Reservoir Geophysics (GEO503)

Reflection seismology is the most important geophysical tool for subsurface characterization and plays a central role in reservoir geophysics. This course provides a thorough introduction to the geophysical principles behind seismic data acquisition, processing, and interpretation, with particular emphasis on applications in reservoir characterization for both petroleum exploration and CO₂ storage.

Students will learn how seismic data are used to identify and describe reservoirs, including analysis of lithology, fluid content, and geometry. At the same time, the course offers a solid foundation in the physics of seismics and signal processing, which is also relevant for applications in mining, hydrogeology, geothermal exploration, archaeology, geotechnical engineering, and environmental geophysics.

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.

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.

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.

This course will have physical only meetings. The student is responsible for checking the course syllabus and class meeting information provided by the instructor in Canvas.