Predicting time-lapse stress effects in seismic data

Abstract

Time-lapse changes in seismic data are commonly evaluated in terms of changes in reservoir properties such as pressure, saturation, or temperature. Traditionally, the evaluation of time-lapse seismic data has focused on changes of seismic signatures within the reservoir interval. Recent studies, however, have shown convincingly that time-lapse seismic changes occur not only in the reservoir, but also in the overburden and (generally) in the rock mass surrounding the reservoir. These time-lapse changes can be explained by production-induced stress changes in the rocks surrounding the reservoir.