Subsurface Map Updating Through Seismic–Well Orientation Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface structural maps are inaccurate due to neglecting well-measured orientation data, leading to large geometrical uncertainties and uncertainties in the spatial distribution and volume of stratigraphic traps, as the seismic and well measurements are performed at different spatial scales.
Innovation Solution
Integrate well-measured orientation data with seismic-estimated orientation data to update geological surfaces by determining intersection points and applying interpolation techniques, such as 2D cubic spline interpolation, to align the seismic-estimated orientation data with well-measured data, thereby constraining the geological surfaces with well-measured orientation information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If well-measured orientation data is integrated with seismic-estimated orientation data, then the accuracy of subsurface structural maps is improved, but the complexity of data processing and integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary interpolation function that bridges the seismic-estimated orientation data and well-measured orientation data. This interpolation function acts as a mediator to smoothly integrate the two different data sources, allowing the well-measured data to constrain the seismic data without requiring direct complex processing between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the integration problem into a parameter optimization problem by changing the approach from direct data merging to adjusting orientation parameters through interpolation. By reformulating the problem in terms of orientation parameter space rather than direct data space, the complexity of integrating different measurement scales is reduced.
2Measurement precision
If well-measured orientation data is used to constrain geological surfaces, then the precision of fault and channel identification is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring local structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D surface mapping problem to a 3D constraint problem by incorporating orientation data as an additional dimension. By adding the orientation constraint dimension, the system can better resolve local structural features like faults and channels that would be difficult to detect in 2D seismic data alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the well-measured orientation data at well locations is used to constrain and update the seismic-estimated geological surfaces. This feedback loop allows local structural information to propagate through the broader seismic dataset, improving detection precision while maintaining computational feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The methods may include obtaining a seismic dataset regarding a subsurface region of interest and obtaining a well log for each of multiple wellbores penetrating the subsurface region of interest. The methods may also include determining a geological surface from the seismic dataset, wherein the geological surface includes seismic-estimated orientation data estimated at multiple points on the geological surface. The methods may further include determining an intersection point for each of the multiple wellbores with the geological surface, wherein the intersection point includes well-measured orientation data. The methods may still further include generating an updated geological surface by updating the seismic-estimated orientation data at the multiple points on the geological surface based, at least in part, on the well-measured orientation data.