Seismic Attributes

Date: November 1, 2016 50min Advanced

Seismic attributes are mathematical descriptions of the shape or other characteristics of a seismic trace over a specified time (depth) interval. Seismic attributes are used to help in mapping stratigraphic features. Seismic attributes are used for qualitative analysis (e.g., data quality, seismic facies mapping) and quantitative analysis (e.g., net sand, porosity prediction).

Divide the class time into three (3) segments: (1) review of the previous exercise, (2) introduce the lecture, and (3) introduce the exercise presented here. The review of the previous exercise has seven (7) slides, and will take ~10 minutes to explain. The lecture has sixteen (16) slides, and will take ~30 minutes to explain. The introduction to this exercise contains six (6) slides, and will take ~10 minutes to explain. 

During the exercise introduction, the instructor should walk through the conceptual model (presented below) for the zone of interest.

In summary:

• The peak above the orange horizon indicates seal quality. A moderate to large positive response is taken to indicate a good to great sealing lithology.
• The trough below the orange horizon indicates reservoir quality. A moderate to large negative response is taken to indicate a good reservoir rocks.

Once the students understand where a good seal and a good reservoir should be located, they will work to identify where both are present (with tracing paper). Then, they consider where a good seal and a good reservoir are positioned on a structural high. The exercise should take approximately 30 minutes.

Objectives: