Abstract: Method for using a non-stationary, multi-scale domain transformation to combine multiple geophysical data sources, for example seismic data and well log data, into one coherent reservoir model. The seismic data are inverted (71) to obtain one or more geophysical properties which are converted using petrophysical relationships to a subsurface model of a reservoir property such as porosity or shale volume fraction. The well log data are used to generate a geostatistical forward model (72) of the reservoir property. Both models of the reservoir property are transformed to a joint space/scale domain, of order >1, where processing is applied (73) to merge the models into a coherent way into a single model before inverse transforming back to the space domain (74). The transform is a non-stationary multi-scale transform such as a wavelet, ridgelet, or curvelet transform. The processing may be by, for example, information theory or convex combination.

Abstract: Spatial sampling is a key factor in determining acquisition parameters for seismic surveys. Acquiring the data to meet spatial sampling requirements for low, mid and high frequencies, by acquiring coarse, medium and fine acquisition grids respectively and layering these during processing, can result in reduced cost and/or higher quality surveys.

Abstract: Seismic data processing using one or more non-linear stacking enabling detection of weak signals relative to noise levels. The non-linear stacking includes a double phase, a double phase-weighted, a real phasor, a squared real phasor, a phase and an N-th root stack. Microseismic signals as recorded by one or more seismic detectors and transformed by transforming the signal to enhance detection of arrivals. The transforms enable the generation of an image, or map, representative of the likelihood that there was a source of seismic energy occurring at a given point in time at a particular point in space, which may be used, for example, in monitoring operations such as hydraulic fracturing, fluid production, water flooding, steam flooding, gas flooding, and formation compaction.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for evaluating a geoscience data analysis question. The user inputs the question to the computer through a graphical user interface or a text command interface (11). The computer is programmed to derive a statistical measure for evaluating the question (12). One or more data elements (14) are inputted to the computer, and the derived statistical measure is applied to the data elements and computed (13).

Abstract: A system and method for regularizing irregularly sampled 5D seismic data by assigning each trace to a common midpoint bin and mapping each trace to an offset vector tile (OVT) with a calculated center azimuth; assembling an azimuth sector with all offsets of interest and a narrow range of the center azimuths from the OVTs; rotating the azimuth sector to align with an inline direction and a crossline dimension; selecting a subset of traces with a single crossline value to create an irregular 3D volume; regularizing the irregular 3D volume; and repeating as necessary to generate a regularly sampled seismic dataset. The regularization may include interpolation by an algorithm such as an anti-leakage Fourier interpolator. The regularly sampled seismic dataset may be used to characterize the subsurface by further processing such as tomography.

Abstract: A method is provided of processing data representing a physical system, the method comprising: providing (P2) input data representing differences in the physical system between a first state and a second state of the physical system; and inverting (P5) the input data, or data derived therefrom, in accordance with a parameterised model (PI) of the physical system to obtain differences in the parameters of the model between the first state and the second state, with parameters of the model representing properties of the physical system; wherein the inverting step is performed (P3 to P6) for a plurality of different perturbations (P4) of the parameterised model and/or of the data to obtain a plurality of sets of differences in the parameters of the model; and wherein a statistical analysis (P7) of the plurality of sets of differences is performed to obtain statistical characteristics of the differences in the parameters of the model.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of methods and systems for determining the orientation and direction of first motion of a fault or fracture by optimizing an azimuthally-dependent attribute of signals generated by microseismic sources, comprising: recording microseismic data traces using a of sensors located at a plurality of sensor positions; subdividing the subsurface volume into spatial volumes corresponding to selected time intervals and comprising a plurality of voxels; for each voxel, applying a time shift to the microseismic data traces that is substantially equal to a travel time from each voxel to the corresponding sensor position, and determining for the voxel the orientation and direction of first motion of the fault or fracture corresponding to a maximum value for the voxel of at least one azimuthally-dependent attribute of the microseismic data traces.

