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Title: Seismic attenuation from 3-D heterogeneities: A possible resolution of the VSP attenuation paradox

Conference ·
OSTI ID:89703
 [1]
  1. Exxon Production Research Co., Houston, TX (United States)

The attenuation observed in typical VSP surveys can be accounted for by scattering from geologically reasonable 3-D heterogeneities, without introducing an arbitrary absorption attenuation mechanism. Seismic attenuation is dominated by scattering from heterogeneities. Absorption attenuation mechanisms are expected to be small for the conditions of typical seismic field data. Previous models of scattering attenuation in seismic data used a 1-D model of layered stratigraphy. A new 3-D model of scattering attenuation is described that accounts for lateral heterogeneities, such as variations in bed thickness. The method can include fractal correlations that are known to provide a good representation of heterogeneities in well logs. The 3-D scattering model increases both wave attenuation and the total velocity dispersion compared to 1-D models. The typical velocity dispersion between seismic data and sonic logs can be accounted for by scattering from fractally correlated 3-D heterogeneities. The 3-D scattering model predicts that both velocity and attenuation are anisotropic.

OSTI ID:
89703
Report Number(s):
CONF-941015-; TRN: IM9536%%133
Resource Relation:
Conference: 64. annual meeting of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and international exposition, Los Angeles, CA (United States), 23-27 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of SEG international exposition and sixty-fourth annual meeting -- 1994 Technical program: Expanded abstracts with authors` biographies; PB: 1736 p.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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