the acquired GPR data at an experimental site in Hangzhou, China. A vertical profile of interval velocities can be estimated from each common mid-point (CMP) gather using velocity spectrum analysis. Firstly, GPR data are acquired and analyzed using the popular method of hyperbola fitting which generated surprisingly high subsurface signal velocity estimates while, for the same profile, the Amplitude variation with offset (AVO) analysis of the GPR data (using the same hyperbola fitting method) generate a more reasonable subsurface signal velocity estimate. Several necessary processing steps are applied both for CMP and AVO analysis. Furthermore, experimental analysis is conducted on the same test site to get velocities of samples based on dielectric constant measurement during the drilling process. Synthetic velocities generated by AVO analysis are validated by the experimental velocities which confirmed the suitability of velocity interpretations.

Analysis of Eyelid Blink Characteristics in Patients with Ptosis Using a Smartphone Camera

Purpose: To compare eyelid blink characteristics between patients with ptosis and healthy controls using a smartphone camera. Methods: The ptosis group consisted of 20 senile aponeurotic ptosis patients with margin reflex distance1 ≤2.5 mm and the control group consisted of 10 healthy subjects without ptosis. The ptosis group was further divided into two groups based on an age cutoff of 70 years. Palpebral fissure height, levator function, margin reflex distance1, inter-blink interval, blink duration, blink rate, and blink velocity were measured and compared between the three groups based on photographs of the eyelids and videos of blinking taken with a smartphone camera. Results: The palpebral fissure height, levator function, margin reflex distance1, and blink velocity were lower in the ptosis groups than in the control group but these values did not differ between the two ptosis groups. The palpebral fissure height, levator function, and margin reflex distance1 were correlated with blink velocity. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of blink velocity, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve value was as high as 0.969 and the cut-off value was 32.36 mm/s. Conclusions: It is possible to analyze eyelid blink characteristics using a smartphone camera and the results confirmed that palpebral fissure height, levator function, margin reflex distance1, and blink velocity were lower in the senile aponeurotic ptosis group than in the healthy control group and were unaffected by age. Additionally, blink velocity is valuable for diagnosis of ptosis due to the correlation between the degree of ptosis, blink velocity, and the ROC curve of blink velocity.

Comparison of velocity models computed using different velocity variants and algorithms on a 2D seismic profile for poststack time migration

This article presents a construction method of the velocity field for poststack time migration for 2D seismic calculated on the basis of interval velocities in boreholes and structural interpretation, as well as the results of poststack time migration based on this solution. Three velocity field models have been developed. The models used differ in the way of spatial interpolation and extrapolation in the adopted calculation grid in the depth domain, which was created on the basis of a structural interpretation of 2D seismic profiles. Three methods of interpolation and extrapolation were used: Gaussian distribution, kriging and moving average. The spatial distribution of the interval velocities in the boreholes was made using the Petrel software by Schlumberger. The interval velocities along the analyzed seismic profile were extracted from the computed spatial interval velocity models, and after conversion from the depth to the time domain, they were used for the poststack time migration. For comparison, poststack time migration was calculated for the same seismic profile based on the stacking velocities obtained in the seismic processing data as a result of velocity analyzes. The velocity field calculated on the basis of interval velocities and structural interpretation was used for the poststack time migration procedure performed with the Implicit FD Time Migration algorithm (finite difference), while the stacking velocities were used for the poststack time migration procedure performed with the Stolt and Kirchhoff algorithms in accordance with the technical conditions of correct operation of these algorithms. The selected percentage ranges of 60%, 100%, and 140% have been used for all velocity fields. Application of the element of directional velocity variation resulting from the spatial distribution of interval velocities in the boreholes to the velocity field for the poststack time migration allowed to obtain a better seismic image in relation to the one obtained as a result of applying the stacking velocities. The most reliable seismic image after poststack time migration was obtained for the velocity field calculated on the basis of the interval velocities with Gaussian distribution, using the finite difference algorithm with 60 percent value of the velocity field.

Seismic response of gas-hydrate zones: a case study from the Oman Sea

An offshore vintage 2D seismic dataset acquired in the Oman Sea recently has been reprocessed to achieve two objectives: mapping gas-hydrate zones and structural imaging beneath the bottom-simulating reflector (BSR). We present results of the analysis of the seismic data associated with three seismic lines in the project area. The sea-bottom water-saturated sediment column (WSZ) has an average thickness of 100 m and an interval velocity range of 1550–1700 m/s. The underlying gas-hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) has an average thickness of 180 m and an interval velocity range of 2000–2200 m/s. The BSR with its low-frequency, large-amplitude character is very prominent in the seismic images derived from prestack time migration (PSTM). The BSR defines the base of the GHSZ and thus is a crucial indicator of the presence of a gas-hydrate zone. Velocities close to the top of the GHSZ interval are slightly lower at some locations along the line traverses – indicative of a transitional boundary between the WSZ and GHSZ. The overthrust tectonics during the Mid-Miocene to Pliocene caused by the counterclockwise rotation of the Arabian Plate is evident in the seismic images. The resulting thrust faults may facilitate upward migration of fluids and gas, thus forming the free-gas zone beneath the BSRs.

