Pitfalls in 3D seismic interpretation: Keynote presentation at the 11th Annual 3-D Seismic Symposium, Denver

摘要

Today's geophysical workstations are splendid tools but they are only tools. Unfortunately too many interpreters are expecting to find the solution to their problem in the workstation! The skill remains the thoughtful geological interpretation of geophysical data. As a consultant, I am often in a position to review seismic interpretations by others. It gives me the opportunity to reflect on how geoscientists can improve interpretations and avoid pitfalls. All too often I am in contact with seismic interpreters who have misiden-tified a horizon, failed to understand the phase and polarity of their data, distorted the result with a poor use of color, used an inappropriate attribute, failed to recognize a significant data defect, or are still frightened by machine auto-tracking. On one occasion I was invited to listen to a presentation on seismic attributes and my opinion was sought. We were shown a map of attribute 1, then we were shown a map of attribute 2, then we were shown a map of attribute 3. At this point I interjected: "What is the objective of this study and how do these maps relate to that objective?" "I am gathering all the evidence for the study of this reservoir" was the response. We were then shown attribute 4, attribute 5, and attribute 6.