Dg Raymer

Predicting the seismic implications of salt anisotropy using numerical simulations of halite deformation

In the past, the potential for seismic anisotropy in salt structures and its effect on their seismic imaging has received little attention. We consider the plausibility of salt anisotropy through linked numerical studies of salt deformation and its seismic consequences. Numerical models are used to predict lattice preferred orientations (LPOs) in halite polycrystalline aggregates subjected to axial extension and simple shear. The elastic constants for the deformed polycrystalline aggregate are then calculated. Simple models representing a salt sill and the stem of a diapir are created using these elastic constants. Ray tracing is used to investigate the effects of halite LPO on the propagation of seismic waves. The results suggest that salt anisotropy can cause significant traveltime effects and could lead to significant errors in seismic interpretation in salt environments if this anisotropy is ignored. We also investigate potential amplitude variation with offset and azimuth (AVOA) for the reflection from the top and bottom of an anisotropic salt sill. Ray paths with a shear-wave leg within the salt display strong AVOA effects with a clear four-fold symmetry.

Semiautomated relative picking of microseismic events

A high-precision semiautomated relative picking methodology is developed and applied to a dataset of microseismic events from hydraulic fracturing. Comparison with locations from manual high-precision picking is made and found to give similar results, but with significantly faster processing times. Applying relative picking techniques improves consistency of picking between events, therefore, improving the relative locations. This results in improved resolution of the layers and faults where the microseismic events are occurring, making subsequent interpretation easier.