Abstract: Method for identifying one or more fracture clusters in an area of interest. In one implementation, the method may include determining a first inclination of each fracture cluster using borehole data. The first inclination refers to a first average angle with respect to horizontal. The method may further include extracting a first set of fracture clusters from seismic data using a filter based on the first inclination and a strike azimuth of each fracture cluster.

Abstract: A method of processing stratigraphic data comprising a plurality of stratigraphic features, such as horizon surfaces, within a geological volume is provided. The method includes the steps of: extending a plurality of spaced sampling traces through the volume to traverse the stratigraphic features; and assigning the stratigraphic features respective relative geological ages. On each sampling trace, the relative geological age of each stratigraphic feature traversed by the sampling trace in the direction from geologically younger to geologically older stratigraphic features is increased in relation to the relative geological age of its preceding stratigraphic feature, under the condition that each stratigraphic feature takes the same relative geological age across all the sampling traces by which it is traversed.

Abstract: A method for automated extraction of surface primitives from seismic data is presented. A preferred embodiment of the method includes defining, typically with sub-sample precision, positions of seismic horizons through an extrema representation of a 3D seismic input volume; deriving coefficients that represent the shape of the seismic waveform in the vicinity of the extrema positions; sorting the extrema positions into groups that have similar waveform shapes by applying classification techniques with the coefficients as input attributes using unsupervised or supervised classification based on an underlying statistical class model; and extracting surface primitives as surface segments that are both spatially continuous along the extrema of the seismic volume and continuous in class index in the classification volume.

Abstract: A workstation stores a novel seismic classification software package (known as the “Seisclass software”). During execution of the Seisclass software by a processor of the workstation, the workstation processor will present a plurality of attribute data, describing the characteristics of a geological feature, simultaneously as “attribute data sets” and as “points in attribute space”. Characteristic groupings and attribute dependencies can be detected, either automatically or with manual support using a-priori knowledge. Clusters, groups of data sharing particular characteristics, are classified, either automatically or with manual support. The classification result is presented as a “class data set” allowing the association of the attribute characteristics with data set positions.

Abstract: A method for automated extraction of surface primitives from seismic data is presented. A preferred embodiment of the method includes defining, typically with sub-sample precision, positions of seismic horizons through an extrema representation of a 3D seismic input volume; deriving coefficients that represent the shape of the seismic waveform in the vicinity of the extrema positions; sorting the extrema positions into groups that have similar waveform shapes by applying classification techniques with the coefficients as input attributes using unsupervised or supervised classification based on an underlying statistical class model; and extracting surface primitives as surface segments that are both spatially continuous along the extrema of the seismic volume and continuous in class index in the classification volume.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for characterizing the subsurface levels of the Earth with a greater degree of accuracy than hitherto. Seismic data samples are migrated and stacked, for example according to known techniques and then spectrum analyzed. The spectrum analysis is applied to a feature of the subsurface and, for example, a particular layer bounded by a pair of horizons would be subject to volume reflection spectral analysis. The analysis is carried out using an orthogonal base by defining the reflection signals in terms of coefficients to a set of orthogonal polynomials. Additional seismic characteristics or attributes may be directly calculated from the polynomial coefficients. These coefficients represent the characteristics of the layer to a high degree of accuracy and may be compared with spectra derived a priori (for example, synthetic spectra or previously characterized spectra) to further assist in analysis of measured seismic data.

Abstract: A plurality of seismic traces are arranged in order of increasing of feet and features therein are analyzed so as to identify corresponding features in each of the curves. The travel time to each of the features is derived in order to extract an actual travel time curve as a function of offset.

Abstract: A method for interactive contouring of seismic data for procuring seismic maps (60a, 60b, 60c) which provide a three-dimensional picture of the various structural layers (5a-5n, 12a-12n, respectively) within an area (11) which is circumscribed by intersecting shooting lines (6a-6d). In order to achieve a shorter processing time for procuring such maps, the data representing the individual structural layers (5a-5n) referred to a fixed reference line (2a) are procured as a color coded echo line (12h) on a graphic data screen (22), the indication of depth being given as a color value in relation to a preselected color scale (40). The interpreter can insert between the various points having the same color value on the echo line (12h) fresh interpreted values in the same grid according to the same color code, so that for each structural layer (5a-5n, 12a-12n, respectively) there can be provided a mapping (60a-60n) having surface adaptations given in various color values directly on the screen (22).