Reservoir Geophysics (GEO503)

Reflection seismology constitutes the main geophysical tool used in the industry for the exploration of energy resources. In order to carry out a proper and valid interpretation of this type of data, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the geophysical principles behind the different aspects of seismic data acquisition and the various modules involved in the seismic data processing.

The principles behind the acquisition, processing, and interpretation techniques applied in reflection seismology are relevant in oil and gas exploration, mining, hydrogeology, and geothermal exploration, as well as in archaeology, and geotechnical and environmental science.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

GEO503

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English, Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

Topics covered in the course include:

  • Basics of seismic wave theory;
  • Seismic velocity, ray theory, amplitude;
  • Seismic reflection events;
  • Seismic data acquisition;
  • Seismic data processing;
  • Seismic data analysis and inversion methods applied to reservoir characterization, and
  • Specialized techniques, including time-lapse seismic applications for monitoring changes in saturation and pressure.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • Master the basic principles of seismic wave propagation and ray theory, including mathematical foundations, but stressing the physical concepts underpinning the theory.
  • Be familiar with the many different considerations involved in the acquisition of seismic data in the field, whether in the land or marine setting.
  • Be familiar with the various steps in seismic processing, from raw data to the final section. This includes both the principles and parameters involved in each module as well as proper sequences of application thereof.
  • Be familiar with modern reservoir characterization and monitoring techniques, including seismic inversion and time-lapse seismic.
  • Be familiar with the visualization of seismic signals and implementation of simple seismic processing steps in Python.

Skills:

  • The candidate is able to process a 2D or 3D seismic dataset from field data to the final section/cube.
  • The candidate is able to apply basic seismic inversion techniques to post-stack seismic traces.
  • The candidate is able to extract changes in amplitude and travel time from 4D seismic datasets, and interpret those in terms of changes in pressure and saturation.
  • The candidate is able to properly sample, analyze and display signals digitally using Python.

General competence:

  • The student is able to communicate and report on the processes necessary to produce a seismic image from seismic reflection data.
  • The student is capable of applying the knowledge gained in the course to identify potential pitfalls in the geological interpretation of seismic reflection images.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Portofolio assessment 1/1 Letter grades All

The assessment in this course is based on a portfolio that makes up for 100% of the total grade. The portfolio contains 4 written assignments, and one written group assignment. Final grade of the course is not given until the portfolio is submitted and all assignments have been assessed. It is not a re-sit option in this course. Students who fail or want to improve their grade must re-take the course as a whole the next time it is offered.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Wiktor Waldemar Weibull

Study Program Director:

Lisa Jean Watson

Study Adviser:

Karina Sanni

Head of Department:

Alejandro Escalona Varela

Method of work

4 hours of lectures and 2 hours of tutorial per week. Seismic processing software will be used to practice and complete a project based on real data acquired offshore Norway.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Seismic Reflection Methods (GEO520_1) 5

Open for

Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Science and Technology
Energy, Reservoir and Earth Sciences - Master of Science Degree Programme Petroleum Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

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