Seismic attenuation: Effects of pore fluids and frictional‐sliding

Geophysics ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth W. Winkler ◽  
Amos Nur
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
Strain Amplitude ◽  
Seismic Wave ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Velocity Ratio ◽  
Seismic Attenuation ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Amplitude Dependence ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Frictional Sliding

Seismic wave attenuation in rocks was studied experimentally, with particular attention focused on frictional sliding and fluid flow mechanisms. Sandstone bars were resonated at frequencies from 500 to 9000 Hz, and the effects of confining pressure, pore pressure, degree of saturation, strain amplitude, and frequency were studied. Observed changes in attenuation and velocity with strain amplitude are interpreted as evidence for frictional sliding at grain contacts. Since this amplitude dependence disappears at strains and confining pressures typical of seismic wave propagation in the earth, we infer that frictional sliding is not a significant source of seismic attenuation in situ. Partial water saturation significantly increases the attenuation of both compressional (P) and shear (S) waves relative to that in dry rock, resulting in greater P‐wave than S‐wave attenuation. Complete saturation maximizes S‐wave attenuation but causes a reduction in P‐wave attenuation. These effects can be interpreted in terms of wave induced pore fluid flow. The ratio of compressional to shear attenuation is found to be a more sensitive and reliable indicator of partial gas saturation than is the corresponding velocity ratio. Potential applications may exist in exploration for natural gas and geothermal steam reservoirs.

Pore fluid effects on S-wave attenuation caused by wave-induced fluid flow

Geophysics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. L13-L23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Quintal ◽  
Holger Steeb ◽  
Marcel Frehner ◽  
Stefan M. Schmalholz ◽  
Erik H. Saenger
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Seismic Attenuation ◽  
P Wave ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Hydrocarbon Reservoir ◽  
Saturated Media ◽  
Water Saturated ◽  
Wave Induced

We studied seismic attenuation of P- and S-waves caused by the physical mechanism of wave-induced fluid flow at the mesoscopic scale. Stress relaxation experiments were numerically simulated by solving Biot’s equations for consolidation of 2D poroelastic media with finite-element modeling. The experiments yielded time-dependent stress-strain relations that were used to calculate the complex moduli from which frequency-dependent attenuation was determined. Our model consisted of periodically distributed circular or elliptical heterogeneities with much lower porosity and permeability than the background media, which contained 80% of the total pore space of the media. This model can represent a hydrocarbon reservoir, where the porous background is fully saturated with oil or gas and the low-porosity regions are always saturated with water. Three different saturation scenarios were considered: oil-saturated (80% oil, 20% water), gas-saturated (80% gas, 20% water), and fully water-saturated media. Varying the dry bulk and shear moduli in the background and in the heterogeneities, a consistent tendency was observed in the relative behavior of the S-wave attenuation among the different saturation scenarios. First, in the gas-saturated media the S-wave attenuation was very low and much lower than in the oil-saturated or in the fully water-saturated media. Second, at low frequencies the S-wave attenuation was significantly higher in the oil-saturated media than in the fully water-saturated media. The P-wave attenuation exhibited a more variable relative behavior among the different saturation degrees. Based on the mechanism of wave-induced fluid flow and on our numerical results, we suggest that S-wave attenuation could be used as an indicator of fluid content in a reservoir. Additionally, we observed that impermeable barriers in the background can cause a significant increase in S-wave attenuation. This suggests that S-wave attenuation could also be an indicator of permeability changes in a reservoir due to, for example, fracturing operations.

scholarly journals Azimuthal Attenuation Elastic Impedance Inversion for Fluid and Fracture Characterization Based on Modified Linear-Slip Theory

Geofluids ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Xinpeng Pan ◽  
Guangzhi Zhang ◽  
Yian Cui
Keyword(s):  
Porous Medium ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Seismic Attenuation ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Fracture Characterization ◽  
Fractured Porous Medium ◽  
Elastic Impedance

