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Last updated on 2024年9月20日

How can you spot hydrocarbon traps with seismic data?

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Hydrocarbon traps are geological features that can hold oil and gas accumulations in porous and permeable rocks. They are essential for petroleum exploration and production, as they indicate where hydrocarbons are likely to be found and extracted. However, finding hydrocarbon traps is not always easy, as they can be hidden or subtle in complex geological settings. One of the most useful tools for spotting hydrocarbon traps is seismic data, which can reveal the structure, stratigraphy, and properties of the subsurface layers. In this article, you will learn how to use seismic data to identify different types of hydrocarbon traps and what to look for in seismic attributes, anomalies, and interpretation.

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Naveed Bhatti

20+ Years of Industry Experience | Senior Geophysicist | Expert in Seismic Interpretation, Well Planning & Subsurface…
Mahmoud Rashed

Energy Researcher | Oil & Gas Exploration, Agreements | Energy Geopolitics | Government & Business Administration |…

1 Structural traps

Structural traps are formed by the deformation of the rock layers due to tectonic forces, such as folding, faulting, or salt movement. They create traps by creating closures or barriers that prevent hydrocarbons from migrating further up or laterally. To spot structural traps with seismic data, you need to look for seismic reflections that show changes in dip, curvature, offset, or termination. For example, anticlines, domes, and salt domes are structural traps that show convex-upward reflections, while faults, thrusts, and wrenches are structural traps that show discontinuities or offsets in the reflections.

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Mahmoud Rashed

Energy Researcher | Oil & Gas Exploration, Agreements | Energy Geopolitics | Government & Business Administration | MBA, DBA Candidate.
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I've had extensive experience analyzing seismic reflections to detect features like anticlines and fault offsets, particularly within the complex geological settings of Egypt's Western Desert. This region is characterized by both shallow and deep reservoirs, shaped by multiple structural trends formed by various geological events over time. In addition to 4-way dip closures like anticlines, 3-way dip closures are also significant. These traps are often shaped by faults that create a closure on three sides, leaving the fourth side open to hydrocarbon migration. The faults complicate determining whether the trap will effectively hold hydrocarbons or if they might leak through, adding a layer of uncertainty to the exploration process.

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2 Stratigraphic traps

Stratigraphic traps are formed by the variation of the rock properties or the depositional environment of the sedimentary layers. They create traps by creating lateral or vertical changes in porosity, permeability, or lithology that affect the migration and accumulation of hydrocarbons. To spot stratigraphic traps with seismic data, you need to look for seismic reflections that show changes in amplitude, frequency, or continuity. For example, pinch-outs, unconformities, reefs, and channels are stratigraphic traps that show abrupt or gradual changes in the reflection characteristics along the layer boundaries or within the layer.

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Naveed Bhatti

20+ Years of Industry Experience | Senior Geophysicist | Expert in Seismic Interpretation, Well Planning & Subsurface Evaluation | 3D Structure Modelling | Reservoir Characterization | Velocity Analysis
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I experienced through different projects and multiple seismic dataset that to identify stratigraphic traps is highly dependent on quality of the seismic data. Seismic Reflection truncation patterns that indicate depositional changes. Amplitude Variations can detect amplitude anomalies (e.g., bright spots, DHIs) Use of seismic attributes (e.g., coherence, spectral decomposition) is powerful tool to highlight stratigraphic features. Sequence Stratigraphy technique recognize sequence boundaries and surfaces that control traps AVO Analysis amplitude versus offset to detect fluid and lithology changes. Isopach Mapping is also used to map map thickness variations to identify depositional trends and pinch-out areas.

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3 Combination traps

Combination traps are formed by the interaction of both structural and stratigraphic factors. They create traps by combining different elements of closure or barrier that enhance the trapping potential of the rock layers. To spot combination traps with seismic data, you need to look for seismic reflections that show complex or irregular patterns of deformation and deposition. For example, faulted anticlines, draped unconformities, and salt-cored reefs are combination traps that show a mixture of convex-upward, discontinuous, and variable reflections.

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4 Seismic attributes

Seismic attributes are numerical or graphical measures of the seismic data that can highlight or quantify certain features or properties of the subsurface layers. They can be derived from the raw seismic data or from further processing and analysis. They can help to spot hydrocarbon traps by enhancing the contrast, resolution, or correlation of the seismic reflections. For example, amplitude, frequency, phase, coherence, and impedance are seismic attributes that can reveal the presence, shape, size, or quality of hydrocarbon traps.

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5 Seismic anomalies

Seismic anomalies are deviations or irregularities in the seismic data that can indicate the presence of hydrocarbons or other fluids in the rock pores. They can be caused by various physical or chemical effects of the fluids on the seismic waves, such as attenuation, dispersion, or reflection. They can help to spot hydrocarbon traps by showing anomalous or distinctive responses or signatures in the seismic data. For example, bright spots, dim spots, flat spots, and gas chimneys are seismic anomalies that can suggest the occurrence of hydrocarbon traps.

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6 Seismic interpretation

Seismic interpretation is the process of extracting geological information and insights from the seismic data. It involves applying geological knowledge, principles, and models to the seismic data, as well as integrating other data sources, such as well logs, core samples, or surface geology. It can help to spot hydrocarbon traps by synthesizing and evaluating the evidence and hypotheses from the seismic data and attributes, as well as testing and validating the results with other data. For example, seismic mapping, cross-sections, and 3D models are seismic interpretation methods that can visualize and quantify the geometry, distribution, and volume of hydrocarbon traps.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you spot hydrocarbon traps with seismic data?

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1 Structural traps

2 Stratigraphic traps

3 Combination traps

4 Seismic attributes

5 Seismic anomalies

6 Seismic interpretation

7 Here’s what else to consider

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