The Marcellus Revealed, with Full Azimuth

3D Seismic Data

Presented by

Tony Rebec Senior Geoscientist, Geokinetics, Houston

Abstract

Detailed 3D seismic surveys have unquestionably played a
key role in the exploration and development of oil & gas
fields worldwide. New techniques in acquisition, processing,
volume analysis and data interpretation have revolutionized
the way that geoscientist now accurately map the subsurface
with unprecedented detail.

Map of Appalachia showing location of 3D survey

Recently, these techniques have been optimized to look at
the unconventional shale plays of North America. The
Marcellus Shale in North Central Pennsylvania is no
exception, resulting in remarkable images of the subsurface
geology within the Appalachian Basin. This Middle Devonian
resource play is by far the most significant shale play in
North America because of its estimated gas in place of 500
tcf and its location in the North East.

Firstly we will set the scene and look at the location within
the Appalachian Basin of a recently acquired large, full
azimuth (approximately 400 square miles) Multi-Client 3D
which is expanding as we speak out to 1,800 square miles
and possibly beyond. This is the first significant large 3D in
this area. It is located in North Central Pennsylvania where
the Marcellus is both at its thickest and attains the maximum
thickness in organic rich shale.


A 3D Seismic Profile from the area

The presentation will lead into identifying the geology from
well control and looking at the typical geologic features
present in the area.

Seismic data can be very limited in vertical resolution when
compared to well log information. However with the shallow
nature of the Marcellus play, the very high fidelity 3D data,
and todays optimum processing algorithms, the target is
significantly resolved to see detailed features.

3D seismic data excels when it comes to imaging the spatial
changes in structural and stratgraphic features, and the
Marcellus is no exception. Looking at the horizontal
resolution in a qualitative fashion by examining horizons
within the Marcellus Shale offers detail that is critical at
keeping a horizontal well within the target horizon.

A natural extension to the horizontal resolution is to examine
the Marcellus Shale by using a set of geometric attributes
which reveal the amazing structural detail associated with
this world class play.

The Marcellus, being a fractured shale, is a perfect
candidate to investigate the seismic anisotropy through
elliptical velocity inversion to predict the dominant fracture
trends and locations for potential sweet spots.



A co-rendered seismic- semblance display showing strong
lineations.

With the detail revealed in this presentation it is easy to
accept the positive impact it will have on future successful
drilling programs throughout the area. These results will play
a significant role in revealing the sub-surface detail of the
Marcellus, in what is deemed to be a world class
hydrocarbon play.





Biography

Tony Rebec graduated from London University, England in
Geology and Mathematics. With his 40+ year professional
career in the geophysical services business, he has held
various positions in seismic acquisition & design, seismi c
processing, interpretation, reservoir description and reservoir
monitoring. He was involved in the introduction of the 3D
seismic technique to the oil & gas industry and has worked
on many 3D surveys throughout the world.
His current position is Senior Geoscientist at Geokinetics
Interpretation and Reservoir Description Department in
Houston, Texas.