The seismic attenuation should be considered while accounting for the effect of anisotropy on the seismic wave propagating through a saturated fractured porous medium. Based on the modified linear-slip theory and anisotropic Gassmann’s equation, we derive an analytical expression for a linearized PP-wave reflection coefficient and an azimuthal attenuation elastic impedance (AAEI) equation in terms of fluid/porosity term, shear modulus, density, dry normal and tangential fracture weaknesses, and compressional (P-wave) and shear (S-wave) attenuation parameters in a weak-attenuation isotropic background rock containing one single set of vertical aligned fractures. We then propose an AAEI inversion method to characterize the characteristics of fluids and fractures using two kinds of constrained regularizations in such a fractured porous medium. The proposed approach is finally confirmed by both the synthetic and real data sets acquired over a saturated fractured porous reservoir.

scholarly journals Seismic wave attenuation and dispersion resulting from wave-induced flow in porous rocks — A review

Geophysics ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 75A147-75A164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias M. Müller ◽  
Boris Gurevich ◽  
Maxim Lebedev
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
Velocity Dispersion ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Seismic Attenuation ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Induced Flow ◽  
Wave Induced ◽  
Attenuation And Dispersion

One major cause of elastic wave attenuation in heterogeneous porous media is wave-induced flow of the pore fluid between heterogeneities of various scales. It is believed that for frequencies below [Formula: see text], the most important cause is the wave-induced flow between mesoscopic inhomogeneities, which are large compared with the typical individual pore size but small compared to the wavelength. Various laboratory experiments in some natural porous materials provide evidence for the presence of centimeter-scale mesoscopic heterogeneities. Laboratory and field measurements of seismic attenuation in fluid-saturated rocks provide indications of the role of the wave-induced flow. Signatures of wave-induced flow include the frequency and saturation dependence of P-wave attenuation and its associated velocity dispersion, frequency-dependent shear-wave splitting, and attenuation anisotropy. During the last four decades, numerous models for attenuation and velocity dispersion from wave-induced flow have been developed with varying degrees of rigor and complexity. These models can be categorized roughly into three groups ac-cording to their underlying theoretical framework. The first group of models is based on Biot’s theory of poroelasticity. The second group is based on elastodynamic theory where local fluid flow is incorporated through an additional hydrodynamic equation. Another group of models is derived using the theory of viscoelasticity. Though all models predict attenuation and velocity dispersion typical for a relaxation process, there exist differences that can be related to the type of disorder (periodic, random, space dimension) and to the way the local flow is incorporated. The differences manifest themselves in different asymptotic scaling laws for attenuation and in different expressions for characteristic frequencies. In recent years, some theoretical models of wave-induced fluid flow have been validated numerically, using finite-difference, finite-element, and reflectivity algorithms applied to Biot’s equations of poroelasticity. Application of theoretical models to real seismic data requires further studies using broadband laboratory and field measurements of attenuation and dispersion for different rocks as well as development of more robust methods for estimating dissipation attributes from field data.

P-wave seismic attenuation by slow-wave diffusion: Effects of inhomogeneous rock properties

Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. O1-O8 ◽  
Author(s):  
José M. Carcione ◽  
Stefano Picotti
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
Seismic Attenuation ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Stratified Medium ◽  
P Waves ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Attenuation Mechanism

Recent research has established that the dominant P-wave attenuation mechanism in reservoir rocks at seismic frequencies is because of wave-induced fluid flow (mesoscopic loss). The P-wave induces a fluid-pressure difference at mesoscopic-scale inhomogeneities (larger than the pore size but smaller than the wavelength, typically tens of centimeters) and generates fluid flow and slow (diffusion) Biot waves (continuity of pore pressure is achieved by energy conversion to slow P-waves, which diffuse away from the interfaces). In this context, we consider a periodically stratified medium and investigate the amount of attenuation (and velocity dispersion) caused by different types of heterogeneities in the rock properties, namely, porosity, grain and frame moduli, permeability, and fluid properties. The most effective loss mechanisms result from porosity variations and partial saturation, where one of the fluids is very stiff and the other is very compliant, such as, a highly permeable sandstone at shallow depths, saturated with small amounts of gas (around 10% saturation) and water. Grain- and frame-moduli variations are the next cause of attenuation. The relaxation peak moves towards low frequencies as the (background) permeability decreases and the viscosity and thickness of the layers increase. The analysis indicates in which cases the seismic band is in the relaxed regime, and therefore, when the Gassmann equation can yield a good approximation to the wave velocity.

