Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
EXTRACTING GEOLOGIC INFORMATION FROM MULTIPLE
OFFSET STACKS AND/OR ANGLE STACKS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to US Patent Application Serial Nos.
13/017,995,
13/018,015 and 13/018,044 all with a filing date of January 31, 2011.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
(01) This disclosure relates to extracting geologic information related to a
geologic
volume of interest by leveraging discrepancies and/or similarities of
corresponding
geologic features included in a plurality of offset stacks and/or angle stacks
associated with the geologic volume of interest.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
(02) Seismic data has been used to attempt to predict spatial distribution of
lithology as well as stratigraphic architecture in geologic volume of interest
using
various images extracted from the seismic data. Conventional workflows include
choosing a single offset stack or angle stack from among several available
offset
stacks and/or angle stacks and making interpretations using the selected
offset stack
or angle stack. One conventional workflow involves the use of offset stacking
or
angle stacking methodology. Seismic data is processed using the best estimates
of
velocity information for a geologic volume of interest. Stacked volumes
comprising
multi-offset or multi-angle seismic volumes are generated. After examination
of each
of these volumes, human interpreters commonly select the volume that they
believe
most faithfully illustrates the key geologic attributes critical to their
subsequent
analyses. Using their chosen volume, human interpreters commonly assess
1
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
patterns observed and draw geologic conclusions based on their analyses.
Conventional workflows are limited, for example, because some geological
attributes
of interest may be shown in some generated volumes, but not in others.
SUMMARY
(03) One aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method
for
identifying a set of geologic features within a geologic volume of interest.
The
method may include receiving a plurality of offset stacks and/or angle stacks
that
represent energy that has propagated through the geologic volume of interest
from
one or more energy sources to one or more energy receivers. An individual
energy
source may be physically separated from an individual energy receiver by a
corresponding source-receiver offset. Each individual offset stack may be
formed
from a corresponding set of seismic traces having substantially equivalent
source-
receiver offsets. Each individual angle stack may be formed from corresponding
sets of seismic traces having substantially equivalent source-receiver angles.
The
method may include determining attribute volumes representing attributes of
the
geologic volume of interest from the plurality of offset stacks and/or angle
stacks
such that from a given offset stack or angle stack a corresponding one or more
attribute volumes are determined. The method may include individually and/or
collectively analyzing the attribute volumes to identify geologic features
within the
geologic volume of interest represented in the individual attribute volumes.
The
method may include determining a set of geologic features within the geologic
volume of interest from the identified geologic features represented in the
individual
attribute volumes.
2
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
(04) Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a system configured to
identify a
set of geologic features within a geologic volume of interest. The system may
include one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules.
The computer program modules may include a communications module, an image
volume module, a feature identification module, an analysis module, and/or
other
modules. The communications module may be configured to receive a plurality of
offset stacks and/or angle stacks that represent energy that has propagated
through
the geologic volume of interest from one or more energy sources to one or more
energy receivers. An individual energy source may be physically separated from
an
individual energy receiver by a corresponding source-receiver offset. Each
individual
offset stack may be formed from a corresponding set of seismic traces having
substantially equivalent source-receiver offsets. Each individual angle stack
may be
formed from corresponding sets of seismic traces having substantially
equivalent
source-receiver angles. The image volume module may be configured to determine
attribute volumes representing attributes of the geologic volume of interest
from the
plurality of offset stacks and/or angle stacks such that from a given offset
stack or
angle stack a corresponding one or more attribute volumes are determined. The
feature identification module may be configured to individually and
collectively
analyze the attribute volumes to identify geologic features within the
geologic volume
of interest represented in the individual attribute volumes. The analysis
module may
be configured to determine a set of geologic features within the geologic
volume of
interest from the identified geologic features represented in the individual
attribute
volumes.
