Abstract
Abstract
This paper presents a case study from Kurdistan Region of Iraq where the integration of a priori geological knowledge (regional understanding based on surface geology, wells) played a crucial role in improving, step-by-step, the quality of the seismic image.
A first well was drilled on the studied structure based on the interpretation of the available seismic. It failed to reach the deep targets. Indeed, the wellbore structural data showed that it was located off structure on its SW flank. These data proved how misleading the seismic image was, and provided new information to the seismic image building process. In the mean time, an infill seismic program whose parameters were designed to better capture the structural complexity was acquired.
The quality of the reprocessed images improved substantially compared to the original data, moreover the newly acquired lines lay one step ahead in terms of seismic quality: Better imaging of shallow reflectors (key for Interpretation in structurally complex environments) and better imaging of steep dips.
Reliable seismic information is key for effective exploration in foothills domains. A reliable image cannot be obtained if the process is not fed with the relevant structural information, and this is equally important at all stages, from acquisition design to imaging parameters. In new exploration domains, such an image cannot be obtained from the first attempt and is not the result of a magic box, but comes as the fruit of perseverance and patient build-up of knowledge. And this requires a closer than ever interaction between the image processor and the interpreter.