INTRODUCTION

READ the Course Syllabus Exploration Seismology

Sherrif 2.1c
www.kgs.ku.edu Sheriff&Geldart www.kgs.ku.edu

shake ground

seismic wave

record shaking

seismic reflection seismic refraction VSP (vertical seismic profiling) cross-well seismic surface-wave seismic
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Exploration Seismology

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Introduction

Exploration Seismology horizontal slice at 10,000 depth through 3D seismic reflection image: buried river delta 4 stratigraphic oil traps

Partyka, 1999, The Leading Edge

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Introduction

Petroleum 97% of global geophysical expenditures in 1991 (still very dominant today) almost entirely seismic (but non-seismic non-trivial as compared to other industries) heavy emphasis on reflection seismology almost exclusively 3D borehole seismic for oil-field development refraction seismic to obtain near-surface structure for reflection imaging highest-paying jobs, medium-good job security Mining 1% of global geophysical expenditures in 1991 (still low today, but healthier) heavy emphasis on electromagnetic, but diverse techniques used relatively little seismic borehole seismic seismic reflection used in coal mining non-sedimentary 3D reflection seismic at research stage, primarily overseas Near-Surface: Geotechnical (engineering applications), Groundwater, Environmental 2% of global geophysical expenditures in 1991 (much larger today, but still relatively small) diverse set of techniques used, often multiple techniques together moderate use of seismic seismic refraction most common surface-wave seismic for geotechnical soil/sediment properties seismic reflection uncommon; 3D extremely rare too expensive borehole seismic rare lowest-paying jobs, medium-poor job security also: archeology, forensics, research,
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Use of Geophysics in Industry

Sources of Energy

USA

Global

Department of Energy

Moniz & Kenderline, Physics Today, 2002

fossil fuels 85% of global energy consumed consumption expected to rise 60% over 20 years

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Introduction

Global Oil Reserves and Consumption

USA:

5% of global population 25% of energy consumption (25% of CO2 emission) 2/3 is in the Middle East

Moniz & Kenderline, Physics Today, 2002

global reserves:

remaining reserves: ~40 years will grow with: discovery BUT consumption already far exceeds discovery recovery technology price
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USA Energy Reserves, Production, and Imports

Department of Energy

Department of Energy

USA oil reserves and oil production peaked decades ago ~30% of our energy is imported ~60% of our oil is imported and growing ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) oil would reduce imports by 2-3%

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Introduction

Global Energy Reserves

Department of Energy

Albuquerque Journal

predictions of US government others are more daring or conservative, this is middle-ground in 10-40 years, oil production will begin to permanently decline demand / consumption will continue to grow consumption already far exceeds discovery global politics energy prices ? effect upon jobs?
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Near-Surface Exploration Seismology Hill Air Force Base, groundwater contamination (DNAPL) VSP waveform inversion for velocity surface reflection seismic well geology, seismic interpretation

Gao et al., 2006, Geophysics

DNAPL is ponded in channel above clay

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Introduction

Exploration Seismology of the Crust San Andreas Fault, at SAFOD drilling project steep-dip prestack depth migration

waveform inversion for seismic velocity; reflectors (white); intrepretation

Bleibinhaus et al., Journal of Geophysical Research, submitted

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Introduction

History of Exploration Seismology theory of elastic waves: 1800s first experimental seismology: Robert Mallet (Ireland) 1848 first portable seismograph: Ludger Mintrop (Germany) 1914 theory of reflection and refraction: Knott 1900, Weichert & Zoeppritz 1907 first oil discovery by reflection seismology: Geophysical Research Corp. 1928 (Oklahoma) early 1930s formation of several large seismic contractors lasted 60 years; 1990s mergers reduced number of contractors

analog magnetic recording, CMP method, digital recording, computers seismic data processing airguns, vibrators reduction in explosives: dangerous, expensive, environmentally damaging digital recording, computer power 3D, prestack imaging (less CMP) reducing discoveries, enhanced recovery from existing fields development seismic
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Sheriff & Geldart

Introduction

History of Exploration Seismology

1990s: 2000s:
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4D (time-lapse seismic) digital geophones (MEMS)

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digital field radiotelemetry imaging without sources (using noise)

Sheriff & Geldart

Introduction

Growth of Seismic Data Sets number of recording channels computer power

Sheriff & Geldart

wikipedia.org

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Introduction