Seismic Data Interpretation

for
SEG annual program

By
Ahmed Hafez

Cairo
August, 2016
Content 2

Preface and general introduction

Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes

Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation workflows

Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems in different tectonic settings

Chapter 4: Seismic interpretation workflow of salt tectonics

Chapter 5: Seismic interpretation workflow of depositional sequences

Chapter 6: Seismic direct hydrocarbon indicators interpretation workflow

Chapter 7: Prospect generation and assessment the hydrocarbon inplace volumes

Chapter 8: Discussion and conclusions

Content 3

Preface and general introduction

Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes

Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation workflows

Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems in different tectonic settings

Chapter 4: Seismic interpretation workflow of salt tectonics

Chapter 5: Seismic interpretation workflow of depositional sequences

Chapter 6: Seismic direct hydrocarbon indicators interpretation workflow

Chapter 7: Prospect generation and assessment the hydrocarbon inplace volumes

Chapter 8: Discussion and conclusions

Preface and general introduction 4

Why are we here?

1. Share knowledge not to follow instructions
2. Apply what we learnt
3. Enter oil industry environment

What are the motivations to be here?

1. Optimize our skills (especially the communication skills, time management, etc…)
2. Apply the essentials for hydrocarbon exploration (our main job)
3. Get significant award(s)!

Award(s)!?
Publish a paper in the most famous international geophysical journal (SEG-The Leading
Edge)…Publication cost is covered!
Present your work within many internal geophysical conference
Get money!

How can I get these award(s)?

Simply if you answer this question…where next well will be drill and why?
Preface and general introduction 5
Working projects
F3 block

Penobscot

Offshore The Netherlands Offshore Canada (Nova Scotia)

Central Alaska

Onshore Alaska
Preface and general introduction 6

Project #1
Hydrocarbon exploration in rift setting

Penobscot • Subject: define potential hydrocarbon prospects in rift

setting, offshore Canada.
• Available datasets: 3D seismic data, well data and geological
information .
• Project workflow:
§ Seismic data loading
§ Well-to-seismic tie
Offshore Canada (Nova Scotia) § Seismic data interpretation
§ 3D seismic attributes analysis
§ Mapping
§ Depth conversion
§ Hydrocarbon prospectivity analysis
§ Hydrocarbon inplace volume calculations
§ Case study presentation
Preface and general introduction 7
F3 block

Project #2
Hydrocarbon exploration in salt tectonic setting

• Subject: seismic interpretation of salt domes and associated

fault systems to generate hydrocarbon prospects, offshore The
Netherlands.
• Available datasets: 3D seismic data, well data and geological
information .
• Project workflow:
§ Seismic data loading
Offshore The Netherlands § Seismic data interpretation
§ 3D seismic attributes analysis
§ Stress analysis
§ Mapping
§ Depth conversion
§ Hydrocarbon prospectivity analysis
§ Hydrocarbon inplace volume calculations
§ Case study presentation
 8

Central Alaska Project #3

Seismic sequence stratigraphic analysis for
reservoir delineation
• Subject: seismic interpretation of the depositional sequences
to delineate hydrocarbon reservoirs, onshore Alaska.
• Available datasets: 2D seismic data, well data and geological
information .
• Project workflow:
§ Seismic data loading
§ Seismic data interpretation
Onshore Alaska § 2D seismic attributes analysis
§ Depositional systems interpretation
§ Reservoir delineation
§ Mapping
§ Hydrocarbon prospectivity analysis
§Case study presentation
Preface and general introduction 9
F3 block

Project #4
Seismic interpretation of direct hydrocarbon
indicators
• Subject: seismic interpretation of the direct hydrocarbon
indicators for hydrocarbon exploration, offshore The
Netherlands.
• Available datasets: 3D seismic data, well data and geological
information .
• Project workflow:
§ Seismic data loading
Offshore The Netherlands § Seismic amplitude anomalies screening
§ Seismic data interpretation
§ 3D seismic attributes analysis
§ Direct hydrocarbon indicators analysis
§ Reservoir delineation
§ Mapping
§ Hydrocarbon prospectivity analysis
§ Hydrocarbon inplace volume calculations
§Case study presentation
Preface and general introduction 10

