Cite this article
1
Download
52
Views
Journal Browser
Volume | Year
Issue
Search
News and Announcements
View All
ARTICLE

Amplitude variation with offset application history in Middle East and North African basins

MOHAMMED FARFOUR1 ABDULLATIF AL-SHUHAIL2 SAID GACI3 MAHMOUD ABD EL-GELIL4
Show Less
1 Earth Science Department, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, mfarfour@squ.edu.om,
2 Earth Sciences Dept., King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.,
3 Algerian Petroleum Institute, Sonatrach, Boumerdes, Algeria.,
4 Civil Engineering Dept., Sultan Qaboos University, Oman.,
JSE 2018, 27(4), 1–18;
Submitted: 2 November 2017 | Accepted: 8 May 2018 | Published: 1 August 2018
© 2018 by the Authors. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
Abstract

Farfour, M., Al-Shuhail, A., Gaci, S. and El-Gelil, M.A., 2018. Amplitude variation with offset application history in Middle East and North Africa Basins. Journal of Seismic Exploration, 27: 301-318. The assumption behind Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) concept is that amplitude changes (either decrease or increase) with offset can be related to rock physical properties and pore-fluid content. The technique has been widely deployed in the Gulf of Mexico, and has proved to be an excellent indicator of hydrocarbons and lithology. Over the past 40 years, several studies have shown that AVO responses of gas sands differ by geologic setting. These responses have been observed in many locations around the globe, some in basins similar to the Mexican Gulf such as the North Sea, South Canada, but others are in different geological settings than the Gulf setting. In this study we review some examples from North African and Middle Eastern basins. We discuss the occurrence of AVO anomalies and the successful application of the technique for detecting and delineating hydrocarbon reservoirs. Furthermore, we illustrate case studies where the technique was used for carbonate and naturally fractured reservoirs exploration and characterization. The case histories illustrated in the study demonstrate that AVO technique is applicable in different geological settings and environments including old and deep sand reservoirs in North Africa and the Middle East. Once calibrated to the local geology, AVO can perform well even in geological conditions that differ from the Gulf of Mexico where the technique was first developed and successfully implemented.

Keywords
AVO anomaly
hydrocarbons reservoir
Gulf of Mexico
North Africa
Middle East
References
  1. Aki, K., and Richards, P.G., 1980. Quantitative Seismology: Theory and Methods. W.H.Freeman and Co., San Francisco.
  2. Al-Dajani, A.A., 2008. Fracture detection and characterization for the Jurassic carbonatereservoirs using 3-D P-wave pre-stack seismic data in Saudi Arabia. 8th MiddleEast Geosci. Conf. Exhibit.: GEO2008.
  3. Al-Hawas, K., Ameen, M., Wahab, M., Nebrija, E. and MacBeth, C., 2003. Delineationof fracture anisotropy signatures in Wudayhi Field by azimuthal seismic data. TheLeading Edge, 22: 1202-1211.
  4. Al-Marzoug, A.M., Neves, F.A., Kim, J.J. and Nebrija, E.L., 2004. P-wave anisotropyfrom azimuthal velocity and AVO using wide-azimuth 3D seismic data.
  5. Expanded Abstr., 74th Ann. Internat. SEG Mtg., Denver.
  6. Al-Mustafa, H.M. and Giroldi, L., 2010. Characterization of a Class IV AVO sand in
  7. Central Saudi Arabia. AAPG Search and Discovery Article, 90105.
  8. Al-Mustafa, H.M. and Giroldi, L., 2013. A Class IV AVO Sand in Saudi Arabia: The
  9. Search for the Optimum Lithology and Fluid Indicator. Expanded Abstr., 83rdAnn. Internat. SEG Mtg., Houston: 403-407.
  10. Al-Shuhail, A.A., 2004. Estimation of fracture porosity using azimuthal P-wave AVO: Acase study in the Austin Chalk, Gonzales County, Texas. J. Seismic Explor., 12:315-326
  11. Al-Muhaidib, A., Sen, M.K. and Tokséz, M.N., 2012. Integration of geology, rockphysics, logs, and prestack seismic data for reservoir porosity estimation. AAPGBull., 96: 1235-1251.
  12. Avseth, P., Flesche, H. and Wijngaarden, A.V., 2003. AVO classification of lithologyand pore fluids constrained by rock physics depth trends. The Leading Edge, 22:1004-1011.