Abstract: Techniques for estimating velocity ahead of a drill bit include generating seismic waves at a surface from at least two different source positions in the vicinity of a borehole, receiving seismic waves reflected from a reflector ahead of the drill bit at one or more locations in the borehole, determining travel times of the seismic waves received at the one or more locations in the borehole, and inverting the travel times to determine a velocity of a formation ahead of the drill bit. One embodiment includes transforming the velocity into pore pressure of the formation.

Abstract: Seismic displacement demands for design of a bridge frame structure are typically determined from linear-elastic analysis (LEA), which are often incorrect, and compared to displacement capacity from a nonlinear pushover analysis. Nonlinear time-history analysis (NTHA) provides the most realistic assessment of displacement demands because it properly models the physics of the dynamic problem, wherein stiffness of the bridge varies over time. However, using NTHA to determine a bridge response from multiple earthquake motions based on the stiffness method requires excessive time. A unique approach for determining the nonlinear time-history response of a bridge frame is disclosed that is thousands of times faster than the stiffness method while providing the same results. Computational efficiency allows bridge design engineers to use NTHA for the seismic design of bridge structures by producing multiple determinations in less than one second.

Abstract: Methods, computing systems, and computer-readable media for processing seismic data. The method may include obtaining a model of a subterranean domain, and determining one or more synthetic waveforms for one or more events located in the subterranean domain, based at least partially on the model. The method may also include identifying, using a processor, one or more arrival waves in the one or more synthetic waveforms, wherein at least one of the one or more arrivals represents a mode-converted wave, and generating a processing chain for determining at least a location of an event in the subterranean domain based at least partially on the at least one mode-converted wave.

Abstract: Disclosed vertical seismic profiling (VSP) survey systems and method acquire multi-component signal data and represent the signal data in terms of a combination of parameterized compression, shear, and dispersive wavefields. Multiples of each wavefield type may be included, e.g., to separate upgoing and downgoing wavefield components. A nonlinear optimization is employed to concurrently estimate an incidence angle and a slowness value for each wavefield. For the dispersive wavefield(s), the slowness may be parameterized in terms of a phase slowness and a group slowness with respect to a central wave frequency. The parameter values may vary as a function of depth.

Abstract: A method can include receiving data sets where each of the data sets corresponds to one of a plurality of individual emitter-detector arrangements; calculating a multi-dimensional similarity metric for one of the data sets; and, based at least in part on the multi-dimensional similarity metric, assessing the one data set.

Abstract: Geologic information may be extracted from multiple offset stacks and/or angle stacks. Offset stacks and/or angle stacks may be received that represent energy that has propagated through a geologic volume of interest from energy sources to energy receivers. Attribute volumes associated with individual source-receiver offsets and/or source-receiver angles may be determined based on corresponding offset stacks and/or angle stacks. For individual offset stacks or angle stacks, corresponding sets of geologic features represented in the attribute volumes may be identified. The sets of geologic features corresponding to the different offset stacks and/or angle stacks to may be compared to determine discrepancies and/or similarities between the sets of geologic features corresponding to the different offset stacks and/or angle stacks. Stratigraphic interpretations, stratigraphic predictions, and/or other interpretations and/or predictions may be determined based on causes of the discrepancies and/or similarities.

Abstract: A data set comprises data obtained by seismic imaging of a region of interest during an observation period. An intrinsic geological variability of a region is determined from the comparison of reception signals for neighbour bins as a function of a difference in signal geometry for the neighbour bins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for using head waves to greatly improve microseismic event localization accuracy, particularly in the depth dimension, by analyzing them in addition to direct path arrivals whenever they are observed. Embodiments of the invention also include techniques known as multipath analysis.

Abstract: Techniques for surface exploration and monitoring are presented. In representative embodiments, a system is provided that cars perform multiple types of measurements of a surface. For example a single system of survey probes and one or more survey controllers can be used to offer both seismic and electrical measurements. A survey controller can be configured to automatically poll survey probes to obtain identifiers of the probes aid determine a relative order the probes. Survey probes can be configured to: (a) collect signals associated with a surface; (b) digitize the signals to form digital data; and (c) store the digital data for later transmission to the survey controller. Relative positions of survey probes can be automatically determined using a transmitting beacon or other techniques. Survey probes can automatically disconnect from a power conduit while measuring a surface property and operate using an internal source of power when disconnected, to reduce noise.

