Three-dimensional seismic data can be invaluable with regard to mitigating risk associated with the presence of reservoir, source and seal facies.
For AAPG member Henry Posamentier that’s not a casual concept. That’s a key foundation of his work – and his approach to his work.
Posamentier, an AAPG George Matson Award winner and popular past Distinguished Lecturer, is senior consultant geologist at Chevron.
According to him, 3-D data can afford direct imaging of depositional elements, which can then be analyzed by applying seismic stratigraphic and seismic geomorphologic principles to yield predictions of lithologic distribution, insights to compartmentalization and identification of stratigraphic trapping possibilities.
This will be the theme of Posamentier’s presentation at the visualization session during the GCAGS/GSA annual meeting in Houston.
“We’re using 3-D seismic data to predict (lithology) as always,” Posamentier said, “but we’re doing it 21st century-style.
“In the old days it was 2-D seismic and now it’s 3-D, and what that brings to the table is the ability to integrate the section view – which is the 2-D – with the plan view that we derive from the 3-D,” Posamentier said.
“We’re integrating the concepts of stratigraphy with the concepts of geomorphology to get a more robust interpretation,” he said, “and a much more precise prediction of lithology ahead of the drill bit.
“The key buzzword is integration of section view – or stratigraphic – with plan view – or geomorphologic – images,” Posamentier said.
“That’s really the key,” he noted. “It’s that integration of good old fashioned stratigraphy with good old fashioned geomorphology, or the study of land forms.
“It’s being able to see depositional systems in the plan view that really elevates our ability to predict.”