The Seismic Velocity Model as an Interpretation Asset February 8, 1999

Course Description

A velocity model can have enduring and growing interpretive value, beyond its initial creation to optimize the seismic image. The 3D velocity model is often built carefully with a combination of geophysical and geological input, because of the accuracy demands placed on it by the requirements of depth imaging. As such, this model becomes an increasingly effective interpretive tool. This course addresses the ways in which the interpreter should participate in the development of the velocity model, and underscores its interpretive value with numerous case study examples.

After a brief introduction and preview of the day, the course begins with a comprehensive case study example, where interpretive input was key to development of all phases of the refined velocity model for depth imaging and depth conversion, and where the interpretation itself was refined . in conjunction with the development of the velocity model.

Following this showcase study, and to complete the morning session, the course embarks on a concise overview of the general model building methodology. The course will review the types of geological settings requiring varied approaches to velocity model building, and will highlight those model building aspects where interpretive input is normally essential.

In the afternoon, the course focuses on over a dozen case studies, supplied by major, independent, and national oil companies, where some interpretation or exploration problem was solved by attention to the velocity model. The studies follow the thought processes of the interpreter in his or her approach to the problem. The case studies run from the simple to the complex, cover soft rock and hard rock environments, and touch on imaging, depth conversion, fault location, well placement, lithology, anisotropy, and other velocity-related issues. All studies carry the common theme that the velocity model was a key element in the development of the geological interpretation. Moreover, the interpreter participated actively in the development of all the velocity models.

Who Should Attend?

The interpreter excited by the prospect of participating actively in the velocity model building process, and who wishes to pursue aggressively the additional advantages offered by using the velocity model in the interpretation should attend this course. Managers and supervisors seeking familiarity with velocity-related tools for developing a geological model will also benefit from attending.

Course Instructor

Philip S. Schultz is a senior consulting geophysicist with Spirit Energy, a division of Unocal. He was most recently Vice President for Development at Advanced Data Solutions in Houston. He spent eleven years with Schlumberger, nine of which were overseas engineering management assignments in Tokyo, London, and finally Paris, where he headed the development of their Reservoir Modeling Workstation. Prior to Schlumberger, he was a research geophysicist with Digicon in Houston, where he was involved in the early development of depth migration technology, and was the project manager for the extension of the Disco processing system to 3D.

An early member of the Stanford Exploration Project (SEP), directed by Jon Claerbout, Dr. Schultz's thesis on the subject of "slant stacks" has the distinction of having the last single-digit SEP volume number. He is a recipient of the "Outstanding Presentation" award of the SEG, and has served as Associate Editor, Data Processing, for GEOPHYSICS.

He resides in Houston with his wife Sandy and their three children, and he enjoys a good game of tennis.