(05) Yet another aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer-readable
storage
medium having instructions embodied thereon. The instructions may be
executable
3
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
by a processor to perform a method for identifying a set of geologic features
within a
geologic volume of interest. The method may include receiving a plurality of
offset
stacks and/or angle stacks that represent energy that has propagated through
the
geologic volume of interest from one or more energy sources to one or more
energy
receivers. An individual energy source may be physically separated from an
individual energy receiver by a corresponding source-receiver offset. Each
individual
offset stack may be formed from a corresponding set of seismic traces having
substantially equivalent source-receiver offsets. Each individual angle stack
may be
formed from corresponding sets of seismic traces having substantially
equivalent
source-receiver angles. The method may include determining attribute volumes
representing attributes of the geologic volume of interest from the plurality
of offset
stacks and/or angle stacks such that from a given offset stack or angle stack
a
corresponding one or more attribute volumes are determined. The method may
include individually and collectively analyzing the attribute volumes to
identify
geologic features within the geologic volume of interest represented in the
individual
attribute volumes. The method may include determining a set of geologic
features
within the geologic volume of interest from the identified geologic features
represented in the individual attribute volumes.
(06) These and other features and characteristics of the present technology,
as
well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of
structure
and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more
apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended
claims
with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this
specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
in the
various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings
are for
4
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a
definition of
the limits of the technology. As used in the specification and in the claims,
the
singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the
context clearly
dictates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(07) FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to extract geologic information
related to
a geologic volume of interest by leveraging discrepancies and/or similarities
of
corresponding geologic features included in a plurality of offset stacks
and/or angle
stacks associated with the geologic volume of interest, in accordance with one
or
more embodiments.
(08) FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary identification of geologic features, in
accordance
with one or more embodiments.
(09) FIG. 3 illustrates a method for extracting geologic information related
to a
geologic volume of interest by leveraging discrepancies and/or similarities of
corresponding geologic features included in a plurality of offset stacks
and/or angle
stacks associated with the geologic volume of interest, in accordance with one
or
more embodiments.
(/0) FIG. 4 illustrates a method for analyzing individual attribute volumes to
identify
geologic features, in accordance with one or more embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
(11) The present technology may be described and implemented in the general
context of a system and computer methods to be executed by a computer. Such
computer-executable instructions may include programs, routines, objects,
components, data structures, and computer software technologies that can be
used
to perform particular tasks and process abstract data types. Software
implementations of the present technology may be coded in different languages
for
application in a variety of computing platforms and environments. It will be
appreciated that the scope and underlying principles of the present technology
are
not limited to any particular computer software technology.
(12) Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
technology
may be practiced using any one or combination of hardware and software
configurations, including but not limited to a system having single and/or
multi-
processor computer processors system, hand-held devices, programmable
consumer electronics, mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the like. The
technology may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where
tasks
are performed by servers or other processing devices that are linked through
one or
more data communications networks. In a distributed computing environment,
program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media
including memory storage devices.
(13) Also, an article of manufacture for use with a computer processor, such
as a
CD, pre-recorded disk or other equivalent devices, may include a computer
program
storage medium and program means recorded thereon for directing the computer
processor to facilitate the implementation and practice of the present
technology.
6
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
Such devices and articles of manufacture also fall within the spirit and scope
of the
present technology.
(14) Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present technology will
be
described. The technology can be implemented in numerous ways, including for
example as a system (including a computer processing system), a method
(including
a computer implemented method), an apparatus, a computer readable medium, a
computer program product, a graphical user interface, a web portal, or a data
structure tangibly fixed in a computer readable memory. Several embodiments of
the present technology are discussed below. The appended drawings illustrate
only
typical embodiments of the present technology and therefore are not to be
considered limiting of its scope and breadth.
