COURSE OVERVIEW:

Seismic anisotropy and fracture detection represent a critical frontier in geophysical characterization, focusing on the variation of seismic wave velocity with direction. This phenomenon is primarily driven by the internal fabric of rocks, such as aligned mineral grains, fine-scale layering, or, most significantly, oriented fracture sets. Understanding anisotropy is essential for accurately processing seismic data, as ignoring directional velocity changes can lead to significant errors in imaging, depth conversion, and the positioning of subsurface targets.

The scope of this course covers the physical mathematical frameworks of Transverse Isotropy and Orthorhombic symmetry, which are used to describe complex reservoir conditions. Participants will learn how to extract anisotropic parameters from multicomponent seismic data and wide-azimuth surveys. By analyzing how P-waves and S-waves interact with fractured media, geoscientists can map fracture density and orientation, which are primary drivers of permeability and fluid flow in tight reservoirs and unconventional plays.

Coverage includes the latest industry workflows for fracture characterization using seismic attributes such as VVAZ (Velocity Variation with Azimuth) and AVAZ (Amplitude Variation with Azimuth). The course emphasizes the practical integration of seismic data with image logs and core analysis to validate fracture models. Mastering these techniques allows for better well placement and optimized completion strategies, directly impacting the economic viability of complex structural and stratigraphic traps.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

• Explain the fundamental physical causes of seismic anisotropy in sedimentary basins.
• Distinguish between Vertical Transverse Isotropy (VTI) and Horizontal Transverse Isotropy (HTI).
• Utilize Thomsen parameters to quantify the degree of anisotropy in seismic processing.
• Interpret shear-wave splitting as a diagnostic tool for fracture orientation.
• Apply VVAZ analysis to identify regional and local stress fields.
• Evaluate AVAZ signatures to estimate fracture density within reservoir intervals.
• Design seismic acquisition geometries optimized for azimuthal information recovery.
• Correct for anisotropic effects during seismic migration and depth imaging.
• Integrate borehole image logs with seismic anisotropy maps for fracture validation.
• Model the seismic response of fractured reservoirs using rock physics templates.
• Identify the impact of fluid pressure on anisotropic seismic observations.
• Characterize orthorhombic media in complex tectonic environments.
• Formulate a fracture characterization workflow for unconventional reservoir development.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Geophysicists, Seismic Processors, Reservoir Geologists, Geomechanical Engineers, and Exploration Specialists focused on fractured reservoirs.

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.