Velocity modeling and attribute analysis to understand the gas hydrates and free gas system in the Mannar Basin, India

The Mannar basin, located between India and Sri Lanka, is poorly explored for hydrocarbon compared to other petroliferous basins in the Indian offshore. 2D multichannel seismic data was acquired onboard R/V Samudra Ratnakar for exploring gas hydrate deposits in this basin. The bottom-simulating reflectors (BSRs) are observed in the seismic section, indicating the possible gas hydrate deposit. Several pull-down structures are identified below the BSR, suggesting the presence of free gas-bearing sediments. We also observed some chimney-like features, which extend from a deeper horizon up to the seafloor. An automated version of migration velocity analysis was used to estimate P-wave velocities along selected seismic lines. High interval velocities (>1.7 km/s) are observed above the BSR for ~100 ms TWT across the chimney locations, indicating the presence of gas hydrates for the first time in the Mannar basin. Low velocities are observed below the BSR, indicating a widespread region of free gas-bearing sediments. Seismic attributes (instantaneous amplitude and frequency) analysis are used to demarcate the extent of these regions. Chimneys are identified as vertical zones of reduced amplitude, while the gas-bearing sediments below the BSR show high amplitudes and low-frequency. A deeper horizon ~3.3 s TWT shows signatures associated with a deep-seated gas reservoir. We propose that chimneys and small sub-vertical fractures provide pathways for the migration of deep-seated gases to shallower regions. The hydrate deposits of the Mannar basin are unique as the organic-rich sediments are not supplied through any major rivers. Instead, they are derived from the high biomass due to the unusual physiography of the Mannar basin.

Evolvement of interpretation capacities of seismic measurements in mining of water-soluble minerals

The current development level of geophysical methods for mining monitoring of water-soluble mineral deposits provides opportunities to control the growing variety of potentially hazardous geological and mining conditions, to identify the critical states of rock mass and to monitor the emergency facilities. Seismic surveys for solving the specified problems have proven to be a highly informative method for studying the structural features and properties of productive and waterprotective overburden strata, which has a high information richness of the recorded data. The main set of parameters for the interpretation stage of seismic exploration has been formed based on the experience in shallow seismic surveys within a potash deposit; it incl udes the target reflection times, effective and interval velocities, amplitudes, frequencies and a number of derivatives from these parameters. Improvement and adaptation of world interpretation practices in relation to the indicated seismic studies conditions provides means for increasing reliability of anomalies identification and expanding the set of typical wave ‘images’ for various kinds of inhomogeneities in a wide range of wave field realizations and its attributes. The analysis of irregular wave field component in the results of scattered waves processing, spectral decomposition and RGB-mixing is considered as an additional techniques of qualitative interpretation. An approach is proposed to determining possible fracturing in rock mass based on the variability of interval velocities. In combination with the AVO-analysis, this approach makes it possible to assess the trend of rock disintegration within the emergency facilities. The interpretation results of the areal (quasi-3D) and spatial (3D) detailed surveys of a shallow potash deposit are presented.

A comprehensive model of seismic velocities for the Bay of Mecklenburg (Baltic Sea) at the North German Basin margin: implications for basin development

The geometry of sedimentary basins is normally described by the interpretation of seismic reflectors. In addition to that, rock properties of the sedimentary successions between these reflectors give further insight into the subsurface geology. Here, we present a model for the Bay of Mecklenburg, situated at the northeastern margin of the North German Basin. The model consists of eight layers; it covers seismic velocities of sediments from the Neogene down to the base of the Permian Zechstein. We use eight seismic profiles for model building and apply seismic migration velocity analysis in combination with pre-stack depth migration. The results are interval velocities down to a depth of 5000 m. A further aim of the study is to investigate the sensitivity of these indirectly deduced velocities in comparison to direct measurements within drill holes. The velocities from this study are in good agreement with earlier results from vertical seismic profiling at a nearby well. Cenozoic and Mesozoic strata within the Bay of Mecklenburg show clear depth-dependent velocity trends. A comparison of these trends with predicted compaction trends shows that burial anomalies within Lower Triassic units are significantly higher than in Upper Cretaceous units. This finding could be explained by a greater amount of erosion during Upper Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous times than during Cenozoic times. The Zechstein layer shows a decreasing interval velocity with increasing thickness. Our study demonstrates that seismic velocities deduced from surface-based measurements are of high value in areas with sparse drilling coverage.

