Abstract: Methods for evaluating the properties of formations surrounding a borehole, include the steps of measuring electrical properties of the formation from within the borehole; deriving a model of parameters of the formation surrounding the borehole; and estimating the properties of the formation using the model to interpret the measured electrical properties. In one aspect of the invention in which the formation includes a series of distributed beds, each bed having specific properties. Another aspect includes grouping similar beds, assigning one or more properties to all of the beds in a group, and using the assigned properties to estimate the properties of the formation for measurements relating to the beds of that group. Another aspect includes making several different measurements of formation electrical properties and simultaneously estimating the formation properties from the different measurements to provide a joint inversion.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for generating dispersion curves and conducting shear slowness logging are set forth. The methods include backpropagating detected dispersive waveforms in the Fourier domain while accounting for dispersion in an anisotropic and inhomogeneous formation, and stacking the processed waveforms. The stacking may occur in the frequency or time domains. The semblance of the stacked and windowed waveforms is compared against the detected waveforms. In accounting for dispersion during backpropagation, a plurality of parameters which describe dispersion curves are varied over ranges in order to optimize semblance. At each depth of interest, it is then possible to obtain a dispersion curve of greatest semblance. Where both an x-dipole and y-dipole are used to generate the waves, a dispersion curve of greatest semblance for each may be generated. In addition, from the dispersion curves, formation shear slowness(es) may be plotted as a function of formation depth and orientation.

Abstract: The invention is a method relating to the formation by simulation of a reference map of the spatial distribution of the sediment supply, according to the composition thereof, in a sedimentary basin during a sedimentary deposition sequence (during a given geologic time interval) and also allows obtaining the topography of the land surface of the basin at the beginning and at the end of this period. The available input data are a map of the thickness of the sedimentary layer studied, known by interpretation of seismic survey results, data relative to the location and to the composition of the sediment supply at the boundaries of the sedimentary basin being studied, obtained by interpretation of seismic surveys, measurements and observations, and physical parameters characterizing transportation of the sediments (diffusion coefficients in the marine environment and in the continental environment) during the period considered. An application is locating hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Abstract: A method and related system of determining formation density by compensating actual inelastic gamma rays detected from a pulsed-neutron tool for the effects of neutron transport. The method and systems may model response of the tool and use the modeled response as an indication of an amount to compensate detected inelastic gamma rays.

Abstract: A method and system for processing geophysical survey data is provided. Gravity gradiometry data is processed by approximating density values of terrain signals to remove contributions of the terrain from the gravity gradiometry data. Initially, a predicted gravity gradient data set for a geographical area is calculated using terrain data with unit density. Next, a mathematical transformation is applied to recorded gravity gradiometer data of the geographical area and the predicted gravity gradiometry data. The transformation divides the data into component sub-functions so that each component function can be processed separately. The component sub-functions are processed to estimate densities of the geographical area. Then, using all the estimated densities, gravity gradients due to all of the terrain can be calculated, and subtracted from the recorded gravity gradient signals to reveal gravity gradients due to subsurface masses, for example.

Abstract: 3D seismic classification is a breakthrough technology to determine the three-dimensional distribution of pore fluid, lithology, and faults/fractures from multiple seismic attribute volumes. This method provides an innovative, timesaving solution for identification and definition of drilling targets, especially in areas with multiple pay zones and complex geology.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for taking measurements relating to subterranean formations. The methods and systems effectively compress data and thus facilitate more efficient data transmission. The methods and systems are capable of automatically varying data compression rates during a measurement operation. The variable data compression capability facilitates reliable collection of measurement data at faster and/or constant logging speeds. The data compression methods and systems may be applied to any measurement operation relating to subterranean formations, including, but not limited to: acoustic wireline logging measurements, acoustic logging-while-drilling measurements, electromagnetic measurements, nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, and resistivity measurements.

Abstract: A method and system verify the accuracy of weather forecasting entity, such as a television station, a radio station, newspaper or other the like. A weather forecast for the entity is obtained for a given geographic region and a given forecast time period, the forecast including a set of one or more forecast data elements. The set of forecast data elements is converted to a set of one or more numerical values. A set of one or more actual weather condition data elements is obtained for the given geographic region and period of time. The set of actual weather condition data elements is converted to a set of one or more numerical values. The set of actual weather condition numerical values is compared with the set of forecast numerical values. A forecast accuracy score is computed based on the comparison of the set of actual weather condition numerical values and the set of forecast numerical values.

Abstract: A system and method of forecasting space weather (at Earth or another location) based on identifying complex patterns in solar, interplanetary, or geophysical data. These data may include current or historical measurements and/or modeled data (predicted or simulated). Data patterns (both non-event and event-related) are identified (even when another event is occurring). Such patterns may vary with recent/cyclic variations in solar (e.g. solar max/min), interplanetary, or geophysical activity. Embodiments are built around: (1) templates, (2) expert systems, (3) neural networks, (4) hybrid systems comprising combinations of (1), (2) and/or (3), and multimodal intelligent systems. Forecasts are customized and/or updated as new data arise and as systems are dynamically modified (e.g. via feedback between system parts). Numerical or other indexes are generated representing: forecasts, associated confidence levels, etc.

Abstract: An evaluation system models water usage within a region. The evaluation system provides a graphical representation of various water system components. Each water system component has a model describing its water balance and parameters for customizing the model for an instance of the water system component. The evaluation system receives indications of water system components within the region along with connections between the water system components. The evaluation system receives values for parameters of the water system components. The evaluation system then calculates the water demand of the region by calculating the water balance of each water system component within the region based on the models for each water system component and the connections between the water system components. The evaluation system provides a cost-effective solution to manage water usage within the region.