  13. Bellahcene, A. and Mouggari, A., 2003. AVO case study in the Illizi basin - Algeria.AAPG Search Discov. Art.: 90016.
  14. Bellili, K., Toutaoui, A., Kassouri, M. and Bashta, M., 2002. Contribution of AVOtechnique in detecting gas field in Algeria. 21st World Congr. Gas, Algiers.
  15. Brown, A., 2010. Dim spots in seismic images as hydrocarbon indicators. AAPG SearchDiscov. Art.: 40514.
  16. Burnett, R.C., 1990. Seismic amplitude anomalies and AVO analysis at Mestena Grandefield. Geophysics, 55: 1015-1025.
  17. Castagna, J.P. and Backus, M.M. (Eds.), 1993. Offset-Dependent Reflectivity - Theoryand Practice of AVO Analysis. SEG, Tulsa, OK.
  18. Castagna, J.P., Swan, H.W. and Foster, D.J., 1998. Framework for AVO gradient andintercept interpretation. Geophysics, 63: 948-956.
  19. Chegrouche, F., Ouabed, N., Farfour, M. and Djaider, Z., 2013. Tight gas reservoircharacterization: a case study from Algeria. Internat. Worksh. Tight Gas ShaleGas Reserv. Characteriz., Algiers, Algeria.
  20. Chiburis, E.F., 1984. Analysis of amplitude versus offset to detect gas-oil contacts in the
  21. Arabian Gulf. Expanded Abstr., 54th Ann, Internat. SEG Mtg., Atlanta: 669-670.
  22. VOL27-4_ August 2018_Mise en page 1 16/07/2018 09:50-Rgge316
  23. Chiburis, E.F., 1987. Studies of amplitude versus offset in Saudi Arabia. Expanded
  24. Abstr., 57th Ann. Internat. SEG Mtg., New Orleans.
  25. Chiburis, E., Frank, C., Leaney, S., McHugo, S. and Skidmore, C., 1993. Hydrocarbondetection with AVO. Oilfield Rev., 6: 42-50.
  26. Chopra, S. and Castagna, J.P., 2014. AVO. SEG Investigation Geophysics, 16. SEG,Tulsa, OK
  27. Connolly, P., 1999. Elastic impedance. The Leading Edge, 18: 438-452.
  28. Daghistani, A.W., Bakhorji, A.M. and Al-Mustafa, H.M., 2012. Discriminating gasbearing sands from shale using rock physics guided inversion. AAPG SearchDiscov. Art.: 40909.
  29. Dalla, S., Harby, H. and Serazzi, M., 1997. Hydrocarbon exploration in a complexincised valley fill: an example from the late Messinian Abu Madi Formation (NileDelta Basin, Egypt). The Leading Edge, 16: 1819.
  30. Dasgupta, S.N., Hong, M.R. and Al-Jallal, 1.A., 2001. Reservoir characterization of
  31. Permian Khuff-C carbonate in the supergiant Ghawar Field of Saudi Arabia. TheLeading Edge, 20: 706-717.
  32. Davison, C., Ratcliffe, A., Grion, S., Johnston, R., Duque, C. and Maharramoy, M., 2011.
  33. Azimuthal AVO analysis: Stabilizing the model parameters. Expanded Abstr.,81st Ann. Internat. SEG Mtg., San Antonio: 330-334.
  34. Echikh, K., 2003. Palaeozoic and Triassic petroleum systems in North Africa. AAPGHedberg Conf., AAPG Search Discov. Art.: 90016.
  35. Farfour, M., Chegrouche, F., Ouabed, N. and Djaider, Z., 2013. Porosity estimation fromacoustic and shear impedance: a deterministic approach. Internat. Worksh. Tight
  36. Gas Shale Gas reserve. Characteriz., Algiers, Algeria.
  37. Fatti, J.L., Smith, G.C., Vail, P.J., Strauss, P.J. and Levitt, P.R., 1994. Detection of gas insandstone reservoirs using AVO analysis: A 3-D seismic case history using theGeostack technique. Geophysics, 59: 1362-1376.
  38. Gabay, S.H., 1990. Integrated lithologic interpretation of normal and nonnormal-incidence reflection character. Expanded Abstr., 60th Ann. Internat. SEG Mtg.,San Francisco: 1519-1522.
