COURSE OVERVIEW:

Depth Conversion and Velocity Model Building is a critical advanced course that addresses one of the most significant sources of uncertainty in structural interpretation. Because seismic data is originally recorded in time, the process of converting these images into accurate depth representations is vital for identifying the true location of reservoirs, spill points, and drilling targets. This course provides the mathematical and geological foundations required to build robust velocity models that honor both seismic and well data.

The scope of this training involves the detailed study of different velocity types, including interval, average, and RMS velocities, and their relationship to rock properties such as lithology, porosity, and pore pressure. Participants will explore a variety of depth conversion techniques, ranging from simple vertical stretching and layer-cake models to sophisticated geostatistical methods like kriging with external drift. The course emphasizes the importance of velocity analysis in complex settings, such as areas with significant lateral velocity variations caused by salt, gas chimneys, or varying water depths.

Furthermore, the course covers the integration of seismic processing velocities with well-checkshots and Vertical Seismic Profiles (VSP). Participants will learn how to perform "residual depth imaging" and how to validate their depth models through blind-well testing and structural restoration. By the end of this course, geophysicists and geologists will be able to construct high-fidelity depth maps that minimize the risk of "dry holes" caused by structural depth errors, ensuring more accurate volumetric estimates and safer well planning.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Distinguish between different velocity definitions: Vint, Vavg, Vrms, and Vstack.
• Explain the impact of lithology, depth, and compaction on seismic velocity.
• Execute a layer-cake depth conversion workflow using seismic horizons.
• Calibrate seismic-derived velocities using well checkshots and VSP data.
• Build complex 3D velocity models for varied geological environments.
• Analyze the uncertainty and sensitivity of depth maps to velocity variations.
• Perform vertical stretching vs ray-tracing based depth conversion.
• Implement geostatistical methods for merging seismic and well velocity data.
• Recognize and mitigate the effects of anisotropy on depth conversion.
• Evaluate the impact of lateral velocity changes on structural trap geometry.
• Validate depth models using blind wells and structural consistency checks.
• Communicate the risk of depth uncertainty to drilling and management teams.
• Utilize velocity-based attributes for pore pressure and lithology prediction.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Geophysicists, Structural Geologists, and Interpretation Specialists involved in seismic mapping, prospect maturation, and well planning.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.