The Importance of Seismic Attributes in Complex Area, Case Study from Vodianivske Field, Dnieper-Donets Basin, Ukraine

Abstract

The Dnieper-Donets Basin (DDB) is the principal producer of hydrocarbons in Ukraine and reserves are found in lower Permian and in Visean-Serpukhovian from Lower Carboniferous. The Vodianivske field is located halfway between Poltava and Kharkiv in east Ukraine with proven reserves at depth of 5-6km. Previous studies based on legacy seismic data show thickness changes of the upper Visean towards the main structure and dim small-scale structures on the block boundary. A recent 3D data reprocessing using 5D interpolation and advanced prestack time migration provides a broad frequency content image and imparts detailed high-resolution geological events. While traditional exploration is focused on gas traps in the Visean and below, current study aims to scan for potential traps in the Serpukhovian and above. In order to reveal thin section features, multiple seismic attributes were tested, and spectral decomposition was found to be a powerful tool that delineated thin sand bodies in river valleys and allowed interpretation of high-resolution small-scale faults and pinch-outs not seen before. Frequency tuning analysis on mapped horizons associated with upper Serpukhovian supported the presence of a large deltaic structure revealing SE-NW thin ∼1km wide sand body and developed set of crossing meanders. Similar approach was applied on legacy data expanding to the east and while seismic quality was limited, it was possible to identify a narrow ∼25km length meander and highlight a fault set. Upon seismic attribute study we were able to identify and map thin units associated with sands that can be considered as future targets in hydrocarbon exploration in the area.