Seismic anisotropy in sedimentary rocks, part 2: Laboratory data

Geophysics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1423-1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhijing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Anisotropy ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Transverse Isotropy ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Sedimentary Rocks ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Measured Velocity ◽  
Reservoir Rocks ◽  
Saturated Sands ◽  
Shale Anisotropy

Part one of this paper presents a method for measuring seismic velocities and transverse isotropy in rocks using a single core plug. This method saves at least two‐thirds of the time for preparing core samples and measuring velocities in transversely isotropic (TI) rocks. Using this method, we have measured velocity and anisotropy of many shale and reservoir rocks from oil and gas fields around the world. We present some of the data in this paper, which include seismic velocity and anisotropy in 17 brine‐saturated shale samples, 1 gas‐ and brine‐saturated coal sample, 8 brine‐saturated sands, 12 gas‐saturated sands, 32 gas‐saturated carbonate samples, and 25 brine‐saturated carbonate samples. The results show that clays and fine layering in sedimentary rocks are the main causes of seismic anisotropy. Very little intrinsic anisotropy exists in unfractured reservoir rocks such as sands, sandstones, and carbonates under reservoir conditions. In contrast, all shales were found seismically anisotropic: anisotropy ranges from 6% to 33% for P‐waves and from 2% to 55% for S‐waves. The magnitude of shale anisotropy seems to decrease exponentially with increasing porosity. At present, the magnitude of shale anisotropy cannot be predicted accurately from other data without laboratory measurements. This paper also presents some best practices for laboratory measurements of shale velocity and anisotropy.

APPLICATION OF CONTINUOUS VELOCITY LOGS TO DETERMINATION OF FLUID SATURATION OF RESERVOIR ROCKS

Geophysics ◽  
1956 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 739-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren G. Hicks ◽  
James E. Berry
Keyword(s):  
Field Data ◽  
Acoustic Velocity ◽  
Gas Oil ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Reservoir Rocks ◽  
Fluid Saturation ◽  
Saturated Sands ◽  
Similar Character ◽  
Water Saturated

Recent studies of continuous acoustic velocity logs indicate that these logs may provide important assistance in differentiating gas, oil, and water saturations in reservoir rocks. In general, velocities are appreciably lower in sands carrying oil or gas than in water‐saturated sands of otherwise similar character. Specific examples from field logs illustrate this application. Laboratory measurements have been made of acoustic velocity of synthetic and natural rocks. Published studies, both empirical and theoretical, of other workers concerned with the transmission of sound in porous media have been considered. All of these at least qualitatively confirm the conclusions drawn from field data.

The seismic velocity and Poisson's ratio structure of the Kapuskasing uplift from laboratory measurements

1994 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 1052-1063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew H. Salisbury ◽  
David M. Fountain
Keyword(s):  
Lower Crust ◽  
Poisson’S Ratio ◽  
Seismic Anisotropy ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Transversely Isotropic ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Poisson's Ratio ◽  
Velocity Models

The compressional (Vp) and shear (Vs) wave velocity structure of the Kapuskasing uplift have been determined as a function of depth, propagation direction, and polarization from laboratory velocity measurements to confining pressures of 600 MPa on oriented samples from known structural levels of the complex. Based on the relative field abundances of the lithologies measured, the three principal terranes exposed in the uplift are characterized at depth by the following average values of Vp, Vs, and apparent Poisson's ratio, σa: (i) Michipicoten greenstone bell (greenschist, depth 0–6 km, Vp = 6.6 km/s, Vs = 3.9 km/s, σa = 0.235); (ii) Wawa gneiss terrane (amphibolite, depth 6–17 km, Vp = 6.5 km/s, Vs = 3.8 km/s, σa = 0.24); and (iii) Kapuskasing structural zone (granulite, depth 17–23 km, Vp = 6.9 km/s, Vs = 3.9 km/s, σa = 0.27). Although anisotropic lithologies such as paragneiss or mafic gneiss are present at all levels and tend to increase in abundance with depth, only in the deepest level (the Kapuskasing zone) are they sufficiently abundant and oriented to produce significant regional seismic anisotropy (transversely isotropic with Vp and Vs fast in the horizontal plane) and detectable shear wave splitting (ΔVs = 0.1 km/s).A comparison between the laboratory data and velocity models determined for the same crustal section from Lithoprobe refraction studies shows excellent agreement, confirming that the lithologies exposed in the Kapuskasing uplift can be projected downdip to the upper–lower crust transition, or Conrad discontinuity, at about 25 km. Below this depth, high P-wave velocities (7.0–7.6 km/s) suggest that the lower crust is more mafic or garnet rich. Similarities between the velocity structure of the Kapuskasing uplift and other sites in the Canadian Shield suggest that the observed crustal section is fairly typical of Archean continental crust.

