Postgraduate Profiles
Lisa Gavin
Thesis: Seismic azimuthal anisotropy analysis for estimating reservoir properties
The aim of my research is to estimate reservoir (e.g. petroleum, CO2 sequestration, ground water) properties from azimuthally varying seismic P-wave reflection data. An anisotropic material has different properties depending on the direction which measurements are made. Anisotropy can be caused in geological settings by anomalous stress field conditions, sedimentary bedding or aligned fractures. My research goal is to detect and map these features using azimuthal P-wave velocities and amplitude variation with offset (AVO) in seismic data; by estimating and quantifying azimuthally anisotropic parameters. This analysis will be especially useful for sites within the Carnarvon Basin, where azimuthal anisotropy introduces complexity to seismic acquisition and processing flow designs.
Why my research is important
Understanding the order and relation of a stress field and/or fracture network is essential to petroleum, CO2 sequestration and ground water reservoir assessment and monitoring. Knowing about the stress fields and fracture networks is important for predicting and monitoring reservoir faults, seal capacity and pore pressures which can reduce drilling risks and enhance reservoir injection and production methods. It is desirable to recover reservoir properties from P-wave seismic surveys as they are the most commonly acquired; this is largely due to their relative cost/time effectiveness and established processing techniques
Funding
- Robert and Maude Gledden Postgraduate Scholarship, $81,666.00 + $5,000.00 travel allowance
- Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Research Foundation, $24,000.00
- CPGCO2 Ad-Hoc topup scholarship, $12,000.00
Feb 2011