(15) FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 configured to extract geologic
information
related to a geologic volume of interest by leveraging discrepancies and/or
similarities of corresponding geologic features included in a plurality of
offset stacks
and/or angle stacks associated with the geologic volume of interest, in
accordance
with one or more embodiments. Exemplary embodiments involve analyzing
geologically-significant images associated with the geologic volume of
interest to
identify discrepancies and/or similarities therebetween. Determining one or
more
causes of these discrepancies and/or similarities can yield insights with
respect to
lithology prediction, stratigraphic architecture, and/or other aspects of the
geologic
volume of interest. By leveraging discrepancies and/or similarities of
geologic
features identified in the images, interpretations and/or predictions relating
to
lithology, stratigraphy, and/or other aspects of the geologic volume of
interest may
be improved relative to conventional workflows. For example, some embodiments
7
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
may utilize an assumption that certain geologic features can be imaged better
in
certain offset domains whereas other geologic features are not affected by
offset.
Exemplary embodiments involve analysis of multiple offset stacks and/or angle
stacks rather than a single offset stack or angle stack. Details relating to
the
lithology and stratigraphy of a given geologic feature that would not be
evident from
a single offset stack or angle stack may be readily identified and explained
using
multiple offset stacks and/or angle stacks, thus leading to significantly more
robust
geological interpretations. According to some embodiments, individual ones of
the
offset stacks and/or the angle stacks may include processed data, migrated
data,
unmigrated data, imaged data, and/or raw data. In one embodiment, the system
100
comprises electronic storage 102, a user interface 104, one or more
information
resources 106, one or more processors 108, and/or other components.
(16) In one embodiment, the electronic storage 102 comprises electronic
storage
media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of
the
electronic storage 102 may include system storage that is provided integrally
(i.e.,
substantially non-removable) with the system 100 and/or removable storage that
is
removably connectable to the system 100 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB
port,
a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). The electronic
storage 102
may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical
disks,
etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard
drive,
floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM,
etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other
electronically
readable storage media. The electronic storage 102 may store software
algorithms,
information determined by the processor 108, information received via the user
interface 104, information received from the information resources 106, and/or
other
8
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201
PCT/US2012/022903
information that enables the system 100 to function as described herein. The
electronic storage 102 may be a separate component within the system 100, or
the
electronic storage 102 may be provided integrally with one or more other
components of the system 100 (e.g., the processor 108).
(17) The user interface 104 is configured to provide an interface between the
system 100 and a user through which the user may provide information to and
receive information from the system 100. This enables data, results, and/or
instructions and any other communicable items, collectively referred to as
"information," to be communicated between the user and the system 100. As used
herein, the term "user" may refer to a single individual or a group of
individuals who
may be working in coordination. Examples of interface devices suitable for
inclusion
in the user interface 104 include one or more of a keypad, buttons, switches,
a
keyboard, knobs, levers, a display screen, a touch screen, speakers, a
microphone,
an indicator light, an audible alarm, and/or a printer. In one embodiment, the
user
interface 104 actually includes a plurality of separate interfaces.
(18) It is to be understood that other communication techniques, either hard-
wired
or wireless, are also contemplated by the present technology as the user
interface
104. For example, the present technology contemplates that the user interface
104
may be integrated with a removable storage interface provided by the
electronic
storage 102. In this example, information may be loaded into the system 100
from
removable storage (e.g., a smart card, a flash drive, a removable disk, etc.)
that
enables the user to customize the implementation of the system 100. Other
exemplary input devices and techniques adapted for use with the system 100 as
the
user interface 104 include, but are not limited to, an RS-232 port, RF link,
an IR link,
9
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
modem (telephone, cable or other). In short, any technique for communicating
information with the system 100 is contemplated by the present technology as
the
user interface 104.
