Open Source Python Libraries: An Application to Seismic Reservoir Characterization

Abstract

Open source python libraries to implement linear operators are finding widespread applications in solving different problems of seismic data processing and interpretation. One such attempt has been made to invert acoustic impedance of layered earth structure from seismic reflection response observed on the earth’s surface. The present algorithm combines two established approaches, viz. i) using correlation as the adjoint operator of convolution and ii) using conjugate gradient solver as an alternative to matrix inversion-a commonly used method to solve constrained optimization problems. Time integration of the derived reflectivity from the inversion of observed seismic amplitude using the above two steps gives rise to bandpass acoustic impedance, thereby, enhancing the interpretive value of the results. The proposed algorithm has been tested on a two-dimensional wedge model and found to fare well for both noise free and noise corrupted synthetic data. Application on real field example from Teapot Dome 3D survey shows that the derived band pass acoustic impedance matches favorably with the acoustic impedance measured in a borehole.