scholarly journals NUMERICAL ALGORITHM OF SEISMIC ATTENUATION ESTIMATION IN ANISOTROPIC FRACTURED POROUS FLUID-SATURATED MEDIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-195
Author(s):  
Mikhail A. Novikov ◽  
Vadim V. Lisitsa
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
Seismic Wave ◽  
Numerical Algorithm ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Seismic Attenuation ◽  
Staggered Grid ◽  
Filling Material ◽  
Seismic Wave Attenuation ◽  
Saturated Media ◽  
Wave Induced

In our work we investigate the effect of transport and elastic properties anisotropy on seismic attenuation due to fracture-to-fracture wave-induced fluid flow using numerical algorithm of estimation of seismic wave attenuation in anisotropic fractured porous fluid-saturated media. Algorithm is based on numerical solution of anisotropic Biot equations using finite-difference scheme on staggered grid. We perform a set of numerical experiments to model wave propagation in fractured media with anisotropic fractured-filling material providing wave-induced fluid flow within interconnected fractures. Recorded signals are used for numerical estimation of inverse quality factor. Results demonstrate the effect of fracture-filling material anisotropy on seismic wave attenuation.

scholarly journals AMPLITUDE-DEPENDENT SPECTRA OF THE DAMPING OF A LONGITUDINAL WAVE IN DRY AND WATER-SATURATED SANDSTONE AT HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE

2018 ◽  
pp. 25-38
Author(s):  
E. I. Mashinskii
Keyword(s):  
Strain Amplitude ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Confining Pressure ◽  
Dominant Frequency ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Amplitude Dependence ◽  
P Wave Velocity ◽  
Waveform Distortion ◽  
Saturated Sample ◽  
Water Saturated

Data of experimental study of amplitude dependence of P-wave attenuation in the dry and watersaturatedsandstone under confining pressure of 10 MPa are presented. Measurements were conducted on samples  using the reflection method at a dominant frequency of the initial impulse of 1 MHz in the amplitude range   ~ (0,3 – 2,0)  10-6. P-wave attenuation spectra, 1( , ) P Q f  in the frequency range of 0,52 – 1,42  MHz in a dry and saturated sample have an appearance in the form of relaxation peak which depends on  the strain amplitude. In the saturated sandstone, attenuation is greater and the attenuation peak is shifted  to higher frequencies compared to the dry sandstone. With increasing amplitude, wave attenuation  decreases in dry sandstone by 4,5% and in saturated – by 9%. P-wave velocity practically doesn't depend  on the strain amplitude. The possible mechanism of discrete (intermittent) inelasticity which determines the waveform distortion and exerts influence on wave attenuation spectra is discussed. The received results  have fundamental and applied importance for seismics, acoustics and in Earth sciences.

P- and S-wave attenuation logs from monopole sonic data

Geophysics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 755-765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinhua Sun ◽  
Xiaoming Tang ◽  
C. H. (Arthur) Cheng ◽  
L. Neil Frazer
Keyword(s):  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Fluid Velocity ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Reservoir Rock ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Intrinsic Attenuation ◽  
Modified Method ◽  
Receiver Array ◽  
Attenuation Profiles

