Volumetric curvature attributes add value to 3D seismic data interpretation

Abstract

Horizon-based curvature attributes have been used in seismic data interpretation for predicting fractures since 1994 when Lisle demonstrated the correlation of curvature values to fractures measured on an outcrop. Different measures of curvature (such as Gaussian, strike, and dip) have been shown by different workers to be highly correlated with fractures, and many more applications are also possible. By definition, all such applications need the interpretation of a seismic horizon, which may be simple if data quality is good and the horizon of interest corresponds to a prominent impedance contrast.