  39. Goodway, B., Chen, T. and Downton, J., 1997. Improved AVO fluid detection andlithology discrimination using Lamé petrophysical parameters: 'Xp', 'Up', and'AL fluid stack', from P and S inversions. Expanded Abstr., 67th Ann. Internat.SEG Mtg., Dallas: 183-186.
  40. Gray, D., 2008. Fracture detection using 3D seismic azimuthal AVO. CSEG Recorder,33(3): 38-49.
  41. Hampson, D., Russell, B. and Bankhead, B., 2005. Simultaneous inversion of pre-stackseismic data. Expanded Abstr., 75th Ann. Internat. SEG Mtg., Houston.
  42. Hilterman, F., 2001. Seismic Amplitude Interpretation. 2001 Disting. Instruct. ShortCourse. Series n= 4. SEG, Tulsa, OK.
  43. Hilterman, F., Van Schuyver, C. and Sbar, M., 2000. AVO examples of long-offset 2-Ddata in the Gulf of Mexico. The Leading Edge, 19: 1200-1213.
  44. Hoopes, R. and Aber, W.M., 1989. Integrated multianalysis procedure that qualifies
  45. DHIs: A case history of the Louisiana Hackberry Trend. Expanded Abstr., 59thAnn. Internat. SEG Mtg., Dallas: 843-847.
  46. Hu, H., Al-Zahrani, M.S., Khalid A. and Al-Mohmoud, K.A., 2013. A successfulapplication of 3D seismic attributes in exploration for Eolian stratigraphic traps inCentral Saudi Arabia. Saudi Aramco J. Technol.
  47. Ikawa, H., Mercado, G. and Smith, A., 2008. AVO application in a carbonate offshore oilfield, U.A.E. 13th SPE Abu Dhabi Internat. Petrol. Exhib. Conf.: SPE117918.
  48. Ishiyama, T., Ikawa, H. and Belaid, K., 2010. AVO applications for porosity and fluidestimation of carbonate reservoirs offshore Abu Dhabi. First Break, 28: 93-100.
  49. VOL27-4_ August 2018_Mise en page 1 16/07/2018 09:50-Rgge317
  50. Kassouri, A. and Djaffer, H., 2003. Lithology and gas detection by AVO cross plotpolarization and intercept inversion. Ist North Africa / Mediterranean Petrol.Geosci. Conf. Exhib., Tunis.
  51. Keho, T.H., Broadhead, M.B. and Neves, F.A., 2009. Using an isochron to constrainamplitude analysis: A case study of a carbonate stratigraphic trap in Saudi Arabia.The Leading Edge, 28, 1304-1313.
  52. Leveille, J., Prindle, K., Smallwood, J., and Smith, J., 2007. Rock physics, trend curvesand flat-spots. Extended Abstr., 19th ASEG Conf., Melbourne: 1-4.
  53. Li, Y.Y., Downton, J. and Goodway, B., 2003. Recent applications of AVO to carbonatereservoirs in the Western Canadian sedimentary basin. The Leading Edge, 22:670-674.
  54. Li, Y., Downton, J. and Xu, Y., 2007. Practical aspects of AVO modeling. The LeadingEdge, 26: 295-311.
  55. Liu, E., Zelewski, G., Lu, C., Reilly, J. and Shevchek, Z., 2010. Seismic fractureprediction using azimuthal AVO analysis in a Middle East carbonate field:workflow and mitigation of overburden effects. Expanded Abstr., 80th Ann.Internat. SEG Mtg., Denver: 268-272.
  56. Macrides, C.G and Dey, A., 2010. High Resolution Deterministic Inversion in the Arab-
  57. D Carbonate reservoir of the Ghawar Field, Saudi Arabia. CSPG Ann. Mtg.,Calgary.
  58. Marten, R., Shann, M., Mika, J., Rothe, S. and Quist, Y., 2004. Seismic challenges ofdeveloping the pre-Pliocene Akhen field, offshore Nile Delta. The Leading Edge,23: 314-320.
  59. Mazzotti, A., 1990. Prestack amplitude analysis methodology and application to seismicbright spots in the Po Valley, Italy. Geophysics, 55: 157-166.
  60. Mohamed, I., El-Mowafy, H., Kamel, D. and Heikal, M., 2014. Prestack seismicinversion versus neural-network analysis: A case study in the Scarab fieldoffshore Nile Delta, Egypt. The Leading Edge, 33: 498-506.
