Reservoir characterization uses inversions of seismic data (Amplitude Versus Angle (AVA) or Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) inversions) to impact drilling, stimulation and completion decisions.  Therefore, it is important to understand the fundamentals underlying such inversion methods, including the choice of parametrization of the media  (isotropic or anisotropic) and the choice of equations (linear or nonlinear versions). 

In both conventional and unconventional plays, reservoirs may display strong reflectivity due to strong elastic contrast between the layers. Along strong contrast interfaces, nonlinear equations are required to model the reflectivity accurately. AVO analysis of strong contrast interfaces with linearized equations is valid only in the near offsets. If one of the layers is anisotropic, the AVO response will be affected not only from P-impedance and VP/VS ratio contrast but also from the anisotropic contrast. All  these effects must be taken into consideration when preparing inversion workflows.

Speaker Biography: Edan Gofer, Research Geophysicist, Schlumberger
Edan Gofer is a research geophysicist in Schlumberger. Edan joined Schlumberger in 2013 and has been working on technologies associated with seismic amplitude analysis and reservoir characterization. Edan received  his BSc in Geophysics in 2009 and his MSc in Geophysics 2012 from the Tel Aviv university, Israel. Currently Edan is continuing his studies and is a PhD candidate at the same university.