PS-wave Azimuthal Anisotropy: Benefits For Fractured-reservoir Management

Fractured reservoirs have been encountered worldwide and in general they are profitably produced, however it is safe to say that none of them have been depleted efficiently. As the seismic industry focuses more on production and development it is becoming more important to recognize the presence of fractures for optimal reservoir management. Fractures can significantly influence the behavior of reservoir porosity and permeability, resulting in numerous dry wells and higher production costs. A key strategy for fractured reservoir management is a quantitative description of the geology, geophysics and petrophysical attributes. 3D converted-wave (PS-wave) surveys provide complimentary surface-seismic information to help identify fracture properties early in the production history of a reservoir. Based on azimuthal anisotropy measurements, PS-waves indicate fracture density and strike, and because of their asymmetry they are also sensitive to fracture dip.