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Chapter 1
What are seismic attributes?
1.1. Introduction:
In last years there are massive revolution in interpretation that depend on
processing development so we cannot isolated development in attributes from development
in processing, NMO velocity analysis gave better interval velocity estimates and more
accurate subsurface geometries, Bright spot techniques led to gas discoveries, as well
as to some failures. This was improved by the introduction of AVO technology. Each of
these developments has helped our understanding of the subsurface and reduced the
uncertainties.
The definition of seismic attributes encompasses all quantities derived from seismic
data; thus, we consider interval velocity, inversion for acoustic impedance, pore pressure
prediction, reflector terminations, as well as complex-trace attributes and amplitude
variation with offset (AVO) to be attributes.
By assigning the name attribute to a quantity based on very sophisticated calculations
such as impedance inversion and pore pressure prediction, we recognize that these
estimates are somehow contaminated by errors and, thus, require calibration to well data
via geostatistics or other data integration technique suction of AVO technology.
Each of these developments attributes has helped our understanding of the
subsurface and reduced the uncertainties. Unfortunately, one of the principal failures of
any of the individual techniques was our implicit dependence on it. Finally, the power of
the combined use of a number of attributes is being recognized and successful techniques
are being introduced. The attribute discussed in this paper is the outcome of the work
relating to the combined use of several attributes for litho logy prediction and reservoir
characterization.
The study and interpretation of seismic attributes give some qualitative information
of the geometry and the physical parameters of the subsurface, It has been noted that
the amplitude content of the seismic data is the principal factor for the determination of
physical parameters, such as the acoustic impedance, reflection coefficients, velocities,
absorption etc. The phase component is the principal factor in determining the shapes
of the reflectors, their geometrical configurations etc.
Our objective is to bring the interpretation of attributes from a qualitative manner
to a more quantitative manner; in this paper we will first discuss the several computational
methods of conventional attributes, basically the computation of the analytic trace, in the
second part we will present computation of the conventional attributes and their derivatives.
One point that must be brought out is that we define all seismically driven parameters
as the Seismic Attributes. They can be velocity, amplitude, frequency, rate of change of
any of these with respect to time or space and so on. We will classify the attributes based
on their computational characteristics. They can be computed from pre-stack or post
stack data sets. Some of the attributes computed from the complex trace such as envelope,
phase etc. correspond to the various measurements of the propagating wave front. We
will call these the 'Physical Attributes'. Others computed from the reflection configuration
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and continuity, we will call 'Geometrical Attributes'
The principal objectives of the attributes are to provide accurate and detailed
information to the interpreter on structural, stratigraphic and litho logical parameters of
the seismic prospect.
Seismic reflection data can be subdivided into components such as energy,
frequency, and phase. Trace attributes such as reflection strength, instantaneous phase,
instantaneous frequency, etc... characterize groups of these seismic waveform components.
Breaking up the seismic waveforms into attribute components allows the interpreter to
identify and utilize those waveforms that best discriminate and characterize the reservoir
features of inter est. The attributes reviewed here, are grouped into two broad categories:
instantaneous attributes and response attributes.
Instantaneous attributes characterize sample-by-sample variability and isolate the
individual waveform components that make up the seismic trace. Attributes in this category
(Tanner et al 1977, and Tanner et al 1979) include quadrate amplitude, real amplitude,
reflection strength, instantaneous phase, cosine of the instantaneous phase, and
instantaneous frequency.
Many modern techniques make simultaneous use of multiple attributes. In selecting
the appropriate multiple attributes, Barnes (2000) advises that we use attributes that are
independent of one another. Calomel (1997) warns that in order to avoid false positive
correlations, we should only use those attributes that are associated with physical
properties and features of interest to our play or reservoir. Bob Sheriff (personal
communication, 2005) laments mindless interpretation" where geoscientists search
through a suite of attributes and stop when they find one that shows a feature they want
on see. If possible, we recommend that each attribute capture only one type of physical
property or feature, which can thence combined intelligently through geostatistics or other
multiattribute analysis tools.
1.2. Definition:
The Oxford Dictionary defines an attribute as, A quality ascribed to any person
or thing, so they have extended this definition to: Seismic Attributes are all the information
obtained from seismic data, either by direct measurements or by logical or experience
based reasoning.