Teamwork
Name University Department Level Project number
#
Abdelrhman Mokhtar Ain Shams P.Geophysic L4
Amjad Sobhi Ain shams P.Geophysic L4
Team A Muhammed Anter Ain Shams P.Geophysic L4
Muhammed Salah Ain Shams P.Geophysic L4
Kareem Esam Ain Shams P.Geophysic L4
Mazen Ahmed Ain Shams Geophysics Graduate
Muhsen Nezar Ain Shams Geophysics Graduate
Team B Mahmoud Ehab Ain Shams Geophysics Graduate
Muhammed Ramdan Ain Shams P.Geophysic L3
Mustfa Hussni Damietta Geology& Chemistry L4
Abdelrhman Bedair Ain Shams P.Geophysic L4
Shaimaa Samir Helwan Geophysics Graduate
Team C Hager Muhammed Taha Ain Shams P.Geophysic L3
Ahmed Adel Ainshams P.Geophysic L3
Muhammed abdulati Al-Azhar Geophysics L4
Ali Mahmoud Ainshams Geophysics Graduate
Ahmed Khalefa Ahmed Helwan Geology L4
Team D Amira Hosam Ain shmas P.Geophysic L3
Sara Ismaail Ain Shams Geology&Geophysics Graduate
Eslam Fawzi Ain Shams P.Geophysic L3
Preface and general introduction 11

Compatible teamwork

Incompatible teamwork
Preface and general introduction 12

Team management:
1. All team members should be active,
2. All team member should participate and contribute,
3. Each team has to find common point agreement
Content 13

Preface and general introduction

Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes

Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation workflows

Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems in different tectonic settings

Chapter 4: Seismic interpretation workflow of salt tectonics

Chapter 5: Seismic interpretation workflow of depositional sequences

Chapter 6: Seismic direct hydrocarbon indicators interpretation workflow

Chapter 7: Prospect generation and assessment the hydrocarbon inplace volumes

Chapter 8: Discussion and conclusions

Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 14

In this chapter we will learn:

1. Levels of investigation to find new H.C. discovery
2. Essential definitions and nomenclatures
3. Practical work phases to produce H.C.
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 15

Levels of investigation to find Four levels if investigations to find new H.C.

accumulations:
new discovery
Level #1: Sedimentary basin investigation
Sedimentary basin Ø It is a depression filled with sedimentary rocks.
The depression, formed by any tectonic process, is
lined by basement rock, which can be igneous,

Petroleum system metamorphic, and/ or sedimentary rock

Ø Delineate the sedimentary basins boundaries
(geophysical potential methods)
Ø Estimate the sedimentary cover thickness
Play definition
(geophysical potential methods)
Ø Define the likely tectonic setting(s) by which each
basin created (regional seismic data interpretation)
Prospect generation Ø Investigate the potential conditions to generate
H.C. (presence of H.C. source rock) (outcrop and
drilled wells)
Drilling well Ø Investigate the geochemical properties of the rocks
(outcrop and drilled wells)
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 16
Level #1: Sedimentary basin investigation

Bougure gravity anomaly map

Pos.
Mediterranean Sea

Neg.
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 17
Level #1: Sedimentary basin investigation

Bougure gravity anomaly map

Pos.
Mediterranean Sea

Neg.

Wadi Rayan
platform
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 18
Level #1: Sedimentary basin investigation

Matruh Mediterranean Sea N

platform
Faughr
Basin

Natrun
Shusan Alamein Basin Basin
Basin
Qattara High

Abu Gharadig Basin

Gindi/Ben
Gindi/
Siwa Sitra i Suef
Basin Platform Basin

Wadi
Rayan
Platform
100 km

Sedimentary basin distribution of the northern western desert, Egypt.

Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 19
NW SE

Matruh Mediterranean Sea

platform
Faughr
Basin

Natrun
Shusan Alamein Basin Basin
Basin
Qattara High

Abu Gharadig Basin

Gindi/Beni
Siwa Suef Basin
TWT (ms)

Sitra
Basin Platform

Wadi
Rayan
Platform
100 km

El-Sisi et al., 2002

Qattara High Abu Gharadig Basin Wadi Rayan platform

0
Oligocene - Miocene
500
Paleocene--Eocene
Paleocene Eocene

1000

1500 Jurassic
TWT (ms)

Paleozoic
2000
Upper Cretaceous

2500

3000

3500 Crystalline
Crystalline
basement Lower Cretaceous
basement
4000
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 20
Level #2: Petroleum system
ØIt is a natural system that encompasses a pod of
active source rock and all related oil and gas and
which includes all the geologic elements and
processes that are essential if a hydrocarbon
Seal-2
accumulation is to exist. Reservoir-3