Abstract: A method of determining a search expression describing a feature of interest in a set of data points distributed throughout a geological object is provided. Each data point contains a value for a geological attribute at that point. The search expression has a plurality of entries. The method including the steps of: (i) displaying the geological object using display codings corresponding to value subranges for the geological attribute such that all data points which have values for the geological attribute falling within a given value subrange are displayed with the same coding; (ii) selecting a plurality of data points of the feature of interest; and (iii) allocating value characters to entries of the search expression, the value characters corresponding to the value subranges for the geological attribute of the selected data points.

Abstract: A shot interval between activations of at least one frequency-controllable survey source is determined, where the shot interval is determined based on an expected frequency of an output of the at least one frequency-controllable survey source. The at least one frequency-controllable survey source is activated using the determined first shot interval.

Abstract: A method for analyzing seismic data by generating a post-migration common image gather in a dip angle domain from measured seismic data; detecting concave features related to reflection events in the common image gather and apexes; filtering out part of the concave features in the common image gather in a vicinity of the detected apexes; applying a hybrid Radon transform to the filtered common image gather to separate residues of the concave features from other image features related to diffraction events; and applying an inverse hybrid Radon transform to an image containing the separated features related to diffraction events to obtain a transformed common image gather in the dip angle domain.

Abstract: A method can include receiving an inside stack and an outside stack; generating a multiple reflections model based at least in part on the inside stack and the outside stack; receiving multidimensional seismic data that includes representations of primary reflections and multiple reflections; and generating processed multidimensional seismic data by applying the multiple reflections model to the multidimensional seismic data. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of attenuating interbed multiples in multiply-reflected seismic waves is performed at a computer system, the method comprising: providing multiple beams of seismic data and an earth model related to a geological volume; selecting one of the beams as an input beam associated with a pair of source and detector located near a top surface of the geological volume; determining at least one of (i) a source-side stationary pegleg arrival and a corresponding detector-side primary beam and (ii) a detector-side stationary pegleg arrival and a corresponding source-side primary beam; predicting an interbed multiples beam using at least one of (i) the detector-side primary beam delayed by the source-side stationary pegleg arrival and (ii) the source-side primary beam delayed by the detector-side stationary pegleg arrival; and deconvolving the predicted interbed multiples beam with the input beam to remove at least a portion of interbed multiples present in the input beam.

Abstract: Data representing a first multiple is predicted, based on first survey data for a target structure, using a multidimensional model of a layer in which the first multiple occurs. Modified survey data is produced by performing a subtraction of the predicted data representing the first multiple from the first survey data. Based on the modified survey data, data representing a second multiple is predicted using the multidimensional model.

Abstract: Presented are methods and systems for regularizing content of multi-component seismic data. The method includes a step of receiving the seismic data, wherein the seismic data includes pressure and particle motion measurements and a step of regularizing and frequency optimizing the seismic data to desired positions based on Fresnel zones selected at various depths in a subsurface to obtain a regularized seismic dataset.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is method of computing formation attributes from acoustic measurements in a borehole. The acoustic measurements can be made by operating an acoustic source at multiple frequencies to excite the formation and operating receivers at multiple, longitudinally spaced receiver stations to receive acoustic energy from the formation. The method can include: deriving phase data from the spectrum of received acoustic signals; unwrapping phase information of the phase spectrum data; determining two or more values of difference of phase between acoustic signals at each of a range of frequencies each based on a single generated signal received at two or more pairs of adjacent said receiver stations; generating a value of slope of phase difference values; and in any case of slope ambiguity, unwrapping phase difference information and deriving a dominant slope, at each frequency, from which slowness of the acoustic signal in the formation can be derived.

Abstract: The invention pertains generally to the field of seismicity. The method of the invention provides an objective criteria for decision when determining whether or not the seismic activity (seismicity) occurring within a certain area is induced by human activity, specifically geophysical activity, particularly associated with the mining/extracting industry, or whether the seismicity is naturally occurring. The method can be useful for production companies, regulatory authorities, or insurance companies.