(19) The information resources 106 include one or more sources of information
related to the geologic volume of interest. By way of non-limiting example,
one of
information resources 106 may include seismic data acquired at or near the
geological volume of interest, information derived therefrom, and/or
information
related to the acquisition. Such seismic data may include source wavefields
and
receiver wavefields. The seismic data may include individual traces of seismic
data
(e.g., the data recorded on one channel of seismic energy propagating through
the
geological volume of interest from a source), offset stacks, angle stacks,
azimuth
stacks, and/or other data. The information derived from the seismic data may
include, for example, geologic models from seismic data representing energy
that
has propagated through the geologic volume of interest from one or more energy
sources to one or more energy receivers, image volumes from the geologic model
representing geologic features present in the geologic volume of interest,
and/or
other information. Individual ones of the image volumes may correspond to
individual ones of the offset stacks, angle stacks, azimuth stacks, and/or
other
information. Information related to the acquisition of seismic data may
include, for
example, data related to the position and/or orientation of a source of
seismic
energy, the positions and/or orientations of one or more detectors of seismic
energy,
the time at which energy was generated by the source and directed into the
geological volume of interest, and/or other information.
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
(20) The processor 108 is configured to provide information processing
capabilities
in the system 100. As such, the processor 108 may include one or more of a
digital
processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process
information, an
analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other
mechanisms for electronically processing information. Although the processor
108 is
shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In
some
implementations, the processor 108 may include a plurality of processing
units.
These processing units may be physically located within the same device or
computing platform, or the processor 108 may represent processing
functionality of a
plurality of devices operating in coordination.
(21) As is shown in FIG. 1, the processor 108 may be configured to execute one
or
more computer program modules. The one or more computer program modules
may include one or more of a communications module 110, an image volume
module 112, a feature identification module 114, an analysis module 116, an
animation module 118, and/or other modules. The processor 108 may be
configured
to execute modules 110, 112, 114, 116, and/or 118 by software; hardware;
firmware;
some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other
mechanisms
for configuring processing capabilities on the processor 108.
(22) It should be appreciated that although the modules 110, 112, 114, 116,
and
118 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located within a single processing
unit, in
implementations in which the processor 108 includes multiple processing units,
one
or more of the modules 110, 112, 114, 116, and/or 118 may be located remotely
from the other modules. The description of the functionality provided by the
different
modules 110, 112, 114, 116, and/or 118 described below is for illustrative
purposes,
11
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
and is not intended to be limiting, as any of the modules 110, 112, 114, 116,
and/or
118 may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one
or
more of the modules 110, 112, 114, 116, and/or 118 may be eliminated, and some
or
all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of the modules 110,
112, 114,
116, and/or 118. As another example, the processor 108 may be configured to
execute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all of the
functionality attributed below to one of the modules 110, 112, 114, 116,
and/or 118.
(23) The communications module 110 may be configured to receive information.
Such information may be received from the information resources 106, the user
via
the user interface 104, the electronic storage 102, and/or other information
sources.
Examples of received information may include seismic data, information derived
from
seismic data, information related to the acquisition of seismic data, angle
stacks,
azimuth stacks, image volumes, information related to attributes, and/or other
information.
(24) In some embodiments, the communications module 110 may be configured to
receive one or more offset stacks and/or angle stacks. An offset stack or
angle stack
may represent energy that has propagated through the geologic volume of
interest
from one or more energy sources to one or more energy receivers. An individual
energy source may be physically separated from an individual energy receiver
by a
corresponding source-receiver offset. Each individual offset stack may be
formed
from a corresponding set of seismic traces having substantially equivalent
source-
receiver offsets. Each individual angle stack may be formed from corresponding
sets of seismic traces having substantially equivalent source-receiver angles.
12
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
(25) The communications module 110 may be configured to obtain one or more
attribute volumes, according to some embodiments. An attribute volume may
represent one or more attributes associated with the geologic volume of
interest. An
individual attribute volume may have been formed from one or more offset
stacks
and/or angle stacks. Attribute volumes are described further in connection
with the
image volume module 112.
