Application of areal seismics to mapping sandstone channels
The seismic formation mapping project is a two-part program whose prime objective is the evaluation of state-of-the-art seismic reflection methods as a means of mapping the subsurface configuration of low permeability sandstone channels - potential gas reservoirs typical of Tertiary and Cretaceous formations of the Western United States. The initial part of the program involved performing a computer model study to predict the effectiveness of seismic techniques applied to such targets and to develop criteria for interpreting real data. The second part consisted of a seismic field experiment designed to test and evaluate the ability to map known lenses. The field program utilized areal (3-D) acquisition methods at a site underlain by known, shallow Mesa Verde channels. Through the lessons learned by seismic modeling, it was possible to interpret field seismic data in terms of channeling and thereby predict the orientation of channels in the subsurface. Projecting these channels out of the area of seismic coverage in order to predict their outcrop position; existing channels which agree quite well with the seismic description and projection were located. It is felt that this exercise has satisfied the program objectives, and that seismic methods may be successfully applied to the description of channel sandstone reservoirs. The next test of this will be in the upcoming DOE-sponsored multi-well experiment.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6583134
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-81-0387C; CONF-810518-2
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Joint SPE/DOE symposium, Denver, CO, USA, 27 May 1981
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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