Seismic Inversion

Inversion of seismic data for physical rock properties, which are directly related to lithology and fluid type, is our preferred route to identifying the remaining hydrocarbon traps in mature basins. Our method, which can be independently validated by existing well penetrations, gives us access to a broad range of high quality prospects which cannot be easily identified using conventional stack seismic data.

Our seismic inversion workflow incorporates a pre-inversion analysis to test for the suitability of potential drilling objectives for seismic inversion, and where appropriate, the discriminating properties to be targeted. Invariably this will involve consideration of the geology and its physical rock properties.

Seismic inversion can take many forms, and is supported by numerous mathematical formulae for manipulation of the seismic data. However, the quality of the result resides less in the math and more in the quality of the data inverted. This in turn is a function of the geology, acquisition parameters and processing. Correctly handled, modern data typically yields an opportunity for a significantly improved estimation of the seismic rock properties needed for lithology and fluid detection.

Once inverted, the seismic results need to be interpreted and integrated thoroughly into any prospect or reservoir description.

This will involve comparison with the geological expectation as determined by the preliminary analysis of the seismic rock properties.

Critically, it will also require an understanding of the limitations, as well as the opportunities afforded by the inversion method selected. Validation is a key watch word at this stage in the workflow.