Integrated imaging: A powerful but undervalued tool

Abstract

Following the 2018 SEG Annual Meeting, the Gravity and Magnetics Committee held a postconvention workshop titled “Integrated imaging.” The half-day workshop attracted nearly 50 participants from various backgrounds. Three primary objectives of the workshop were to explore the nonseismic toolbox, highlight real examples of integrated projects that benefitted (or did not benefit) from nonseismic data, and provide geoscientists from all backgrounds a learning opportunity to see how they might optimize the value of their imaging projects via integration with relatively low-cost nonseismic methods. The workshop had a highly interactive format that differed from traditional presentation-based settings. After eight brief case studies were presented, three concurrent guided discussions ensued. Participants were divided into three groups, and each group focused on one discussion topic at a time. The groups rotated, allowing everyone to discuss all three topics. The first discussion was centered on two general questions: what is integrated imaging, and what tools are available for it? The second discussion provided an opportunity to examine the relationships between different physical properties that must be managed during integrated multiphysics analysis. The third discussion focused on the costs and benefits of a multiparameter data acquisition. According to feedback from participants, these discussions were the most valuable part of the workshop. The participants agreed that an integrated approach in geophysical data analysis is a powerful but currently undervalued tool. Also noted were the value of integration with nonseismic methods illustrated in the case studies and the need for the integrated approach in data analysis to be taught in schools in addition to the classic overview of individual geophysical methods.