A simple working definition a seismic attribute is any measure of seismic data that
helps us better visualize or quantify features of interpretation interest, another definition
Bovine's (1984) response attributes characterize simple reflection boundaries and/or
complex reflection zones/packets; variations within single energy envelope lobes.
My opinions seismic attributes is not character but it is change in character that
associated with our target because if character not change in all section it not attributes.
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1.3. Uses of seismic attributes:
1. To intelligently extrapolate sparse well measurements of reservoir thickness,
porosity, and hydrocarbon saturation onto the much denser seismic grid. The first use
of attributes is to intelligently extrapolate well measurements of reservoir thickness,
porosity, and hydrocarbon saturation onto the much denser seismic grid. Prediction tools
include multivariable statistics, geostatistics, and neural networks applied to attributes
that are sensitive to amplitude and thickness. Practitioners typically are petrophysicists,
geophysicists, and engineers.
- Prediction tools include multivariable statistics, geostatistics, and neural nets
applied to attributes sensitive to amplitude and thickness
- Practitioners are typically petrophysicists, geophysicists and engineers
2. To reconstruct the tectonic, depositional, and diagenetic history, allowing us to
i nfer l i thol ogy, porosi ty, seal , fracture densi ty and fracture ori entati on.
- Predi ct i on t ool s i ncl ude geol ogi c model s as wel l as modern.
- Practitioners are typically structural geologists and stratigraphers
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Figure 1.1 This example shows prediction of reservoir porosity from an acoustic-impedance
inversion attribute computed for a survey in Mexico. After Veekan et al. (2002).
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3. To communicate your play in a limited time to non geoscientists: The third use of
attributes is to communicate complex geology to others in a short amount of time. Attributes
do not create any new information. But extracting that information takes time and skill.
Attributes are particularly useful in quickly describing key tectonic and depositional
processes to non geoscientists bankers, engineers, landmen, management, and
government regulators
1.4. Does the Sei smi c Data warrant the Use of Attri butes?
Before dashing headlong into the computation of numerous attributes, step back
and look at quality of the data, determine the processing workflow, and ask what problems
need to be solved. Too often we have seen that the data simply doesnt warrant use
beyond a basic structural interpretation because of poor signal quality, low frequency
content at the reservoir level, and improper processing.
Data can be processed for structural interpretation using a minimum phase wavelet
and a gain to enhance structural surfaces. However, the quantitative use of seismic
attributes forces a different processing philosophy; what we term stratigraphic processing.
Processing seismic data for stratigraphic and rock and fluid properties requires zero-
phase, true amplitude, and migrated data, which is more costly and time consuming, but
necessary if most attribute studies are to succeed. Perhaps geometrical attributes
describing spatial and temporal continuity do not require such rigorous processing.
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most negative carvuter 1.44 ms Inline coherent energy gradient 1.440 s
Figure 1.2 In (a) we display a time slice, at t =1.440 s, through a most-negative-curvature volume generated
for a survey acquired over the Central Basin Platform, Texas, USA. Black arrows indicate lineaments that we
interpret to be fractures. White arrows point to bowl-shaped areas that suggest karstification of the Ellenburger
formation at this level. In (b) we display a time slice, at t =1.440 s, through the north-south component of the
energy-weighted coherent-amplitude gradient. Gray arrows indicate channels that flowed from north to south.
These channels help define the depositional environment at the time, and with well control, they can help infer
lithology.
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If for example, the purpose is acoustic impedance inversion, the data must be
zero-phase, with true-amplitude recovery; otherwise the resulting impedance cube is
meaningless for quantitative interpretation. AVO analysis examines the basics of amplitude
variations with offset which result from contrasts in elastic rock properties. AVO analysis
begins with un stacked data, generating Hugh volumes of data, but may be combined
with post-stack inversion techniques to infer rock properties. Again, success depends on
zero-phase, true-amplitude seismic data.
1.5. Classification of Attributes:
There are a lot of classification of attribute we must choose one that help us in the
make picture of different attributes, and can make easy to choose attributes that helps
our purpose, so We prefer Liner et al.s (2004) classification into general and specific
categories. Liner et al.s general attributes are measures of geometric, kinematics,
dynamic, or statistical features derived from seismic data. They include reflector amplitude,
reflector time, reflector dip and azimuth, complex amplitude and edge detection/coherence,
AVO, and spectral decomposition.