Sand injectite mapping using a resistivity-velocity transform function

Lack of resolution in the distribution of sand injectites in hydrocarbon fields is common and makes it difficult to predict drilling challenges and plan for optimum production. A practical workflow was developed that enables the distinction of shale and sand bodies by using a combination of low-resolution seismic data and high-resolution resistivity log data. Measured resistivity logs were used to predict synthetic velocity logs, which accurately match shale velocities and over- or underestimate velocities of other rock types. The synthetic velocity logs were spatially distributed in a 3D cube in order to predict synthetic velocities in between and away from the well locations. The 3D cube was representative of a field. It covered the interval from the seabed to below the reservoir. The spatial distribution was based on a geostatistical approach guided by measured seismic interval velocities. A residual velocity cube was calculated from the measured and synthetic velocities. The residual velocity cube produced near-zero velocities for shaly materials and velocity over- or underestimates for other rock types. Interpretation of the residual velocity cube required the identification of strong stratigraphic markers. The markers were removed from the residual cube by setting their specific layer velocities to 0 m/s. The final information stored in the residual velocity cube was then related to the over- or underestimated velocities in sand bodies.

Velocity for inversion of 3D seismic surveys

Abstract In the paper ‘Revisiting Dix’s RMS Velocity’ (James, 2018) it was shown that there is no single velocity function that will accurately correct NMO for all the offsets in a seismic shot record. For the simplest possible model, with more than one layer NMO, velocity is not hyperbolic. Therefore, since the idea that ‘NMO velocities can be approximated by RMS averages of interval velocities’ is pervasive in seismic data processing we need some adjustment to our procedures. The impetus to study RMS velocities came from the practice of muting far offsets when performing AVA/AVO analysis and the far offsets were not flat in time after NMO. With the muting, the information at far offsets was discarded. Historically NMO velocities were picked directly and so it was never necessary to have reflections that were not flat after correction. Muting for NMO was restricted to the region where refractions and or reflections interfered with each other.

Wireline distributed acoustic sensing allows 4.2 km deep vertical seismic profiling of the Rotliegend 150 °C geothermal reservoir in the North German Basin

Abstract. We performed so-far-unprecedented deep wireline vertical seismic profiling at the Groß Schönebeck site with the novel method of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) to gain more detailed information on the structural setting and geometry of the geothermal reservoir, which is comprised of volcanic rocks and sediments of Lower Permian age. During the survey of 4 d only, we acquired data for 61 source positions using hybrid wireline fiber-optic sensor cables deployed in two 4.3 km deep, already existing wells. While most of the recorded data have a very good signal-to-noise ratio, individual sections of the profiles are affected by characteristic coherent noise patterns. This ringing noise results from incomplete coupling of the sensor cable to the borehole wall, and it can be suppressed to a large extent using suitable filtering methods. After conversion to strain rate, the DAS data exhibit a high similarity to the vertical component data of a conventional borehole geophone. We derived accurate time–depth relationships, interval velocities, and corridor stacks from the recorded data. Based on integration with other well data and geological information, we show that the top of a porous and permeable sandstone interval of the geothermal reservoir can be identified by a positive reflection event. Overall, the sequence of reflection events shows a different character for both wells explained by lateral changes in lithology. The top of the volcanic rocks has a somewhat different seismic response in both wells, and no clear reflection event is obvious at the postulated base of the volcanic rocks, so that their thickness cannot be inferred from individual reflection events in the seismic data alone. The DAS method enabled measurements at elevated temperatures up to 150 ∘C over extended periods and led to significant time and cost savings compared to deployment of a conventional borehole geophone string. This wireline approach finally suggests significant implications for observation options in old wells for a variety of purposes.

A reliable velocity estimation in a complex deep-water environment using downward continued long offset multi-channel seismic (MCS) data

The estimation of a reliable velocity–depth model from towed streamer marine seismic data recorded in deep water, especially with a complex seafloor environment, is challenging. The determination of interval velocities from the normal move-out (NMO) of the reflected seismic signals for shallow reflectors (<1 km below the seafloor) is compromised by the combination of a long wave path in the water column and the complex ray paths due to topography, leading to small move-out differences between reflectors. Furthermore, low sediment velocities and deep water produce refraction arrivals only at limited far offsets that contain information about deeper structures. Here, we present an innovative method where towed streamer seismic data are downward continued to the seafloor leading to the collapse of the seafloor reflection and the emergence of refraction events as first arrivals close to zero offset, which are used to determine a high-resolution near surface velocity–depth model using an efficient tomographic method. These velocities are then used to perform pre-stack depth migration. We found that the velocity–depth model derived from tomography of downward continued towed streamer data provides a far superior pre-stack depth migrated image than those produced from velocity–depth models derived from conventional velocity estimation techniques.

