Interpretation advances in noisy data areas

Abstract

Interpretation challenges in noisy data regions are well known. In such locations, slow improvements in drilling success have historically been based upon incremental improvements in seismic processing technology, and gradual improvements in interpreter experience and competence. Using several 3D data examples, I demonstrate a variety of means by which interpretation confidence and success in difficult areas has been significantly improved by viewing the entire acquisition/processing/interpretation process as one entity. The use of immersive visualization technology throughout the exploration process has proved to be invaluable, providing powerful QC of all acquisition and processing stages, and enabling the interpreter to overcome historical difficulties establishing what data components are noise, and which are valid primary events. This approach therefore allows an objective review of the key acquisition and processing issues affecting data quality, and provides a platform for 3D survey planning, 4D reservoir monitoring, processing QC, interpretation, and reservoir exploitation.