Velocities in Reflection Seismology

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

   PDF

2. Basic Ideas on the Propagation of Seismic Waves

   • Jean-Pierre Cordier

   Pages 1-5

3. General Considerations on the Recording of Seismic Waves in Prospecting for Oil

   • Jean-Pierre Cordier

   Pages 6-13

4. Velocity of Seismic Waves, Relationships with the Theory of Elasticity, Variation Factors

   • Jean-Pierre Cordier

   Pages 14-24

5. Calculation of Travel Times of Seismic Signals, Definition of ΔT

   • Jean-Pierre Cordier

   Pages 25-35

6. Measurement of Velocities in Boreholes. Sonic Logs. Seismic Surveys of Boreholes. Pseudo Velocity Logs. Transformation of Resistivity Logs to Velocity Logs

   • Jean-Pierre Cordier

   Pages 36-46

7. Velocities in Seismic Reflection. Definitions. Principles of Velocity Analysis

   • Jean-Pierre Cordier

   Pages 47-58

8. Relationships between Stacking Velocities and Root Mean Square Velocities

   • Jean-Pierre Cordier

   Pages 59-70

9. Relationships between Root Mean Square Velocities, Average Velocities, and Coefficients of Heterogeneity

   • Jean-Pierre Cordier

   Pages 71-84

10. Investigation of the Influence of Dip on Velocity Analyses

    • Jean-Pierre Cordier

    Pages 85-100

11. Calculation of Interval Velocities

    • Jean-Pierre Cordier

    Pages 101-114

12. Velocity Analysis. Principles. Examples

    • Jean-Pierre Cordier

    Pages 115-125

13. Choice of Parameters in Velocity Analysis

    • Jean-Pierre Cordier

    Pages 126-128

14. Other Presentations of Velocity Analyses. Analyses along Horizons. Constant Velocity Stacks. Rapid Determination of Interval Velocities: G.S.I. (Geophysical Service Inc.) Graphical Method

    • Jean-Pierre Cordier

    Pages 129-134

15. Interpretation and Utilisation of Velocity Analyses. Accuracy Required and Causes of Inaccuracy. Advice on Positioning and Interpretation of Velocity Analyses

    • Jean-Pierre Cordier

    Pages 135-154

16. Influence of the “Velocity” Parameter on the Process of Migration of Seismic Sections

    • Jean-Pierre Cordier

    Pages 155-167

17. Studies of Velocities in Sand-Shale Series

    • Jean-Pierre Cordier

    Pages 168-197

18. Back Matter

    Pages 199-203

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Although considera bIe efforts are now being made to find new sources of energy, alI the experts are agreed that hydrocarbons will have to provide the greater part of our energy needs for a generation ahead. Exploration for and production of hydrocarbons therefore pose a serious problem for our future, as much for the quantitative satisfaction of our requirements as for our search for self-sufficiency in energy. As a direct result of improvements in technology throughout the world, geophysics has progressively enlarged its field of influence in the realms of exploration and production. But amongst the various geophysical methods available, seismic reflection has gradually become accepted as the basic tool of the oiI prospector. Reflection seismology has reached and consolidated this position because it has shown itself to be capable of adapting to the increasing complexity of the requirements of exploration. Initially directed towards geometric mapping of the sub-surface, it became the means of detection of structural traps in geotectonically quiescent regions, and thereafter in increasingly complex surroundings. It has enabled us to clothe the structural framework with a lithology, initially approximate, but becoming more and more precise, assisting the explorer to locate stratigraphic traps. Further developments enable us under favourable circumstances to estimate the quality of the deposits and to detect the presence of fluids and of their interfaces; it then becomes an unrivalled tool for the producer, both in the development of deposits and in the application of enhanced recovery methods.

• Borehole
• formation
• prospecting
• seismic
• seismology
• economic geology

• Société Nationale Elf-Aquitaine (Production), Pau Cédex, France

  Jean-Pierre Cordier

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