  61. Neves, F.A., Al-Mustafa, H. and Patrick, M.R., 2004. Pseudo-gamma ray volume fromextended elastic impedance inversion for gas exploration. The Leading Edge, 23:536-540.
  62. Ostrander, W.J., 1984. Plane wave reflection coefficients for gas sands at non-normalangles of incidence. Geophysics, 49: 1637-1648.
  63. Rahati, S., Al Outaibi, H. and Al Shobail, Y., 2011. Utilizing seismic-derived rockproperties for horizontal drilling in the Arabian Gulf. The Leading Edge, 30:1414-1418.
  64. Roberts, G., Wombell, R., Gray, D., Al-Shamsi, A., Suwaina, O., Ajlani, G. and Al
  65. Kaabi, A., 2001. Fracture orientation estimation from azimuthal AVO, offshore
  66. Abu Dhabi. Expanded Abstr., 71st Ann. Internat. SEG Mtg., San Antonio: 308-
  67. Roberts, R., Bedingfield, J., Phelps, D., Lau, A., Godfrey, B., Volterrani, S., Englemark,
  68. F. and Hughes, K., 2005. Hybrid inversion techniques used to derive key elasticparameters: A case study from the Nile Delta. The Leading Edge, 24: 86-92.
  69. Roden, R. Forrest, M. and Holeywell, R., 2005. The impact of seismic amplitudes onprospect risk analysis. The Leading Edge, 24: 706-711.
  70. Roden, R., Forrest, M., Holeywell, R., Carr, M. and Alexander, P., 2014. The role of
  71. AVO in prospect risk assessment. Interpretation, 2(2): SC61-SC76.
  72. Ruger, A. and Tsvankin, I., 1997. Using AVO for fracture detection: Analytic basis andpractical solutions. The Leading Edge, 16: 1429-1434
  73. Russell, B., 2014. Prestack seismic amplitude analysis: An integrated overview.Interpretation, 2(2): SC19-SC36.
  74. Rutherford, S.R. and Williams, R.H., 1989. Amplitude-versus-offset variations in gassands. Geophysics, 54: 680-688.
  75. Shuey, R.T., 1985. A simplification of the Zoeppritz equations. Geophysics, 50: 609-614.
  76. VOL27-4_ August 2018_Mise en page 1 16/07/2018 09:50-Rgges18
  77. Snyder, A.G., Kelsey, D.J. and Wrolstad, K.H., 1989. Direct detection using AVO,
  78. Central Graben, North Sea. Expanded Abstr., 59th Ann. Internat. SEG Mtg.,Dallas: 700-701.
  79. Sokhabi, R., 2010. Ghawar, Saudi Arabia: The King of Giant Fields. Geo ExPro, 7(4):24-29.
  80. Sousa, S., 1996. Seismic inversion, AVO analysis and fracture prediction techniques usedto evaluate the hydrocarbon prospectivity of the Eocene Apollonia Formation,
  81. BED-2 area, Western Desert, Egypt. Proc. 13th Petrol. Conf., Cairo. EgyptianGen. Petrol. Corp, 2: 44-63.
  82. Strudley, A., 1990. Amplitude versus offset: Methodology and application to pore fillprediction in the Danish Central Graben. Expanded Abstr., 60th Ann. Internat.SEG Mtg., San Francisco: 1523-1525.
  83. Tod, S., Taylor, B., Johnston, R. and Allen, T., 2007. Fracture prediction from wide-azimuth land seismic data in SE Algeria. The Leading Edge, 26: 1154-1160.
  84. Tsuneyama, F., Takahashi, I., Nishida, A. and Okamura, H., 2003. Vp/Vs ratio as a rockframe indicator for a carbonate reservoir. First Break, 21(7): 22-27.
  85. Wigger, S., Bailey, J., Larsen, M. and Wallace, M., 1997. Ha’py Field: A Pliocene brightspot example from the Nile Delta, Egypt. The Leading Edge, 16: 1827-1829.
  86. Zimmerman, C.J. and Fahmy, B.A., 1990. An effective new method of amplitude-versus-offset analysis for marine data. Expanded Abstr., 60th Ann. Internat. SEG Mtg.,San Francisco: 1499-1502.
Share
Back to top
Journal of Seismic Exploration, Electronic ISSN: 0963-0651 Print ISSN: 0963-0651, Published by AccScience Publishing