(26) The communications module 110, in accordance with some embodiments,
may be configured to receive one or more geologic models. Generally speaking,
a
geologic model may include a conceptual, three-dimensional construction
representing various aspects of a geologic volume of interest. Geologic models
may
be used to make predictions and/or compare observations with assumptions
related
to the geologic volume of interest. Geologic models may be constructed from
incomplete data such that voids in data are estimated. The geologic model may
be
derived from and/or based on seismic data representing energy that has
propagated
through the geologic volume of interest from one or more energy sources to one
or
more energy receivers. The seismic data may include one or more of a plurality
of
offset stacks, a plurality of angle stacks, a plurality of azimuth stacks,
and/or other
seismic data. The geologic model may include geologic features identified
therein.
(27) Information received by the communications module 110 may be utilized by
one or more of modules 112, 114, 116, and/or 118. Examples of some such
utilizations are described below. The communication module 110 may be
configured
to transmit information to one or more other components of the system 100.
(28) The image volume module 112 may be configured to generate and/or
otherwise obtain one or more image volumes. In general, image volumes are
three-
13
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
dimensional visual representations of one or more aspects of a geologic model.
An
individual image volume may correspond to individual offset stacks; angle
stacks;
azimuth stacks; transforms of offset stacks, angle stacks, and/or azimuth
stacks
(e.g., spectral decomposition and/or other transforms); and/or other
information.
Image volumes may represent geologic features (described further in connection
with the feature identification module 114) present in the geologic volume of
interest.
(29) An image volume may include an attribute volume. The attribute volume may
be descriptive of a spatial distribution and/or temporal distribution within
the geologic
volume of interest of one or more attributes. Attributes may include, for
example,
one or more of velocity, coherence, Hilbert transform, amplitude,
instantaneous
frequency, spectral decomposition, anisotropy, attenuation, impedance,
density,
Poisson's ratio, acoustic properties, elastic properties, petrophysical
properties, rock
properties, fluid properties, reservoir properties, seismic response, geologic
description, lithologic classification, dip, magnitude, curvature, roughness,
dip
azimuth, spectral shape, and/or other information attributable to geologic
volumes
and/or geologic features. According to some embodiments, generating and/or
obtaining the attribute volume may include utilizing one or more of borehole-
derived
information, seismic data used to obtain the geologic model, and/or other
information.
(30) An attribute volume may be generated and/or obtained based on spatially
aligned geologically consistent volumes associated with the geologic volume of
interest. An attribute volume may be formed from a plurality of offset stacks
and/or
angle stacks that represent energy that has propagated through the geologic
volume
of interest from one or more energy sources to one or more energy receivers. A
14
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
plurality of attribute volumes associated with individual source-receiver
offsets and/or
source-receiver angles may be determined based on corresponding offset stacks
and/or angle stacks.
(31) The image volume module 112 may be configured to obtain one or more
slices through an image volume. Slices through the image volume may be
arranged
as a logical sequence of slices. The slices may include common-time slices,
common-depth slices, common-slope slices, common-vertical slices, common-
horizon slices, and/or other slices. Prior to obtaining the slices, according
to some
embodiments, the image volume module 112 may flatten the image volume
according to time, depth, slope, vertical, horizon, dip, dip azimuth, an
interpreted
horizon, and/or other metric.
(32) The image volume module 112 may be configured to generate one or more
optical stack volumes. An individual optical stack volume may include two or
more
slices. As such, a given optical stack volume may correspond to a thickness
range
of an attribute volume from which the slices were obtained. According to some
embodiments, slices may be viewed from one or more directions by a user and
may
be stacked based on visual inspection by a user to yield optical stack
volumes. In
some embodiments, slices may be stacked automatically to yield optical stack
volumes. Opacity and/or transparency of one or more slices included in the
given
optical stack volume may be adjusted. In some embodiments, opacity and/or
transparency criteria associated with individual slices and/or groups of
slices may be
based on user input or determined automatically. Modifying opacity of
individual
slices included in the given optical stack volume may emphasize one or more
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
geologic features included in the corresponding thickness range of the
attribute
volume from which the slices were obtained.
