Combining well log and seismic data for better reservoir characterization

Explorationists are constantly searching for data and tools to evaluate and reduce drilling risk. Drilling a non-producing well is generally costlier than evaluating all possible risk based on the available data before drilling. Hence, in the initial phase of the operation, gathering data to determine if the drilling target will prove worthwhile is critical. This article presents a post-stack analysis of seismic data from a field with 15 producing wells in a standard federal lease in the Gulf of Mexico. The analysis includes the following attributes: amplitude, spectral decomposition, dip of maximum similarity and instantaneous Q, in addition to well log information. The objective is to provide an overview of best practices to determine the pay signature within the seismic dataset, reduce the inter-well stratigraphic interpretation risk, define anomalies by understanding their fundamental cause and reduce structural trapping risk.