Seal-1
Ø Define the maturation level of the H.C. source Reservoir-2
Reservoir-1

rocks (i.e. oil and gas windows) (geochemical

analysis from wells or outcrop)
Ø Define the potential traps (seismic Mature source rock

interpretation)
Ø Define likely reservoirs (if possible)
Geo-seismic section in Abu Gharadig Basin, Western
Ø Delineate any traces of H.C. (DHI, seepages on Desert, Egypt.
the surface)
Ø Define the possible migration pathways
(delineate faults from seismic data)
Ø Define the potential seal and its capacity
(pressure information)
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 21
Level #3: Play definition
ØIt is potential traps that could be filled with
H.C.
Ø Define a valid structure (depth maps of seismic
interpretation)
Seal-2

Ø Define the relationship between the time of Reservoir-3

Seal-1
Reservoir-2
structure creation and migration time (structure Reservoir-1

restoration to define the critical moment)

Ø Define the likely properties of the reservoir
rocks (petrophysical and sediemntological Mature source rock

analyses)
Ø Define the H.C. type (oil versus gas migration
Geo-seismic section in Abu Gharadig Basin, Western
by geo-chemical modeling) Desert, Egypt.
Ø Define the efficiency of the seal
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 22
Level #4: Prospect definition
Ø It is most likely structure that could contain
hydrocarbon that could be drilled
Oil prospect
Ø Assessment of the H.C. inplace volume
(integrated work)
Seal-2

Ø Define the chance of success (COS) Reservoir-3

Seal-1
Reservoir-2
(geological risk analysis) Reservoir-1

Ø Estimate the economic value of the prospect

(economic analysis)
Ø Define the most likely approach to drill this Mature source rock

prospect (integrated work)

Geo-seismic section in Abu Gharadig Basin, Western

Desert, Egypt.
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 23

Composed play map shows the basic levels to find H.C.

Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 24

After delineating the prospects, three work phases are applied

Exploration phase
- Define the approaches of drilling with the engineers
- Drilling of the first exploration well and analyze the results
- Re-estimate the volume of the discovered H.C.

Appraisal phase
- Drilling of one or more wells to define the
extension of the discovered H.C.
- Define the connection of reservoir over the
discovered field

Development phase
- Drilling of many wells to produce the
discover H.C.
- Solve the possible production issues
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 25

Example from the largest gas discovery in the Mediterranean Sea so far.

Zohr-1X
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 26

Example from the largest gas discovery in the Mediterranean Sea so far.

Zohr-1A Zohr-1X
Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 27

Example from the largest gas discovery in the Mediterranean Sea so far.

Zohr-2A Zohr-1A Zohr-1X

Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes 28

Example from the largest gas discovery in the Mediterranean Sea so far.

Zohr-3A Zohr-2A Zohr-1A Zohr-1X

Content 29

Preface and general introduction

Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes

Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation workflows

Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems in different tectonic settings

Chapter 4: Seismic interpretation workflow of salt tectonics

Chapter 5: Seismic interpretation workflow of depositional sequences

Chapter 6: Seismic direct hydrocarbon indicators interpretation workflow

Chapter 7: Prospect generation and assessment the hydrocarbon inplace volumes

Chapter 8: Discussion and conclusions

Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation 30

In this chapter we will learn:

1. Practical meaning of seismic interpretation
2. Types of seismic interpretation
3. Where we can find H.C. and the role of seismic data
Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation 31

Seismic interpretation: is an extraction of geologic information from seismic data. Based on

what you need to know, your approach of interpretation can be selected.

Seismic interpretation

Qualitative Quantitative
interpretation interpretation

Structure styles Sequence stratigraphic Estimate the rock H.C. resources

definition analysis properties estimation

• Define fault networks, their
origin, types, timing, properties.
• Define folds, their origin,
types.
• Define fracture swarms, their
distribution and magnitude.
• Define diapiric bodies, their
origin and types
• Structure restoration and
backstepping
• Define structure closures
(closed systems) and H.C. traps.
• Delineate the depositional
sequences.
•Define the likely depositional
environments across the basin.
• Define the potential reservoirs
and H.C. source rocks.
• Define the relationship
between the tectonic settings
affecting the area and the
deposition
• Estimate basic properties of • Estimate the H.C. inplace
the rocks (lithology, facies, volume and the risk associated
porosity and pore fluid). to this estimation.
• Define the geo-mechanical
properties of the rocks (rock
strength and stiffness)
• Calculate the formation
pressure.
Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation 32

Why oil entrapped in these places?