Association of the plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity with the metabolic parameters and vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) catalyzes the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine, and of xanthine to uric acid. XOR also enhances the production of reactive oxygen species and causes endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the association of XOR and its substrate with the vascular complications in 94 Japanese inpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The plasma XOR activity and plasma xanthine levels were positively correlated with the body mass index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-GTP, fasting plasma insulin, and the homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and negatively correlated with the high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The plasma XOR activity also showed a positive correlation with the serum triglyceride. Multivariate analyses identified AST, ALT, fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR as being independently associated with the plasma XOR activity. The plasma XOR activity negatively correlated with the duration of diabetes, and positively correlated with the coefficient of variation of the R-R interval and sensory nerve conduction velocity. Furthermore, the plasma XOR activity was significantly decreased in patients with coronary artery disease. Thus, the plasma XOR activity might be a surrogate marker for the development of vascular complications, as well as liver dysfunction and insulin resistance, in T2DM.Trial registration: This study is registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000029970; https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm). The study was conducted from Nov 15, 2017.

A Co-offset GPR Data Inversion Based on Ray Theory

We use Monte Carlo method to establish a randomly undulating homogeneous layered medium model. Then the co-offset GPR data for the built geological model is simulated by FDTD. The ray-tracing based inversion is applied for interval velocity estimation. During the inversion, the offset between antennas, the velocity value of the first layer, the picked amplitudes values of each reflection layer and reference amplitude are the input data. The thickness and velocity of each layer are calculated by this recursive method. It is proved that this inversion method is feasible for the layered geological model with random undulation, and the fact that undulation, i.e. RMS height and correlation length, influences the inversion results is discussed.

Study of Constrained Velocity Inversion of Seismic Data in North Sumatra Basin

Interval velocity analysis increases the precision of seismic velocity data with a complex structure and a high variation of velocity both laterally and vertically. In this study, interval velocity analysis was performed by applying the exponential asymptotically bounded function approach. An exponentially asymptotically bounded function was applied to calculate the interval velocity obtained from the root mean square velocity of seismic data using the Dix equation for conversion. To control this operation, a velocity constraint was applied in the interval velocity conversion. The velocity constraint used was the velocity trend gained from the root mean square velocity. This method is called constrained velocity inversion. In this study, interval velocity analysis using constrained velocity inversion was applied to seismic data from the North Sumatra Basin area. The seismic data interpretation resulted from the interval velocity analysis using constrained velocity inversion described the subsurface structure clearly. A corresponding anomaly at a time depth from 2000 ms to 2400 ms in the seismic time-domain data indicated a fault beneath an anticline. This result indicates that the interval velocity analysis of seismic data is more rigorous than the root mean square velocity analysis.

Velocity anomalies and out-of-plane reflections in Barnicarndy 1, Canning Basin

Barnicarndy 1 was drilled as a stratigraphic well and penetrated 2585m of clastic sedimentary rocks overlying an angular unconformity composed of Proterozoic dolomite basement near SSE end of the eponymous graben (previously known as the Waukarlycarly Embayment) of the Canning Basin. The post-drilling data exhibited several types of anomalies and inconsistencies, including ultra-slow velocity of the vertical seismic profile (VSP) within the top 210m, substantially high velocity from 210 to 1390m, poor synthetic–seismic correlation, and discrepancies between the prognosis and actual depths. The VSP shows that the uppermost sedimentary section has an average velocity of less than 1000m/s, which is unrealistically slow and probably caused by a systematic time delay in the data acquisition. Such a delaying effect was removed when calculating the VSP interval velocity, which had reasonable consistencies with sonic velocity and lithological packages. The consistencies verify that the sections from 210 to 1390m have high velocities that are beyond the range of offset wells at equivalent depths and do not follow an expected trend along most of the well trajectory. Quantitative analyses of multiple synthetic correlations suggest that the depth discrepancies in the prognosis are not related to pre-drilling seismic interpretation, as the two-way time picks for major boundaries mostly match what has been penetrated in Barnicarndy 1. Two thirds of the depth error for basement prognosis comes from the unexpected high velocity in the shallow formations. The velocity anomalies indicate that the Barnicarndy Graben possibly has a complex history of tectonic movement, and thick sections could have been eroded during the Late Triassic. The remaining discrepancy in depth prognosis for the basement is related to the out-of-plane seismic reflection near the SSE end of the graben. The steeply dipping basement causes out-of-plane issues for 2D seismic data, and the Kidson seismic survey images the shallower basement reflected from further south, rather than what is vertically below the survey route.