Preface

The past twenty years have witnessed significant developments in the way that seismic data are used in oil and gas exploration and production. Arguably the most important has been the use of 3D seismic, not only to map structures in detail but also to infer reservoir properties from an analysis of seismic amplitude and other attributes. Improvements in seismic fidelity coupled with advances in the understanding and application of rock physics have made quantitative description of the reservoir and risk evaluation based on seismic amplitude not only a possibility but an expectation in certain geological contexts. It is probably no exaggeration to say that the interpreter has entered a new era in which rock physics is the medium not only for the interpretation of seismic amplitude but also for the integration of geology, geophysics, petrophysics and reservoir engineering. For conventional oil and gas reservoirs, the technology has reached a sufficient state of maturity that it is possible to describe effective generic approaches to working with amplitudes, and documenting this is the purpose of this book.

The inter-disciplinary nature of ‘Seismic Rock Physics’ presents a challenge for interpreters (both old and new) who need to develop the appropriate knowledge and skills but it is equally challenging for the asset team as a whole, who need to understand how information derived from seismic might be incorporated into project evaluations. This book provides a practical introduction to the subject and a frame of reference upon which to develop a more detailed appreciation. It is written with the seismic interpreter in mind as well as students and other oil and gas professionals. Mathematics is kept to a minimum with the express intention of demonstrating the creative mind-set required for seismic interpretation. To a large extent the book is complementary to other Cambridge University Press publications such as 3-D Seismic Interpretation by Bacon et al. (2003), Exploration Seismology by Sheriff and Geldart (1995), The Rock Physics Handbook by Mavko et al. (1998) and Quantitative Seismic Interpretation by Avseth et al. (2005).