US 9,008,972 B2 · Method for seismic interpretation using seismic texture attributes

Abstract

Method for generating a new family of seismic attributes sensitive to seismic texture that can be used for classification and grouping of seismic data into seismically similar regions. A 2D or 3D data analysis window size is selected (23), and for each of multiple positions (25) of the analysis window in the seismic data volume, the data within the window are transformed to a wavenumber domain spectrum (26). At least one attribute of the seismic data is then defined based on one or more spectral properties, and the attribute is computed (28) for each window, generating a multidimensional spectral attribute data volume (29). The attribute data volume can be used for inferring hydrocarbon potential, preferably after classifying the data volume cells based on the computed attribute, partitioning the cells into regions based on the classification, and prioritizing of the regions within a classification.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A computer-implemented method for transforming a seismic survey data volume into a seismic attribute data volume more sensitive to subsurface geophysical features indicative of hydrocarbon potential, comprising:

(a) selecting a 2D or 3D data analysis window size;
(b) for each of multiple positions of the analysis window in the seismic survey data volume, using a computer to transform the seismic data within the window to a spectrum in a two or three dimensional wavenumber domain;
(c) defining an attribute of the seismic data based on one or more spectral properties, herein called spectral attribute, and using a computer to compute the spectral attribute for each window, and assigning that attribute value to a spatial location representative of the window, thereby creating a multidimensional spectral attribute data volume;
(d) using the multidimensional spectral attribute data volume to predict hydrocarbon potential of a subsurface region;
(e) using the prediction of hydrocarbon potential in deciding whether to drill a well into the subsurface region;
and
(f) in the event of a positive decision in (e), drilling the well into the subsurface region.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for seismic interpretation using seismic texture attributes

Life of this patent

Method for seismic interpretation using seismic texture attributes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19