Seismic Amplitude
An Interpreter's Handbook

Seismic amplitudes yield key information on lithology and fluid fill, enabling interpretation of reservoir quality and likelihood of hydrocarbon presence. The modern seismic interpreter must be able to deploy a range of sophisticated geophysical techniques, such as seismic inversion, AVO (amplitude variation with offset), and rock physics modelling, as well as integrating information from other geophysical techniques and well data. This accessible, authoritative book provides a complete framework for seismic amplitude interpretation and analysis in a practical manner that allows easy application - independent of any commercial software products. Deriving from the authors' extensive industry expertise and experience of delivering practical courses on the subject, it guides the interpreter through each step, introducing techniques with practical observations and helping to evaluate interpretation confidence. Seismic Amplitude is an invaluable day-to-day tool for graduate students and industry professionals in geology, geophysics, petrophysics, reservoir engineering, and all subsurface disciplines making regular use of seismic data.

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Fundamentals; 3. Seismic wavelets and resolution; 4. Well ties; 5. AVO and rock properties; 6. Seismic processing issues; 7. Amplitude and AVO interpretation; 8. Rock physics analysis; 9. Seismic inversion; 10. Reservoir characterisation; 11. Prospect evaluation; References; Index.

Rob Simm is a Senior Geophysical Adviser for Cairn Energy PLC and has worked in the oil and gas industry since 1985. He spent the early part of his career working as a seismic interpreter for British independent oil companies including Britoil, Tricentrol and Enterprise Oil. After working in exploration, production and field equity teams, Dr Simm established his own consultancy (Rock Physics Associates Ltd) in 1999, providing project and training services to oil and gas companies. He runs an internationally renowned training course on 'The Essentials of Rock Physics for Seismic Amplitude Interpretation'.
Mike Bacon is a Principal Geoscientist for Ikon Science Ltd, having worked for 30 years in the oil industry with Shell, Petro-Canada and Ikon Science. During that time he has interpreted seismic data from various basins around the world, with particular emphasis on extracting useful information from seismic amplitudes. Dr Bacon has served as Publications Officer of the EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers), chairing the editorial board of the journal First Break. He has also co-authored a number of practical texts, including, with Rob Simm and Terry Redshaw, 3-D Seismic Interpretation (Cambridge University Press, 2003).