Method of Assessing Hydrocarbon Source Rock Candidate

摘要

A method of assessing a hydrocarbon source rock candidate uses seismic data for a region of the Earth. The data are analysed to determine the presence, thickness and lateral extent of candidate source rock based on the knowledge of the seismic behaviour of hydrocarbon source rocks. An estimate is provided of the organic content (TOC) of the candidate source rock from acoustic impedance, based on a predetermined relationship between acoustic impedance and organic content (from rock sample analysis or well logs, for instance). An estimate of the hydrocarbon generation potential of the candidate source rock is then provided from the thickness and lateral extent of the candidate source rock and from the estimate of the organic content. The analysis of the data may involve an amplitude versus offset (AVO) analysis. The method may comprise basin modeling based on the seismic characteristics of the candidate source rock, and controlling exploration or production based on the model.