(33) The image volume module 112 may be configured to segment an image
volume. Segmentation may reduce computational costs. Such segmentation may
be performed according to geologic features represented in the image volume
and/or
other subdivision of the image volume. That is, a given segment may correspond
to
one or more geologic features, or a given segment may correspond to some other
subdivision of the image volume. A segment of an image volume may be processed
similar to the processing of image volumes described herein. For example, the
image volume module 112 may be configured to obtain one or more slices through
a
segment of an image volume.
(34) The feature identification module 114 may be configured to identify
geologic
features within individual image volumes. Examples of geologic features may
include a fluvial channel, delta, deltaic fan, submarine fan, reef, sandbar,
point bar,
fault, unconformity, dike, sill, salt body, crevasse splay, reservoir flow
unit, fluid
contact, turbidite channel, turbidite sheet, and/or other types of geological
features.
In some embodiments, the feature identification module 114 may be configured
to
individually and/or collectively analyze the attribute volumes to identify
geologic
features within the geologic volume of interest represented in the individual
attribute
volumes. The feature identification module 114 may be configured to identify,
for
individual offset stacks or angle stacks, corresponding sets of geologic
features
represented in the attribute volumes determined from the individual offset
stacks or
angle stacks. The feature identification module 114 may be configured to
compare
corresponding geologic features represented in different ones of the
individual
16
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
attribute volumes to determine discrepancies and/or similarities between the
corresponding geologic features. The different ones of the individual
attribute
volumes may correspond to different offset stacks and/or angle stacks.
(35) The feature identification module 114 may be configured to determine a
set of
geologic features within the geologic volume of interest from the identified
geologic
features represented in the individual attribute volumes. According to some
embodiments, the feature identification module 114 may be configured to
identify
geologic features from an animation associated with the geologic volume of
interest.
Such animations are described further in connection with the animation module
118.
Determining the set of geologic features within the geologic volume of
interest may
be based on the discrepancies and/or similarities between the corresponding
geologic features represented in the different ones of the individual
attribute
volumes.
(36) As mentioned above, a segment of an image volume may be processed
similar to the processing of image volumes described herein. For example, in
embodiments where slices through the image volumes are obtained by the image
volume module 112, geologic features may be identified by the feature
identification
module 114 on an individual slice basis. In some embodiments, separate
geologic
features represented in the slices may be identified based on a sequential
analysis
of the slices. Such a sequential analysis of the slices may include
identifying
geologic features from an animation associated with the geologic volume of
interest
(described further in connection with the animation module 118). Identifying
separate geologic features represented in the slices may include identifying
features
17
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
having different rates of movement when animated and/or other metrics between
slices in the sequence of slices.
(37) The analysis module 116 may be configured to compare sets of geologic
features corresponding to the different offset stacks and/or angle stacks.
Such a
comparison may be performed to determine discrepancies and/or similarities
between the sets of geologic features corresponding to the different offset
stacks
and/or angle stacks. Discrepancies and/or similarities between the sets of
geologic
features may include, for example, discrepancies and/or similarities in
geologic
feature position, geologic feature shape, an attribute of a geologic feature,
and/or
other discrepancies and/or similarities between the sets of geologic features.
(38) The analysis module 116 may be configured to determine one or more causes
of the determined discrepancies and/or similarities between the sets of
geologic
features for the different offset stacks and/or angle stacks. Such causes may
include, for example, one or more of a tuning effect of seismic wavelet
corresponding
to seismic acquisition geometry, a change in a reflection coefficient as a
function of
impingement angle, a change in reflection coefficient due to non-parallel
layering of
internal thin beds within a geologic feature, and/or other causes of
discrepancies
and/or similarities between the sets of geologic features. In some
embodiments, the
feature identification module 114 may by configured to determined one or more
of
stratigraphic and/or geomorphologic interpretations, stratigraphic and/or
geomorphologic predictions, and/or other interpretations and/or predictions
based on
one or more of the causes.