Abstract: Method for decomposing a complexly shaped object in a data set, such as a geobody (31) in a seismic data volume, into component objects more representative of the true connectivity state of the system represented by the data set. The geobody is decomposed using a basis set of eigenvectors (33) of a connectivity matrix (32) describing the state of connectivity between voxels in the geobody. Lineal subspaces of the geobody in eigenvector space are associated with likely component objects (34), either by a human interpreter (342) cross plotting (341) two or more eigenvectors, or in an automated manner in which a computer algorithm (344) detects the lineal sub-spaces and the clusters within them.

Abstract: A vibrator-coupled ground filter improves seismic data recorded during a seismic operation. This filter is based on a ground model that takes into consideration the vibrator system, the coupling system between the baseplate and captured ground, and the coupled ground system. Using acceleration data from the baseplate and the reaction mass, the ground model can be used to derive particular variables for the ground model to help characterize the system. Using the derived variables in a ground filter, the recorded seismic data can be corrected to remove errors in the trace data produced by typical assumptions.

Abstract: A fully automated method for correcting errors in one interpretation (13) of seismic data based on comparison to at least one other interpretation (14) of the same subsurface region. The errors may occur in any feature of the seismic data volume, for example a horizon, surface, fault, polyline, fault stick, or geo-body. In some embodiments of the invention, an error may be a hole in a horizon (53), and the whole is patched by a piece of a horizon in another interpretation (55). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a single interpretation may be used to repair itself, for example by identifying similarly shaped, adjacent horizons (67), and merging them (68).

Abstract: A technique includes receiving seismic data acquired in a seismic survey. The technique includes determining a geophysical trend of trace amplitudes indicated by the seismic data based on non-linear regression and performing quality control analysis on the seismic data based on the determined trend.

Abstract: Prospect assessment and play chance mapping tools are provided. For assessing potential resources, example systems provide dynamically linked chance maps, transformed in real time from geological properties. Input geological maps or other data are dynamically linked to resulting chance maps, so that changes in the input maps automatically update the chance map in real time. Users can generate a custom risk matrix dynamically linking geological maps with chance maps via interface tools, dropping maps directly into the matrix. A transform may programmatically convert the geologic domain to the chance domain. The user can navigate input maps, select areas of interest, and drag-and-drop geologic properties into an uncertainty engine and distribution builder for uncertainty assessment based on geologic reality. A merge tool can programmatically unify multiple geological interpretations of a prospect. The merge tool outputs a single chance of success value for multiple geologic property values at each grid node.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for automatically identifying and classifying seismic terminations within a seismic data volume. A set of surfaces is obtained (step 303) describing the seismic data volume. A plurality of seismic terminations is identified within the set of surfaces (step 307). Based upon seismic attributes or geometric criterion, a termination direction can be determined (step 309) for at least one termination.

Abstract: Method for multi-parameter inversion using elastic inversion. This method decomposes data into offset/angle groups and performs inversion on them in sequential order. This method can significantly speed up convergence of the iterative inversion process, and is therefore most advantageous when used for full waveform inversion (FWI). The present inventive approach draws upon relationships between reflection energy and reflection angle, or equivalently, offset dependence in elastic FWI. The invention uses recognition that the amplitudes of small angle (near offset) reflections are largely determined by acoustic impedance alone (1), independent for the most part of Vp/Vs. Large angle (middle and far offset) reflections are affected by Ip, Vp/Vs (2) and other earth parameters such as density (3) and anisotropy.

Abstract: A method, having application to petroleum exploration or production, for picking the arrival time of seismic waves and use thereof for orienting the components of a multi-component sensor. After acquisition of seismic data using a VSP type method, with a multi-component sensor, a module signal is constructed by calculating the square root of the sum of the squares of at least two orthogonal seismic components. Arrival times of a direct seismic wave are then picked on an amplitude extremum of this module signal. Based on this picking, the seismic components can then be oriented in a unique reference frame whatever the depth of the sensor. A time window is defined on either side of the picked arrival times and the azimuthal direction is determined by maximizing the energy of the horizontal components within this time window. Finally, the three components are oriented in a reference frame defined with respect to the azimuthal direction, which is identical for each depth.

