Seismic inversion is a technique used by geologists to learn about the properties of oil or gas fields. It involves a seismic survey, examining rock types, and using computer programs to generate output. The goal is to gather information from multiple sources to test the accuracy of the model. Companies maintain their own geology teams, while smaller ones can hire independent contractors. The information collected is usually proprietary, but government agencies’ results are open to the public.
Seismic inversion is a technique a surveyor can use to learn more about the properties of a formation, especially a reservoir of oil or gas fields beneath the surface of the earth. Geologists do this as part of a general geological survey, where they collect as much information about a target area as possible. This information helps them decide whether a field would be profitable enough to absorb development funds, or whether it should be left alone because the expense would be too high.
In a seismic inversion study, the geologist begins with a seismic survey. He transmits sound waves through the deposit of interest with the use of large vibrating devices or dynamite and records the output. Wave movement through the formation can provide important information about its characteristics, and the seismic survey itself will become part of the overall site report. Often, raw data is included in the report for the benefit of the readers.
To conduct a seismic inversion, the geologist essentially solves backwards, asking what types of formations would cause that type of output. There is a lot of information about various rock types and their characteristics, and a computer program can run seismic sensing through some equations to generate seismic inversion output. This process may also involve examining similar types of formations and known data about the region to make the results as accurate as possible.
Other tools that can help with a seismic inversion include test wells and a variety of area sample tests. The goal is to gather information from multiple sources. This will allow the geologist to test the work done in the seismic inversion study. If he modeled the structure accurately, all of the data should fit the model. If he didn’t, there will be outliers that can’t be explained and he has to go back over the job to find out what went wrong.
Big oil and gas companies maintain their own geology teams who can conduct internal investigations for their employers. Smaller companies can hire independent contractors to survey a site and run tests such as a seismic reversal study. The information collected is usually proprietary, although the company may discuss certain details in its annual investor reports to justify investment decisions. Government agencies can perform similar studies on public lands, and their results are open to any member of the public who wishes to review them.
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