(39) The animation module 118 may be configured to generate one or more
animations associated with the geologic volume of interest. Such animations
may
18
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
provide a dynamic approach where patterns are identified in a dynamic, rather
than
static, display. Frames from an exemplary animation are described in
connection
with FIG. 2. In some embodiments, animation(s) may be generated from a
sequence of slices obtained from one or more attribute volumes. The animation
module 118 may be configured to generate an animation from a plurality of
optical
stack volumes such that individual frames include one of the optical stack
volumes.
In embodiments where the animation module 118 generates an animation from
optical stack volumes, successive frames may include a moving range of slices.
To
illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, a first frame may include slice 1
through
slice 5, a second frame may include slice 2 through slice 6, a third frame may
include
slice 3 through slice 7, and so on.
(40) The animation module 118 may operate in conjunction with the feature
identification module 114, in accordance with some embodiments, to identify
separate geologic features represented in the slices based on the animation
and/or a
sequential analysis of the slices. In such embodiments identifying the
separate
geologic features may include identifying features having different rates of
movement, identifying common movement between slices for spatially adjacent
regions, and/or other metrics between frames of the animation and/or slices in
the
sequence of slices.
(41) FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary identification of geologic features, in
accordance
with one or more embodiments. Panels 202, 204, and 206 may be images or frames
extracted from an animation generated by the animation module 118. Panels 202,
204, and 206 may each correspond to a slice of successively greater time.
Panels
208, 210, and 212 correspond, respectively, to panels 202, 204, and 206.
Dashed
19
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
lines in panels 208, 210, and 212 outline the intersection between
corresponding
optical stacks and regional seismic horizons (i.e., "noise"). Solid lines in
panels 208,
210, and 212 correspond to a stratigraphically significant geologic feature
(i.e., a
channel fill). Arrows in panels 208, 210, and 212 indicate the direction of
displacement of regional seismic horizons with each successive panel.
Components
of a seismic volume may be filtered out based on consistency criteria derived
from
the animation. Examples of such components may include seismic reflections,
seismic samples, and/or other components of a seismic volume. Panels 214, 216,
and 218 correspond, respectively, to panels 202, 204, and 206 having regional
seismic horizons filtered out. Panels 214, 216, and 218 show stratigraphic
features
more clearly relative to panels 202, 204, and 206.
(42) FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for extracting geologic information
related to a
geologic volume of interest by leveraging discrepancies and/or similarities of
corresponding geologic features included in a plurality of offset stacks
and/or angle
stacks associated with the geologic volume of interest, in accordance with one
or
more embodiments. The operations of the method 300 presented below are
intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, the method 300 may be
accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or
without
one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the
operations of the method 300 are illustrated in FIG. 3 and described below is
not
intended to be limiting.
(43) In some embodiments, the method 300 may be implemented in one or more
processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital
circuit
designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process
information, a
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing
information).
The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices executing
some or all of the operations of the method 300 in response to instructions
stored
electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing
devices
may include one or more devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or
software to be specifically designed for execution of one or more of the
operations of
the method 300.
(44) At operation 302, a plurality of offset stacks and/or angle stacks are
received.
The plurality of offset stacks and/or angle stacks may correspond to a
plurality of
offsets associated with a single geologic volume of interest. In exemplary
embodiments, the communications module 110 may be executed to perform
operation 302.
(45) At operation 304, one or more offset stacks and/or angle stacks are
optionally
combined. Operation 304 may be performed through execution of the
communications module 110, in some embodiments.
(46) At operation 306, a single attribute volume is determined for a single
offset or
a single angle range based on a corresponding offset stack or angle stack. The
image volume module 112 may be executed to perform operation 306, in
accordance with some embodiments.
