Lecture 10
Hor. 1 Hor. 2
Hor. 3
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Structural Analysis - What is it?
The analysis of all of the significant processes that formed a basin and deformed its sedimentary fill from basin-scale processes (e.g., plate tectonics) to centimeter-scale processes (e.g., fracturing) Some Major Elements: Basin Formation Fault Network Mapping Stratigraphic Deformation Present-Day Trap Definition Timing of Trap Development
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Role of Seismic Interpretation
Identify and map faults, folds, uplifts, and other structural elements
Interpret structural settings and structural styles
Insure 3D geometric consistency in an interpretation - is it structurally valid? Determine timing relationships, especially the timing of trap formation
Check if the interpretation is admissibility
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
A Caution about Seismic Images
Most seismic data is displayed in 2-way TIME, which can distort geometric relationships
Watch the vertical exaggeration It changes with depth V:H is 1.3:1 At 1900 m/s
V:H is 1:1 At 2500 m/s
V:H is 0.9:1 At 3000 m/s
V:H is 0.8:1 At 3500 m/s
1 km
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
The STRENGTHS of Seismic Data
Inherently 3-D (even if a 2-D grid)
Able to image trap-scale structures Able to image stratigraphy, to identify reservoir, seal, and for use as structural markers, e. g. to constrain fault offsets Provides a 3-D context for understanding other data
surface geology well data potential field data
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
The WEAKNESSES of Seismic Data
Limited resolution: cant resolve small features Steep dips can be difficult to image Acquisition can be difficult, e. g. in areas of: variable topography, variable surface geology, or hard water bottom Vertical axis is typically (migrated) time, not depth
Velocity variations distort geometries
Display scales are commonly not V:H=1:1, which results in distortions of geometries
Typically we cant see hydrocarbons
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
A Synergistic Relationship
You can not get all of the structural information without working the stratigraphy You can not get all of the stratigraphic information without working the structure
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Basic Observations: Profile View
We can recognize moderate- to large-scale faults on seismic profiles by:
Termination of reflections
Offset in stratigraphic markers Abrupt changes in dip Abrupt changes in seismic patterns Fault plane reflections
Associated folding or sag
Discontinuities
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Fault Identification: Time Slice View
Do you see evidence for faults?
1856 ms
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Coherency Data
Also known as Discontinuity or Variance
A derivative data volume based on trace-to-trace correlation Data range from 0 to 1, (1 = neighboring traces are identical)
Amplitude Data
Discontinuity
1856 ms Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
1856 ms L 10 Structural Analysis
Corendering of Data
1. The amplitude data is displayed (red-blue) 2. The coherency data below user-defined thresholds is over-posted in black (very low values ) and gray (low values)
Opacity for the Continuity Data
Black Gray Transparent
1856 ms
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Fault Identification: Profile Views
A A B C
S W
Faults must tie on lines that intersect or the interpretation is not internally consistent
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
tie
L 10 Structural Analysis
Interpreting Faults
Structural Observations
Structural Concepts
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Interpreting Faults
Structural Observations
Fault segments on seismic lines Fault plane orientation Sense of motion Magnitude of offset Range of depths Relative timing when faults moved when structures grew
Tectonic Setting Divergent zones Convergent zones Strike-slip zones Mobile substrate How Structures Evolve Fault-bend folds Fault-propagation folds Salt movement etc.
Structural Concepts
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Structural Styles Matrix
EXTENSION
CONTRACTION
LATERAL
UPLIFT, SUBSIDENCE
BASEMENT INVOLVED
extensional fault blocks
contractional fault blocks
strike-slip or wrench faulting
basement warps
BASEMENT DETACHED
detached normal faulting
fold-andthrust belts
tear faults (detached)
salt, shale diapirism
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Extensional Faults
basement involved basement detached
1 mile
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Diapirs Can Provide Good Traps
Salt and shale layers can become mobile when subjected to differential loading Imaging beneath salt is very difficult, but the rewards can be great!
Many oil and gas fields have been found associated with salt & shale diapirs
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
Is the Interpretation Admissible?
We can check the kinematic admissibility of a thrust fault interpretation by means of a 2-D sequential restoration
Courtesy of ExxonMobil
FWS 04
L 10 Structural Analysis