These general attributes are based on either the physical or morphological character
of the data tied to lithology or geology and are therefore generally applicable from basin
to basin around the world. In contrast, specific attributes have a less well-defined basis
in physics or geology. While given specific attribute may be well correlated to a geologic
feature or to reservoir productivity within a given basin, these correlations do not in general
carry over to a different.
And can add a third category to Liner et al.s classification, that of" composite
attributes [also calumet attributes by Medaled al. (2001)]. Many of the specific attributes
cited in the literature are sums, products, or other combinations of more fundamental
general attributes. We prefer two types of composite attributes: those used to display
more than one attribute ate time (composite displays discussed under The rise of seismic
attributes) and those combined using geostatistics, neural nets, or other classification
technology [such as Medaled al.s (2001) meta attributes]. Given the dangers of false
correlations, we prefer when possible to use attributes that individually correlate to only
one physical or geologic variables of interest, followed by geostatistics, neural networks.
The next table illustrate categories and type of attributes as found in AAAPG that
illustrate the reference to us to understand each of catageries and help me in my project
to search and try understand every categories .
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- Table for Seismic Attributes Categories and Analysis Methods
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1.5.1. Conventional classification of attributes:
Pre-Stack Attributes
Input data are CDP or images gather traces. They will have directional (azimuth)
and offset related information. Computations generate huge amounts of data; hence they
are not practical for initial studies.
Post-Stack Attributes
Stacking is an averaging process, losing offset and azimuth related information.
Input data could be CDP stacked or migrated. One should note that time migrated data
will maintain their time relations, hence temporal variables, . Post-stack attributes are
better for observing large amounts of data in initial investigations. For detailed studies,
pre-stack attributes may be incorporated.
1.5.2. Classifications attributes as computationally, we divide attributes into two
general classes:
Class I attributes are computed directly from traces. This data could be pre- or
post-stack, 2-D or 3-D, before or after time migration. Trace envelope and its derivatives,
instantaneous phase and its derivatives, bandwidth, Q, dips etc. are some of the attributes
computed this way.
Class II attributes are computed from the traces with improved S/N ratios after
lateral scanning and semblance-weighted summation. Details of the computation are
given in the Maximum Semblance Computation section of the Geometrical attributes. All
of the Class I attributes are computed in Class II. In addition lateral continuity and dips
of maxi mum sembl ance are comput ed f rom t he scanni ng procedure.
1.5.3. Classification is based on the relation of the attributes to the geology:
Physical Attributes
Physical attributes relate to physical qualities and quantities. The magnitude of
the trace envelope is proportional to the acoustic impedance contrast, frequencies relate
to the bed thickness, wave scattering and absorption. Instantaneous and average velocities
directly relate to rock properties. Consequently, these attributes are mostly used for litho
logical classification and reservoir characterization.
Geometrical Attributes
Geometrical attributes describe the spatial and temporal relationship of all other
attributes. Lateral continuity measured by semblance is a good indicator of bedding
similarity as well as discontinuity. Bedding dips and curvatures give depositional information.
Geometrical attributes were initially thought to help the stratigraphic interpretation.
However, further experience has shown that the geometrical attributes defining the event
characteristics and their spatial relations, quantify features that directly help in the
recognition of depositional patterns, and related lithology.
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Most of the attributes, instantaneous or wavelets are assumed to study the reflected
seismic wavelet characteristics. That is, we are considering the interfaces between two
beds. However, velocity and absorption are measured as quantities occurring between
two interfaces, or within a bed. Therefore, we can divide the attributes into two basic
categories based on their origin.
1.5.4. Classification seismic attributes based on origin:
Most of the attributes, instantaneous or wavelet, are assumed to study the reflected
seismic wavelet characteristics. That is, we are considering the interfaces between two
beds. However, velocity and absorption are measured as quantities occurring between
two interfaces, or within a bed. Therefore, we can divide the attributes into two basic
categories based on their origin.
Reflective Attributes
Reflective attributes all attributes help in Attributes corresponding to the characteristics
of interfaces. All instantaneous and wavelet attributes can be included under this category.
Pre-stack attributes such as AVO are also reflective attributes, since AVO studies the
angle dependent reflection response of an interface.
Transmissive Attributes
Tran missive attributes relate to the characteristics of a bed between two interfaces.
Interval, RMS and average velocities, Q, absorption and dispersion come under this
category.