Abstract: A recording system and method for conducting seismic surveys including cordless battery-operated digital recorders, each employing an integral global positioning system receiver that is only periodically enabled for the purpose of establishing synchronized acquisition clock signals among all the recorders. The satellite receiver adjustment cycle is varied depending on past acquisition clock accuracy and temperature changes. A time stamp is recorded with the digitized seismic data in non-volatile memory. The memory is sized to allow extended periods of operation. Each recorder preferably includes a low-power system timer that may be used as a timer to remotely turn on and off the recorders according to a pre-programmed schedule to conserve power when the system is not in use. Electronic components are idled or de-energized when not needed.

Abstract: Tools and methods for monitoring a subterranean formation is provided. Methods for monitoring include: creating a time-lapse azimuth stack between an azimuth stack on a first seismic survey and an azimuth stack on a second seismic survey; identifying a lowest root mean square energy and a highest root mean square energy for each time-lapse azimuth stack; and recording an azimuth with largest overall root mean square energy.

Abstract: A method can include receiving seismic traces associated with a geologic environment; determining time domain stretch values for individual wavelets in at least a portion of the seismic traces with respect to a spatial dimension of the geologic environment; and estimating at least one Q-factor value for at least a portion of the geologic environment via a comparison of the time domain stretch values to a Q-factor model.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a method and apparatus to enhance spatial sampling in all nominally horizontal directions for Dual-Sensor seismic data at the bottom of a body of water such as the ocean. The sensor apparatus on the water bottom is comprised of sensing elements for linear particle motion, for rotational motion, for pressure measurement, for pressure gradients, and for static orientation. Stress and wavefield conditions known at the water bottom allow numerical calculations that yield enhanced spatial sampling of pressure and nominally vertical linear particle motion, up to double the conventional (based on physical sensor locations) Nyquist spatial frequency in two nominally horizontal independent directions. The method and apparatus have a wide range of application in Ocean Bottom Seismic 3D, 4D, and Permanent Reservoir Monitoring surveys, and other marine seismic surveys, in oil and gas exploration and production.

Abstract: A system and method for processing seismic data on one or more co-processor devices that are operatively coupled to a host computing system via a communications channel. The compression of input data transmitted to the co-processor device and/or the size of the storage provided on the co-processor device may enhance the efficiency of the processing of the data on the peripheral device by obviating a bottleneck caused by the relatively slow transfer of data between the host computing system and the co-processor device or by the relatively slow transfer of data within the co-processor device between the co-processor information storage and the co-processor.

Abstract: Methods and computing systems for processing collected data are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is provided for predicting a plurality of surface multiples for a plurality of target traces in a record of multi-component seismic data acquired in a survey area. The method may select a target trace. The method may select an aperture of potential downward reflection points for the target trace. The method may calculate dip propagation attributes from the multi-component seismic data. The method may map the dip propagation attributes into a multiple contribution attribute gather based on the aperture. The method may modify the aperture based on the multiple contribution attribute gather. The method may then predict multiples for the selected target trace using the modified aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to well logging and measurement in subterranean formations and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for identifying anisotropic formations, such as fractures and fracture patterns, in subterranean formations. The method uses waveforms transmitted from a monopole source. After finding the Root Mean Square energy from at least four quadrants, the energy data is normalized. At least one minimum RMS energy point is identified and the azimuth of that minimum is also identified. The azimuth and the minimum are instructive in defining fracture patterns and characteristics.