(47) At operation 308, a single attribute volume is analyzed to identify
geologic
features. In exemplary embodiments, operation 308 may be performed via
execution of the feature identification module 114 and/or one or more other
ones of
modules 110, 112, 116, and/or 118. One or more operations that may be included
in
21
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
operation 308 are described further in connection with FIG. 4, in accordance
with
some embodiments.
(48) In loop 310, operations 306 and/or 308 may be iteratively repeated for
one or
more different attributes. In some embodiments, operations 306 and 308 may be
iteratively repeated in loop 310 for all attributes under consideration.
(49) At operation 312, a set of geologic features are identified for a single
offset.
the feature identification module 114 may be executed, in some embodiments, to
perform operation 312.
(50) In loop 314, operations 306, 308, and/or 312 and/or loop 310 may be
iteratively repeated for one or more different offsets. In some embodiments,
operations 306, 308, and/or 312 and/or loop 310 may be iteratively repeated in
loop
314 for all offsets under consideration.
(51) At operation 316, geologic features associated with two or more offsets
and/or
angles are compared. Operation 316 may be performed through execution of the
analysis module 116, according to some embodiments.
(52) At operation 318, causes of discrepancies and/or similarities between
geologic feature compared at operation 316 are determined. According to
various
embodiments, operation 318 may be performed by way of execution of the
analysis
module 116.
(53) At operation 320, geologic and/or stratigraphic interpretations and/or
predictions are determined based on one or more causes determined at operation
318. The analysis module 116 may be executed to perform operation 320, in some
embodiments.
22
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
(54) FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for analyzing individual attribute
volumes to
identify geologic features, in accordance with one or more embodiments. One or
more operations included in the method 400 may correspond to a single
operation or
multiple operations described in connection with the method 300 illustrated in
FIG. 3.
According to some embodiments, one or more operations included in the method
400 may correspond to operation 308 of the method 300. The operations of the
method 400 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some
embodiments,
the method 400 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not
described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed.
Additionally, the
order in which the operations of the method 400 are illustrated in FIG. 4 and
described below is not intended to be limiting.
(55) In some embodiments, the method 400 may be implemented in one or more
processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital
circuit
designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process
information, a
state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing
information).
The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices executing
some or all of the operations of the method 400 in response to instructions
stored
electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing
devices
may include one or more devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or
software to be specifically designed for execution of one or more of the
operations of
the method 400.
(56) At operation 402, a single attribute volume for a single offset is
received.
According to various embodiments, operation 402 may be performed by executing
the communications module 110 or the image volume module 112. In some
23
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
embodiments, the communications module 110 may be executed in conjunction with
the image volume module 112 to perform operation 402.
(57) At operation 404, the attributed volume is flattened. Operation 404 may
be
performed through execution of the image volume module 112, in some
embodiments.
(58) At operation 406, slices are generated from the flattened attribute
volume.
The image volume module 112 may be executed to perform operation 406, in
accordance with some embodiments.
(59) At operation 408, an optical stack volume is generated for a single
slice. In
some embodiments, operation 408 may be performed by executing the image
volume module 112.
(60) In loop 410, operation 408 may be iteratively repeated for one or more
different slices. In some embodiments, operation 408 may be iteratively
repeated in
loop 410 for all slices generated in operation 406.
(61) At operation 412, an animation is generated based on one or more optical
stack volumes. The animation module 118 may be executed to perform operation
412, in some embodiments.
(62) At operation 414, one or more geologic features are identified based on
the
animation generated at operation 412. Identified geologic features may be
tagged
with metadata. According to various embodiments, operation 414 may be
performed
by executing the analysis module 116 or the animation module 118. In some
embodiments, the analysis module 116 may be executed in conjunction with the
animation module 118 to perform operation 414.
24
CA 02816371 2013-04-26
WO 2012/106201 PCT/US2012/022903
(63) Although the present technology has been described in detail for the
purpose
of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical
and
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for
that
purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed embodiments,
but, on
the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements
that are
within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be
understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent
possible,
one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more
features
of any other embodiment.
