A description of seismic amplitude techniques
James ShadlowKufpec Australia Pty Ltd, 7/100 Railway Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia. Email: james.shadlow@kufpec.com.au
Exploration Geophysics 45(3) 154-163 https://doi.org/10.1071/EG13070
Submitted: 15 August 2013 Accepted: 20 January 2014 Published: 27 February 2014
Abstract
The acquisition of seismic data is a non-invasive technique used for determining the sub surface geology. Changes in lithology and fluid fill affect the seismic wavelet. Analysing seismic data for direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs), such as full stack amplitude anomalies, or amplitude variation with offset (AVO), can help a seismic interpreter relate the geophysical response to real geology and, more importantly, to distinguish the presence of hydrocarbons. Inversion is another commonly used technique that attempts to tie the seismic data back to the geology. Much has been written about these techniques, and attempting to gain an understanding on the theory and application of them by reading through various journals can be quite daunting. The purpose of this paper is to briefly outline DHI analysis, including full stack amplitude anomalies, AVO and inversion and show the relationship between all three. The equations presented have been included for completeness, but the reader can pass over the mathematical detail.
Key words: amplitude variation with offset (AVO), direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs), seismic inversion.
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