scholarly journals Correlation of core and downhole seismic velocities in high-pressure metamorphic rocks: A case study for the COSC-1 borehole, Sweden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Kästner ◽  
Simona Pierdominici ◽  
Judith Elger ◽  
Christian Berndt ◽  
Alba Zappone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Anisotropy ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Metamorphic Rocks ◽  
Seismic Velocities ◽  
Mafic Rocks ◽  
Seismic Properties ◽  
The Core ◽  
Nappe Complex ◽  
Thrust Zone ◽  
Mountain Belts

<p>Deeply rooted thrust zones are key features of tectonic processes and the evolution of mountain belts. Exhumed and deeply-eroded orogens like the Scandinavian Caledonides allow to study such systems from the surface. Previous seismic investigations of the Seve Nappe Complex have shown indications for a strong but discontinuous reflectivity of this thrust zone, which is only poorly understood. The correlation of seismic properties measured on borehole cores with surface seismic data can help to constrain the origin of this reflectivity. In this study, we compare seismic velocities measured on cores to in situ velocities measured in the borehole. The core and downhole velocities deviate by up to 2 km/s. However, velocities of mafic rocks are generally in close agreement. Seismic anisotropy increases from about 5 to 26 % at depth, indicating a transition from gneissic to schistose foliation. Differences in the core and downhole velocities are most likely the result of microcracks due to depressurization of the cores. Thus, seismic velocity can help to identify mafic rocks on different scales whereas the velocity signature of other lithologies is obscured in core-derived velocities. Metamorphic foliation on the other hand has a clear expression in seismic anisotropy. To further constrain the effects of mineral composition, microstructure and deformation on the measured seismic anisotropy, we conducted additional microscopic investigations on selected core samples. These analyses using electron-based microscopy and X-ray powder diffractometry indicate that the anisotropy is strongest for mica schists followed by amphibole-rich units. This also emphasizes that seismic velocity and anisotropy are of complementary importance to better distinguish the present lithological units. Our results will aid in the evaluation of core-derived seismic properties of high-grade metamorphic rocks at the COSC-1 borehole and elsewhere.</p>

Results of the downhole microseismic monitoring at a pilot hydraulic fracturing site in Poland — Part 1: Event location and stimulation performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. SH39-SH48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojciech Gajek ◽  
Jacek Trojanowski ◽  
Michał Malinowski ◽  
Marek Jarosiński ◽  
Marko Riedel
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Seismic Anisotropy ◽  
Transverse Isotropy ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Microseismic Monitoring ◽  
Baltic Basin ◽  
Hydraulic Stimulation ◽  
Lower Paleozoic ◽  
Event Location ◽  
Microseismic Events

A precise velocity model is necessary to obtain reliable locations of microseismic events, which provide information about the effectiveness of the hydraulic stimulation. Seismic anisotropy plays an important role in microseismic event location by imposing the dependency between wave velocities and its propagation direction. Building an anisotropic velocity model that accounts for that effect allows for more accurate location of microseismic events. We have used downhole microseismic records from a pilot hydraulic fracturing experiment in Lower-Paleozoic shale gas play in the Baltic Basin, Northern Poland, to obtain accurate microseismic events locations. We have developed a workflow for a vertical transverse isotropy velocity model construction when facing a challenging absence of horizontally polarized S-waves in perforation shot data, which carry information about Thomsen’s [Formula: see text] parameter and provide valuable constraints for locating microseismic events. We extract effective [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for each layer from the P- and SV-wave arrivals of perforation shots, whereas the unresolved [Formula: see text] is retrieved afterward from the SH-SV-wave delay time of selected microseismic events. An inverted velocity model provides more reliable location of microseismic events, which then becomes an essential input for evaluating the hydraulic stimulation job effectiveness in the geomechanical context. We evaluate the influence of the preexisting fracture sets and obliquity between the borehole trajectory and principal horizontal stress direction on the hydraulic treatment performance. The fracturing fluid migrates to previously fractured zones, while the growth of the microseismic volume in consecutive stages is caused by increased penetration of the above-lying lithologic formations.

scholarly journals Evidence of reactivation of a hydrothermal system from seismic anisotropy changes

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Saade ◽  
Kohtaro Araragi ◽  
Jean Paul Montagner ◽  
Edouard Kaminski ◽  
Philippe Roux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Anisotropy ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Volcanic Area ◽  
Velocity Measurements ◽  
Noise Interferometry ◽  
Volcanic Monitoring ◽  
Monitoring And Forecasting ◽  
Active Processes ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractSeismic velocity measurements have revealed that the Tohoku-Oki earthquake affected velocity structures of volcanic zones far from the epicenter. Using a seismological method based on ambient seismic noise interferometry, we monitored the anisotropy in the Mount Fuji area during the year 2011, in which the Tohoku-Oki earthquake occurred (Mw = 9.0). Here we show that even at 400 km from the epicenter, temporal variations of seismic anisotropy were observed. These variations can be explained by changes in the alignment of cracks or fluid inclusions beneath the volcanic area due to stress perturbations and the propagation of a hydrothermal fluid surge beneath the Hakone hydrothermal volcanic area. Our results demonstrate how a better understanding of the origin of anisotropy and its temporal changes beneath volcanoes and in the crust can provide insight into active processes, and can be used as part of a suite of volcanic monitoring and forecasting tools.

