The general assumption is that well data is the most accurate measure of subsurface elastic properties (Vp, Vs and density). It is however a spatially limited sample of those properties. Seismic is regarded as a less good measure of subsurface elastic properties but spatially well sampled. Bring the two together in the right way and the secrets hiding in seismic data can be revealed.

Rock physics is the link between a rocks elastic properties and its bulk properties (porosity, lithology) and conditions ( pore fluid, pore pressure).Using a rock physics transform enables us to model the theoretical seismic response directly from bulk reservoir properties and conditions (forward modelling). It also helps us to determine bulk reservoir properties and conditions from seismic data..

We at Ikon start with the well data, and find out from these data the optimum attributes that discriminates between those bulk properties and conditions. We then extract those attributes from the seismic to estimate those properties and conditions away from the well or wells.

The larger the number of wells used in the initial study gives a better understanding and greater confidence that the chosen attribute or transform will be able to accurately discriminate lithology or fluids spatially.

We adopt a staged approach so we with our clients can stop and assess progress and call time if, for instance, the seismic data is not of the required quality or does not have the necessary offset range for the requisite attribute.