In this paper, a modification of an existing method for estimating relative P-wave attenuation is proposed. By generating synthetic waveforms without attenuation, the variation of geometrical spreading related to changes in formation properties with depth can be accounted for. With the modified method, reliable P- and S-wave attenuation logs can be extracted from monopole array acoustic waveform log data. Synthetic tests show that the P- and S-wave attenuation values estimated from synthetic waveforms agree well with their respective model values. In‐situ P- and S-wave attenuation profiles provide valuable information about reservoir rock properties. Field data processing results show that this method gives robust estimates of intrinsic attenuation. The attenuation profiles calculated independently from each waveform of an eight‐receiver array are consistent with one another. In fast formations where S-wave velocity exceeds the borehole fluid velocity, both P-wave attenuation ([Formula: see text]) and S-wave attenuation ([Formula: see text]) profiles can be obtained. P- and S-wave attenuation profiles and their comparisons are presented for three reservoirs. Their correlations with formation lithology, permeability, and fractures are also presented.

scholarly journals A method of geo-acoustic parameter inversion in shallow sea by the Bayesian theory and the acoustic pressure field

2019 ◽  
Vol 283 ◽  
pp. 06003
Author(s):  
Guangxue Zheng ◽  
Hanhao Zhu ◽  
Jun Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Pressure Field ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Acoustic Parameter ◽  
Bayesian Theory ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Shallow Sea ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Parameter Inversion

A method of geo-acoustic parameter inversion based on the Bayesian theory is proposed for the acquisition of acoustic parameters in shallow sea with the elastic seabed. Firstly, the theoretical prediction value of the sound pressure field is calculated by the fast field method (FFM). According to the Bayesian theory, we establish the misfit function between the measured sound pressure field and the theoretical pressure field. It is under the assumption of Gaussian data errors which are in line with the likelihood function. Finally, the posterior probability density (PPD) of parameters is given as the result of inversion. Our research is conducted in the light of Metropolis sample rules. Apart from numerical simulations, a scaled model experiment has been taken in the laboratory tank. The results of numerical simulations and tank experiments show that sound pressure field calculated by the result of inversion is consistent with the measured sound pressure field. Besides, s-wave velocities, p-wave velocities and seafloor density have fewer uncertainties and are more sensitive to complex sound pressure than s-wave attenuation and p-wave attenuation. The received signals calculated by inversion results are keeping with received signals in the experiment which verify the effectiveness of this method.

Rock-physics modeling of ultrasonic P- and S-wave attenuation in partially frozen brine and unconsolidated sand systems and comparison with laboratory measurements

Geophysics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. MR153-MR171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linsen Zhan ◽  
Jun Matsushima
Keyword(s):  
Ultrasonic Wave ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Freezing Point ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Ultrasonic Waves ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
S Wave ◽  
High Attenuation ◽  
Unconsolidated Sand

The nonintuitive observation of the simultaneous high velocity and high attenuation of ultrasonic waves near the freezing point of brine was previously measured in partially frozen systems. However, previous studies could not fully elucidate the attenuation variation of ultrasonic wave propagation in a partially frozen system. We have investigated the potential attenuation mechanisms responsible for previously obtained laboratory results by modeling ultrasonic wave transmission in two different partially frozen systems: partially frozen brine (two phases composed of ice and unfrozen brine) and unconsolidated sand (three phases composed of ice, unfrozen brine, and sand). We adopted two different rock-physics models: an effective medium model for partially frozen brine and a three-phase extension of the Biot model for partially frozen unconsolidated sand. For partially frozen brine, our rock-physics study indicated that squirt flow caused by unfrozen brine inclusions in porous ice could be responsible for high P-wave attenuation around the freezing point. Decreasing P-wave attenuation below the freezing point can be explained by the gradual decrease of squirt flow due to the gradual depletion of unfrozen brine. For partially frozen unconsolidated sand, our rock-physics study implied that squirt flow between ice grains is a dominant factor for P-wave attenuation around the freezing point. With decreasing temperature lower than the freezing point, the friction between ice and sand grains becomes more dominant for P-wave attenuation because the decreasing amount of unfrozen brine reduces squirt flow between ice grains, whereas the generation of ice increases the friction. The increasing friction between ice and sand grains caused by ice formation is possibly responsible for increasing the S-wave attenuation at decreasing temperatures. Then, further generation of ice with further cooling reduces the elastic contrast between ice and sand grains, hindering their relative motion; thus, reducing the P- and S-wave attenuation.

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