Mineral exploration in the Thompson nickel belt, Manitoba, Canada, using seismic and controlled‐source EM methods

Geophysics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 1871-1881 ◽  
Author(s):  
Don White ◽  
David Boerner ◽  
Jianjun Wu ◽  
Steve Lucas ◽  
Eberhard Berrer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Electrically Conductive ◽  
Controlled Source ◽  
Basement Rocks ◽  
Fault Structures ◽  
Deep Sounding ◽  
Archean Basement

Seismic reflection and electromagnetic (EM) data were acquired near Thompson, Manitoba, Canada, to map the subsurface extent of the Paleoproterozoic, nickel ore‐bearing Ospwagan Group. These data are supplemented by surface and borehole geology and by laboratory measurements of density, seismic velocity, and electrical conductivity, which indicate that Ospwagan Group rocks are generally more seismically reflective and electrically conductive than the Archean basement rocks that envelop them. The combined seismic/EM interpretation suggests that the Thompson Nappe (cored by Ospwagan Group rocks) lies blind beneath the Archean basement gneisses, to the east of the subvertical Burntwood lineament, in a series of late recumbent folds and/or southeast‐dipping reverse faults. The EM data require that the shallowest of these fold/fault structures occur within the basement gneisses or perhaps less conductive Ospwagan Group rocks. The results of this study demonstrate how seismic and deep sounding EM methods might be utilized as regional exploration tools in the Thompson nickel belt.

Comparison of seismic anisotropy of sedimentary strata at low- and high-frequency limits

Geophysics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. MR1-MR10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuyong Yan ◽  
De-Hua Han ◽  
Tongcheng Han ◽  
Xue-Lian Chen
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Seismic Anisotropy ◽  
Sedimentary Rocks ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Layered Media ◽  
Ray Theory ◽  
Frequency Limit ◽  
Anisotropic Properties ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy ◽  
Backus Averaging

The layer-induced seismic anisotropy of sedimentary strata is frequency-dependent. At the low-frequency limit, the effective anisotropic properties of the layered media can be estimated by the Backus averaging model. At the high-frequency limit, the apparent anisotropic properties of the layered media can be estimated by ray theory. First, we build a database of laboratory ultrasonic measurement on sedimentary rocks from the literature. The database includes ultrasonic velocity measurements on sandstones and carbonate rocks, and velocity-anisotropy measurements on shales. Then, we simulate the sedimentary strata by randomly selecting a certain number of rock samples and using their laboratory measurement results to parameterize each layer. For each realization of the sedimentary strata, we estimate the effective and apparent seismic anisotropy parameters using the Backus average and ray theory, respectively. We find that, relative to Backus averaging, ray theory usually underestimates the Thomsen parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and overestimates [Formula: see text]. For an effective layered medium consisting of isotropic sedimentary rocks, the differences are significant. These differences decrease when shales with intrinsic seismic anisotropy are included. For the same sedimentary strata, the seismic wave should perceive stronger seismic anisotropy than the ultrasonic wave.

scholarly journals Recent Advances in the studies of Reaction Rates relevant to Interstellar Chemistry

1987 ◽  
Vol 120 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Nigel G. Adams ◽  
David Smith
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Dissociative Recombination ◽  
Reaction Rates ◽  
Rate Coefficients ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Interstellar Molecules ◽  
Interstellar Clouds ◽  
Radiative Association ◽  
Molecular Synthesis

The current status of laboratory measurements of the rate coefficients for ionic reactions involved in interstellar molecular synthesis is discussed and the experimental techniques used to acquire such data are briefly described. Examples are given of laboratory data which are being obtained at temperatures close to those of interstellar clouds. Particular attention is given to the results of recent theoretical and experimental work which show that the rate coefficients for the binary reactions of ions with polar molecules at low temperatures are much larger than previously assumed. It is shown how these new developments in experiment and theory are reconciling the differences between predicted and observed abundances for some interstellar molecules. Also briefly discussed are: - the phenomenon of isotope exchange in ion/neutral reactions which explains the apparent enrichment of heavy isotopes in some interstellar molecules, the role of atoms in molecular synthesis, some studies of ion/neutral reactions pertaining to shocked regions of interstellar clouds, ternary association reactions and the analogous radiative association reactions, and recent new laboratory measurements of dissociative recombination coefficients. Finally, some guidance is offered in the proper choice of critical kinetic data for use in interstellar chemical modelling and some further requirements and likely future developments are mentioned.

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