Applications

The deterministic elastic parameter images resulting from the m/i processing, or the stochastic correlation images resulting from geostatistical analysis, may yield exciting combinations of information extracted from seismic and other geophysical measurements over a subsurface target zone. Potential applications include determination of lithology, physical states, physical properties, and pore space constituents. Lithology determination can make an impact in stratigraphic and structural analyses from basin scales to reservoir heterogeneity scales (Parsons, 1986). Physical states, such as pressure or temperature, can be useful in monitoring EOR fronts (steam, fire), calculation of swept volumes, and predicting anomalous geopressure zones (Greaves and Fulp, 1987). Physical properties, such as porosity, permeability, sand thickness, and sand/shale content, can be valuable to extending reservoirs and in reservoir production and management, especially in the design of production and EOR strategies, and as constraints to reservoir flow simulations.

Although I have discussed applications related to the petroleum industry, with which I am most familiar, other geophysical disciplines may be conducive to this type of research. Extraction of elastic property information from high-resolution seismic reflection data, especially when calibrated and combined with in situ borehole measurements, can play a valid role in environmental, near-surface, and crustal geophysics. In those disciplines, the target becomes an acquifer, or waste repository, or interesting tectonic feature. Elastic parameter images and geostatistical correlations may offer some benefit in locating and monitoring contaminants, characterizing near-surface target sites, or interpreting physical conditions in active tectonic settings.