1.5.5. Classification and Calibration Methods:
Attribute classification helps define the combinations to be used for optimum lithology
and reservoir classification. As we have seen above, there are many different ways of
computation and many different classes of attributes available. Their utilization in quantitative
interpretation is the main proof of their significance. At this time, we have defined four
different methods of classification and calibration. Here we give a short description of the
methods involved.
1.6. Knowledge based Expert systems:
This method uses knowledge-based combinations and calibrations of groups of
attributes with fuzzy logic to reflect the interpreters experience. This type of classification
can be used for large data sets for a quick look-see type of interpretation, or when
looking for a specific condition.
Statistics of Attributes, Geostatistics
These represent older and well-established methods. Cross platting with linear
and various non-linear scales, measuring various statistics has been used as viable tools.
Interpolation and extrapolation between and beyond wells have been improved by the
introduction of Kriging However these methods strongly depend on the estimate of
probability of each factor and provide estimates of most likely situations of many kinds,
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from which the interpreter has to make the final decision.
Linear Discrimination and PCA
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows the principal projections where the
data has the largest variance, hence the best possible discrimination. Newly developed
Independent Component Analysis (ICA) determines the projections that are most
discriminating. Linear discrimination works satisfactorily when two classes are involved
and the classification boundary is not very complicated. However, PCA and ICA are very
useful analytical tools to determine the most important attribute components to be used
in the non-linear discrimination using Neural Networks.
Unsupervised Classification and Calibration
This type of approach seeks some structure in the data set. Coonan's Self
Organizing Map (SOM) method is one the most profound methods in the Artificial
Intelligence and Neural Network field. A data set may be defined by any combination of
attributes and SOM generates topologically related clusters. If the selected attributes are
geometrical, then the clusters are based on the geometrical variation. The method
generates coordinates of cluster centers with given attribute coordinates. However, it
does not relate the cluster to any physical or reservoir condition. This has to be done in
the calibration stage.
Supervi sed Trai ni ng of, and Cl assi fi cati on by, Neural Networks
There have been a number of Neural Networks developed within the last couple of
decades. Supervised trainable networks are used in many different fields. In this case,
the user provides some examples for the neural network to learn, and then the network
is tested with another data set to check the success of training. One important point to
remember is that the network, if trained properly, will recognize and correctly classify only
those cases included in the training set. Any new conditions not included in the training
set will be misclassified or not recognized. Feed forward, fully connected perceptron
artificial neural networks (ANN), Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ), Probabilistic Neural
Networks (PNN), and Radial Basis Function Networks (RBF) are some of the available
net works. Each of t he met hods has i ts advantages and l i mi tat i ons.
1.7. The Problem of seismic attributes:
Our problem is to identify and select which attributes to use, then to select a
method to integrate them with properties measured at the wells. The three most common
prediction methods used in our industry today are regression,geostatistics and neural
networks. Each method requires making an inference (Prediction) from the seismic
attribute(s) based on its relationship to much sparser information measured at well
locations. We also make the assumption that the sample population (well data) is
representative of the larger parent population (the reservoir). The basic data integration
process is accomplished in five steps:
1. Calibration. Well data provide high-resolution, depth related local information,
whereas 3D seismic data provide spatially dense, but vertically lower resolution, time
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related information. Calibration is the fir stand most critical step in the process as the
data must be calibrated both vertically and a really.
2. Choice of the seismic attribute(s). The primary objective is to identify the
attribute(s) that works best as a predictor for the reservoir property of interest. However,
care must be taken when choosing the seismic attribute, because it is not unusual to find
spurious or false correlations that do not reflect any physical basis for the relationship.
The probability of finding a false correlation increases with the number of seismic attributes
considered and is inversely proportional to the number of data control points. This concept
is discussed below.
3. Prediction. The real distribution of the variable of interest is mapped by integrating
the well data and the seismic attribute. This prediction step is typically done by either
linear or non-linear regression models, neural networks.
4. Management Decisions. Depending on the project objectives, management
decisions based on the prediction may include location of infill wells, developing a depletion
strategy, designing a secondary or tertiary recovery program. Perhaps the decision is
more basic are there enough in-place hydrocarbons to justify developing the prospect?
So in our project we try to study attributes carefully and try to understanding
attributes and relation with other and how to prediction respond and how to make relation
with other.
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