What Is Subsurface Interpretation and Visualization?

Subsurface interpretation and visualization are critical processes in the field of geoscience, particularly for energy companies involved in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons and geothermal resources, as well as activities such as carbon capture and storage. They involve the analysis of geological and geophysical data to create a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface structure and environment. This is crucial for identifying and characterizing potential drilling locations, reservoir modeling and production strategy optimization.

Why Is Subsurface Interpretation and Visualization Important?

The importance of subsurface interpretation and visualization cannot be overstated. A thorough and accurate interpretation can lead to the successful discovery and extraction of resources, while a poor interpretation can result in the costly drilling of unproductive wells. It aids in mitigating environmental risks associated with drilling and extraction activities—a need that is more important than ever in today's world.

How Is Subsurface Interpretation and Visualization Completed?

Subsurface interpretation is typically performed using a combination of seismic data, well logs and sometimes even satellite imagery. Seismic data, generated by sending shock waves into the earth (land and marine) and recording their reflections, provides a detailed picture of the subsurface structure with the use of advanced software tools. Well logs, on the other hand, provide direct information about the geological formations encountered during drilling, and are used in petrophysical analysis. These data sets are then analyzed and interpreted by geoscientists to create a model of the subsurface.

Advanced software is essential to subsurface interpretation and visualization. It enables geoscientists to process and interpret large volumes of data using complex algorithms and create detailed 3D models of the subsurface. Moreover, modern software solutions offer sophisticated visualization capabilities that enable interactive fine-tuning of the subsurface model, for a much deeper understanding of the data.

Common Challenges in Subsurface Interpretation and Visualization

Subsurface interpretation and visualization present multiple challenges for exploration and production companies. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Data Volume and Complexity: The sheer volume and complexity of the data involved in managing subsurface exploration and production can be overwhelming. E&P companies often have to deal with hundreds of thousands of 2D sections, numerous large 3D surveys with many vintages, attributes, inversion results and prestack data, and tens of thousands of wells. Managing, processing and interpreting this data can be a significant challenge.
• Data Integration: Integrating different types of data, such as seismic data, well logs and geological data, into a coherent model of the subsurface is not an easy task. Each data type has its own characteristics and uncertainties, and they all need to be taken into account in the interpretation process.
• Uncertainty and Risk: Subsurface interpretation is inherently uncertain. The data is often noisy and incomplete, and the subsurface structures are complex and variable. This uncertainty can lead to different interpretations that muddy decisions about where to drill, with significant financial implications.
• Collaboration and Data Sharing: Subsurface interpretation is typically a collaborative process involving geophysicists, petrophysicists and engineers. Seamlessly sharing data and interpretations among these stakeholders, each with their own tools and workflows, can be challenging.
• Time Constraints: Subsurface interpretation is often time-consuming, especially when dealing with large and complex data sets. Yet, companies are under pressure to make quick decisions about where to drill in order to stay competitive.
• Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: Companies need to ensure that their exploration and extraction activities comply with environmental regulations and standards. This requires careful interpretation and modeling of the subsurface to assess potential environmental impacts.

These challenges highlight the importance of powerful and flexible software solutions like Aspen SeisEarth, which can handle large and diverse data sets, integrate different data types, manage uncertainty, facilitate collaboration and data sharing, speed up the interpretation process and support environmental and regulatory compliance.

Subsurface Interpretation and Visualization with Aspen SeisEarth™

Aspen Technology (AspenTech) offers a powerful solution for subsurface interpretation and visualization - Aspen SeisEarth. This integrated solution suite provides fast, multi-survey structural and stratigraphic interpretation and visualization from regional to reservoir scale. It enables multiple users to collaborate in a single shared environment, enhancing productivity and decision-making.

Aspen SeisEarth is a powerful and flexible seismic interpretation system providing a comprehensive suite of subsurface interpretation and visualization features. It is a one-stop shop for interpreters, enabling them to easily handle and analyze large and diverse data sets and collaborate effectively in a secure environment. With Aspen SeisEarth, interpreters can extract more value from their data, make better informed decisions, and ultimately achieve more reliable outcomes, setting the stage for improved production optimization in upstream.

FAQs

What is subsurface interpretation and visualization?

Subsurface interpretation and visualization is a process in geoscience that involves analyzing geological and geophysical data to understand the structure and potential resources of the subsurface. It is crucial for identifying potential drilling locations, understanding reservoir characteristics and optimizing production strategies.

Why is software important for subsurface interpretation and visualization?

Advanced software is essential for subsurface interpretation and visualization as it allows geoscientists to process and interpret large volumes of data using complex algorithms and create detailed 3D models of the subsurface. Such software solutions also offer interactive visualization capabilities, enhancing the understanding and interpretation of the data.

What does Aspen SeisEarth offer for subsurface interpretation and visualization?

Aspen SeisEarth is a powerful solution that provides fast, multi-survey structural and stratigraphic interpretation and visualization. It enables interpreters to handle single or multiple 2D and 3D seismic surveys and multiple well databases. It offers regional-to-prospect scale interpretation and visual integration and enables multiple users to collaborate in a single shared environment, with no data duplication.

How does Aspen SeisEarth handle large and diverse data sets?

Aspen SeisEarth has continuously adapted to the evolution in data size and diversity, offering a comprehensive solution to data handling, display, interpretation and mapping. It uses efficient volume roaming, automatic picking and high levels of interactivity to deal with massive seismic surveys.