Abstract: The transmission coefficient method for AVO (amplitude variation with offset) seismic analysis computes incident-to-transmitted pressure wave and incident-to-transmitted shear wave data in a manner that is compatible with existing AVO applications for analysis on the transmission coefficients of VSP data. Amplitude variation with offset (AVO) computation techniques known in the art provide estimates of pressure wave, shear wave and pseudo-Poisson's reflectivity. Such estimates are based on the Aki-Richards approximation of Zoeppritz's formulation of reflection amplitude and polarity variation with respect to incidence angle. The Zoeppritz equations describe the amplitudes of body waves when incident on an interface, resulting in a scattering matrix in which all possible incident and generated modes are addressed. The present method further simplifies the Aki and Richards computations to facilitate further AVO analysis.

Abstract: A method of processing geophysical signals obtained by—monitoring the response of the earth to an source using a plurality of receivers is described including the evaluation of sums or integrals of functions of weighted signal values over a one or multidimensional domain such that the domain is split into a plurality of simplices and the signal values are interpolated across the simplices using a non-linear approximation of the function, the approximation including signals and gradients of the signals, and the evaluated sums or integrals are used to obtain a representation of characteristics of the earth.

Abstract: Methods and systems for designing or configuring a microseismic monitoring network are described. The design is based on a regular and homogeneous repartitioning of seismic sensor locations associated with a focal sphere. The methods and systems determine an optimal sampling of the focal sphere of microseismic events and a takeoff angle associated with each of the optimal sampling points. The sampling points are propagated to the surface based on the associated rays and any of a plurality of ray tracing techniques.

Abstract: In response to at least one input criterion, one or more target positions in an acquisition domain are determined for processing of survey data, where the survey data is acquired by survey equipment in the acquisition domain having a first set of dimensions, and where the processing of the survey data is to be performed in a processing domain having a second set of dimensions different from the first set of dimensions.

Abstract: A technique includes modeling interpolated seismic measurements as a random process characterized by seismic measurements acquired at a set of sensor locations and an interpolation error. The technique includes determining the interpolated seismic measurements based at least in part on a minimization of the interpolation error.

Abstract: A technique includes a method and apparatus for simultaneous joint inversion of surface wave and refraction data to identify near surface geophysical and geological properties.

Abstract: A system and method may, based on a 3D seismic data set seed point, execute a seed picking algorithm, using the first point for picking a set of second points from the data set, setting each of the points in the set of second points as the first point and repeating the algorithm. An iteration number or other attribute may be assigned to the points, the iteration number corresponding to the number of times the algorithm repeated to process the point. The attribute or a number of attributes may be displayed as a visual characteristic for each point. An iterative process may be applied to a set of seismic data points, starting at a seed data point and finding a set of next iteration seed points from among the set of points neighboring the seed point, continuing only with next iteration seed points, and recording for each of a set of data points the number of points that are found by the process when the point is used as a seed data point.

Abstract: Method for automated and quantitative assessment of multiple direct hydrocarbon indicators (“DHI's”) extracted from seismic data. DHI's are defined in a quantitative way (33), making possible a method of geophysical prospecting based on quantification of DHI anomalies. Instead of working in a particular spatial region of seismic data pre-defined as a hydrocarbon opportunity, the present invention works on entire data volumes derived from the measured seismic data (31), and identifies opportunities based on quantified DHI responses. In some embodiments, a series of algorithms utilizes the geophysical responses that cause DHI's to arise in seismic data to search entire data sets and identify hydrocarbon leads based on the presence of individual and/or combinations of DHI's (34).

Abstract: Methods and systems for interpolating seismic data estimate a first frequency spectrum associated with the seismic data using a matching point (MP) algorithm having a pre-computed term. A second frequency spectrum is also estimate for the seismic data, using the MP algorithm, an anti-aliasing mask and the estimated first regular frequency spectrum. From the second frequency spectrum, the interpolated seismic data can be determined by performing an inverse fast Fourier Transform thereon.

Abstract: A geophysical target-oriented approach is proposed to derive seismic sensitivity to 4D positioning mismatches, which focuses on the impact on the reflective response from the reservoir. The sensitivity indicators provide information about the seismic impact, in terms of reservoir imaging, of a surface positioning mismatch. Some embodiments capitalize on the use of legacy data, enabling a fast-track analysis to be carried out on the velocity model to extract trends and mapping of lateral geological variability.