Because these places are CLOSED SYSTEMS

Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation 33

Impermeable shale

Effective reservoir

Impermeable shale

Mature source rock

Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation 34

Impermeable shale

Effective reservoir

Impermeable shale

Mature source rock

Oil and gas can be found in ONLY closed system

Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation 35

So that,
one of the main job of the seismic interpreter is to
find CLOSED SYSTEMS
(CLOSURES…PROSPECTS)
Content 36

Preface and general introduction

Chapter 1: Foreword to hydrocarbon exploration approaches and processes

Chapter 2: Introduction to the seismic data interpretation workflows

Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems in different tectonic settings

Chapter 4: Seismic interpretation workflow of salt tectonics

Chapter 5: Seismic interpretation workflow of depositional sequences

Chapter 6: Seismic direct hydrocarbon indicators interpretation workflow

Chapter 7: Prospect generation and assessment the hydrocarbon inplace volumes

Chapter 8: Discussion and conclusions

Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 37

In this chapter we will learn:

1. Basics of the principle stresses and tectonic regimes (settings)
2. Fundamental tectonic regimes of fault systems
3. Types of the fault systems
4. How to recognize the faults on the seismic data
5. Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems
6. Start to interpret seismic datasets
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 38

Basics of the principle stresses and tectonic regimes (settings)

Stress is defined as the average force per unit area.

( )
σ =
( )
( ( ))
( ) =
( 2)

Strain is defined as the deformation “distortion” that results

because of the acting force.

( )
=
ℎ( )
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 39

Basics of the principle stresses and tectonic regimes (settings)

Compressive stress
Strain: changes in the volume

Tensile stress Strain: changes in the length

Strain: changes in the angle

Shear stress
(rotation)
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 40

Basics of the principle stresses and tectonic regimes (settings)

Principle stresses (σ): are the stresses affecting any body in plan view under given
loading. One of the three stresses should be vertical and the other two should be
horizontal.
σ1
If σ1 is vertical: extension
will occur and normal
fault will be created

σ3

If σ3 is vertical:
σ2 compression will occur
and reverse fault will be
created
σ1 : Maximum principle stress
σ3: Minimum principle stress
If σ2 is vertical: wrench
will occur and strike-slip
fault will be created
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 41

Distance
0.5
σ1
Seismic two way time (twt) (second)

1.0

σ3

1.5

2.0
Seismic line across faults
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 42

Tectonic regimes of fault systems

Extension faults Compression faults Wrenching faults

• Normal faults • Thrust faults • Strike-slip faults
• Dip slip • Dip slip • Horizontal slip
• Occurs when σ1 • Occurs when σ3 • Occurs when σ2
vertical vertical vertical
• Fault plane dip 60° • Fault plane dip 30° • Fault plane dip 45°
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 43

Important definitions

Fault plane: is a surface of fault at which the Upthrown side

movement occurs
Foot wall: is the rocks below the fault plane
Hanging wall: is the rocks above the fault
plane Fault plane
Normal fault: foot wall is moved up relative
to the hanging wall
Reverse fault: foot wall is moved down Upthrown side

relative to the hanging wall

Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 44

Seismic two way time (twt) (second)

Fault plane

Fault dip angle

Rocks below
fault plane
(foot wall)
Moved up

Rocks above fault

plane (hanging wall)
Moved down
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 45

Important definitions
Fault throw: is the amount of the vertical
displacement of the rock due to faulting (vertical
separation)
Fault heave: is the amount of the horizontal
separation due to the faulting . In normal fault, the
heave represents by gap area while in the reverse
fault the heave represents by overlap area.

Throw

Heave
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 46
Geometric classification of normal faults

Planar faults Listric faults

• The fault plane dip angle does not change • The fault plane dip angle decreases with the
with the depth depth (curved fault plane) due to presence of
detachment surface (layer)

Distance
0.5
0.5

Seismic two way time (twt) (second)

Seismic two way time (twt) (second)

1.0

1.0

1.5

1.5
2.0
Seismic line across faults
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 47
Geometric classification of normal faults

Planar faults Listric faults

Non-rotational Rotational Faulted downthrown Folded downthrown

• Normal faults occur at • Anticline fold occurs

• Faulted rocks are
not rotated
• Thickness of the
layers in the
Upthrown side is
equal to the layers in
the downthrown side
the downthrown side at the downthrown side
• Faulted rocks are • Faults parallel to the that called “rollover
rotated main listric fault called anticline”
• Thickness of the “synthetic faults” • Layers deposited in the
layers in the • Layers deposited in the downthrown side did
Upthrown side is downthrown side did not deposited on the
usually thinner than not deposited on the Upthrown side
the layers of the Upthrown side
downthrown side
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 48

How can the faults be recognized on seismic data?

6 evidences can be used to detect faults on seismic data:

1. Sharp termination of the reflectors

2. Offset reflections

3. Change in seismic phase

Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 49

4. Change in seismic amplitude

5. Change in layer dip

6. Change in noise level

Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 50
Chapter 3: Seismic interpretation workflow of fault systems 51

Based on what mentioned above, please interpret the

following seismic lines