Interpretation of 4D AVO inversion results using rock‐physics templates and virtual‐reality visualization, North Sea examples

Abstract

A methodology to analyze, interpret and visualize 4D AVO inversion data, using 3D/4D Rock Physic Templates and Virtual Reality visualization, has been developed. Rock Physic Templates are used to translate the result from the 3D inversion into lithology, and the result from the 4D inversion into pressure and saturation changes. A dual cross plotting tool in a Virtual Reality environment, makes it possible to relate specific 4D effects to specific lithologies, by combining both 3D and 4D classifications, in a highly flexible manner. The single and dual classifications are visualized real time, and the VR visualization tool is actively used in verification and optimization of single and dual cross‐plot classifications. In addition to the visual verification of the classification in VR, an interactive statistical approach is used to optimize the single classification of the 3D inversion data, correlating interpreted litho‐logs with the inversion based lithology classification. The dual classification method can be used for verification of the reservoir model, well‐planning, study of geomechanical effects and as a quality control of the inversion data themselves.