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Chapter 27

Conclusions
This book on interpretation covers several fundamental geophysical
principles and is intended to serve as an introduction to the topic. It is cer-
tainly not the final word on the subject.
We hope the reader realizes, by this point, that interpretation is an inte-
grative process. Effective interpretation will use all available data and will
produce a map or model that is consistent with all observations. Tools such
as cooperative inversion or geostatistics indicate that interpretation is en-
hanced by the use of several reliable data sets. This is definitely true of res-
ervoir characterization, which requires data of different wavelengths to pro-
vide a complete picture of the reservoir volume.
Much has changed in geophysical interpretation in past decades. Al-
though reflection seismology remains the workhorse of geophysical explora-
tion, 3D seismic surveys are now the standard reservoir characterization tool
and are used routinely. The seismic-interpretive workstation has allowed vast
amounts of 3D data to be analyzed effectively in a tractable manner. Visual-
ization tools have seen great advances in the last decade. One of the greatest
advances in fault detection has come about through development of coheren-
cy technologies.
Pitfalls in seismic interpretation will always be with us. However, many
of the pitfalls of the last decade have been obviated by use of modern explo-
ration methods.
One of the most common pitfalls in past years has arisen from misin-
terpretation of seismic time-section anomalies as depth anomalies. This can
be avoided by effective use of depth migration. However, this solution as-
sumes that we have obtained accurate velocity estimates — the velocity-
estimation problem continues to be important.
The pitfall of “out-of-plane” reflections can be solved by use of 3D seis-
mic exploration. Modern multiple-suppression methods should help to elim-

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268 Fundamentals of Geophysical Interpretation

inate the pitfall of interpreting multiples as primaries. Although we have

seen significant progress in suppression of multiples, we have only recently
become aware of pitfalls related to anisotropy. For instance, isotropic imag-
ing of anisotropic media will cause errors in location of images. The cure
for this problem requires anisotropic depth imaging with accurate velocity
and anisotropy estimates for dipping sediments.
Interpretation is a combination of both art and science. It does not lend
itself to automation but requires the use of skilled human intervention and
insight, combined with advanced computer hardware and software. Finally,
interpretation is the most important process for development of petroleum
and minerals, and it will continue to advance to match the world’s thirst for
natural resources.

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