Application of multi-component seismic data in identifying dolomite reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin

A comprehensive drilling of wells has been conducted in the Permian Qixia Formation in the central Sichuan Basin, revealing a significant number of dolomite reservoirs. High- and medium-porosity dolomite reservoirs are the main gas-producing reservoirs in the Qixia Formation. Seismic PP-wave data show a ‘bright spot’ for high-porosity dolomite reservoir formations but weak responses for medium-porosity dolomite reservoir formations, which is attributed to the inability of P waves to distinguish between medium-porosity reservoirs and limestone. However, medium-porosity dolomite and limestone have different S-wave velocities. Therefore, in this study, the identification of different-porosity dolomite reservoirs using multi-component seismic data was investigated. A comprehensive analysis of the elastic waves by forward modeling shows that the PS-wave amplitude is more sensitive to medium-porosity dolomite than the PP-wave amplitude. Therefore, medium-porosity dolomite reservoirs can be predicted using the amplitude attributes of the PS wave, and high-porosity dolomite reservoirs can be characterized using the PP wave. Meanwhile, the elastic parameter λρ (the product of Lame constant λ and density ρ), which is highly correlated with the dolomite content, can be used as an indicator of dolomite formations. Furthermore, compared to the results of PP-wave inversion, the elastic parameters derived from the joint inversion of PP- and PS-waves exhibited a better correspondence with the well-logging results. The comprehensive use of the seismic amplitude responses of PP and PS waves and multi-component seismic joint inversion can effectively predict high- and medium-porosity dolomite reservoirs. The predicted results can support the exploration and development of the Qixia Formation.