Abstract: A system and method of forecasting space weather (at Earth or another location) based on identifying complex patterns in solar, interplanetary, or geophysical data. These data may include current or historical measurements and/or modeled data (predicted or simulated). Data patterns (both non-event and event-related) are identified (even when another event is occurring). Such patterns may vary with recent/cyclic variations in solar (e.g. solar max/min), interplanetary, or geophysical activity. Embodiments are built around: (1) templates, (2) expert systems, (3) neural networks, (4) hybrid systems comprising combinations of (1), (2) and/or (3), and multimodal intelligent systems. Forecasts are customized and/or updated as new data arise and as systems are dynamically modified (e.g. via feedback between system parts). Numerical or other indexes are generated representing: forecasts, associated confidence levels, etc.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the capillary pressure curve of rocks of an underground reservoir from measurements on rock debris or fragments such as cuttings from the reservoir, over the total saturation range of these rocks, within a short period and at a low cost, from these measurements is disclosed. The method comprises measuring the permeability k of the debris, measuring the capillary pressure curve Pc as a function of the saturation of these fragments initially saturated with a fluid (brine for example) by subjecting them to centrifugation, and parametrizing a capillary pressure curve Pc satisfying empirical relations depending on adjustable parameters, constrained to adjust to an asymptotic part of the capillary curve measured by centrifugation, and to the value of permeability k measured on the cuttings, so as to obtain the whole of the capillary pressure curve. Applications include hydrocarbon reservoir evaluation.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for receiving weather forecast information in a mobile unit and using that information to warn a user of a future weather hazard with reference to the mobile unit's location and/or intended direction of travel. A hazard location algorithm compares a forecast location of each mobile unit with a forecast hazard and transmits a warning to each mobile unit that is predicted to encounter the hazard. As the mobile unit moves, its actual position is updated in the forecasting center, and a revised warning is transmitted to the mobile unit. The hazard information may be displayed on the user's system in the form of a rotating map with an automatically adjustable range to display warning information in relation to the system's location. Warnings, including audio warnings for playback and crawls for display on a television, can be automatically generated and spoken or displayed to a user.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of determining the sky-view factor at a location. The method comprises the steps of receiving data from at least one global positioning satellite at the location, and comparing the data so obtained with a mathematical function. The function is derived from corresponding data obtained from reference locations at which the sky view factor is known, whereby to arrive at an approximation of the sky view factor at said location. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for predicting the variation in temperatures over time at locations along a survey route, particularly a road network. The method comprises the steps of establishing a database for the survey route containing location specific geographical parameters, obtaining actual and forecast meteorological data and separately predicting the temperature at each location using energy balance equations.

Abstract: A method for determining a formation shear wave velocity for a subterranean formation includes propagating a multi-pole acoustic signal in a borehole using an acoustic transmitter and receiving an acoustic waveform from the multi-pole acoustic signal at one or more receivers deployed at the same circumferential position as the transmitter. The method further includes processing the acoustic waveform to determine a borehole guided wave velocity and processing the borehole guided wave velocity to determine the shear wave velocity of the subterranean formation. Isolation, suppression or enhancement of any particular harmonics of the acoustic signal is not required.

Abstract: A distributed biohazard surveillance system including a plurality of robust miniaturized remote monitoring stations for the detection, localized analysis and reporting of a broad range of biohazards. The remote monitoring station may be adapted to identify many different biological particles and is not limited to particular predetermined biohazard profiles. It is centrally and dynamically reconfigurable and can be adapted to operate unattended in a remote location. The distributed system may be used to locate and report unsuspected sources of biohazards and to monitor the localized effects in real-time cooperation with a centralized data processing facility.

Abstract: A method of correlating seismic events associated with different types of seismic transmission modes and includes calculating a shift estimate between a first set of seismic events or attributes associated with the seismic events attributable to one type of transmission mode and a second set of seismic events or attributes associated with the seismic events attributable to a different type of transmission mode using a smoothed version of at least one of the sets of seismic events or attributes associated with the seismic events, and updating the shift estimate using a less severely smoothed or unsmoothed version of the at least one set of seismic events or attributes associated with the seismic events. A related computer system and computer program products associated with the method are also described.

Abstract: A method for creating a facies probability cube is disclosed. A S-grid containing facies is first created. The grid includes layers of cells and columns of cells. Vertical facies proportion data for the layers of cells is derived from sources such as well data, conceptual vertical geologic sections and graphs describing the proportion of facies found in each of the layers. Areal depocenter maps are created which have defined boundaries to create depocenter regions in which respective facies are likely to occur. Ideally, the boundaries for the depocenter regions for each of the facies are sequentially and independently defined. Horizontal or map facies proportion data are generated for the columns of cells preferably by filtering the depocenter regions so that the proportion of each of the facies ranges from a maximum value to a minimum value.

Abstract: Selective recording of SH waves using an array of vector-summed sensors filters out all non-SH waves.

Abstract: A method for producing borehole-compensated values from non-borehole-compensated measurement signals taken with a logging device in a borehole in earth formations, includes the following steps: producing a database that includes a multiplicity of data points, each data point representing a combination of formation parameters and borehole parameters, database input vectors representing multi-dimensional non-borehole-compensated model measurement values respectively associated with the data points, and database output vectors representing multi-dimensional borehole-compensated model measurement values respectively associated with the data points; deriving a multi-dimensional measurement signal vector from measurement signals taken with the logging device in the borehole; and interpolating the measurement signal vector using the database to obtain an interpolated output vector representative of borehole-compensated measurement signals.