Seismic Signal Slope Analysis for Thin Layer Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seismic data processing is inadequate for resolving the thickness of geological layers with thicknesses less than one quarter of the seismic signal's wavelength, limiting the detection of hydrocarbon deposits in thin bedding layers.
Innovation Solution
Processing seismic data to determine slope changes caused by the interaction of reflection interfaces with a source wavelet, allowing for the determination of layer attributes such as thickness, even below the one quarter wavelength threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional seismic data processing methods are used, then the processing is simple and based on conventional assumptions, but the method cannot resolve thickness of geological layers less than one quarter of the wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter being measured from amplitude (traditional) to slope (derivative of amplitude with respect to time). By computing the slope of the seismic signal instead of using amplitude directly, the method can detect thin layers below the quarter-wavelength threshold. This parameter transformation enables resolution of geological features that were previously undetectable with conventional amplitude-based processing.
2Reliability
If the one quarter wavelength limitation is accepted, then conventional processing assumptions hold, but thin bedding layers containing hydrocarbon deposits cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary differentiation of the seismic signal to compute its slope before analysis. By pre-computing the time derivative of the signal, the method transforms the detection problem into one where thin layer effects manifest as measurable slope changes rather than subtle amplitude variations. This preliminary transformation makes thin layer detection feasible and reliable.
3Loss of information
If seismic signal amplitude is used for analysis, then conventional processing is straightforward, but slope changes caused by thin layers are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes the mechanical/amplitude-based analysis with a mathematical/derivative-based approach. Instead of directly analyzing signal amplitude, the method computes the derivative (slope) of the signal with respect to time. This substitution reveals information about thin layers that is obscured in the amplitude domain, preventing information loss while adding a computational step.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the detection of thin geological features and hydrocarbon deposits by analyzing slope changes in seismic signals, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the seismic signal is produced by the interaction of reflection interfaces with a source wavelet, and the reflection interfaces are associated with boundaries of a geological layer
Data Source
AI summary
A technique includes receiving seismic data indicative of a signal, which is produced by the interaction of reflection interfaces with a source wavelet. The reflection interfaces are associated with boundaries of a geological layer. The technique includes processing the seismic data to determine at least one slope change in the source wavelet caused by the interaction. The technique includes determining an attribute of the layer based at least in part on the determined slope change(s).