Chapter 29 SIZING UP SEISMIC: CAN YOU GET WHAT YOU WANT AND USE WHAT YOU GET?

摘要

Geophysics has been used in exploration for oil and gas for almost 80 years.2 Over the years, seismic technology has advanced from the use of 2D seismic to 3D seismic to now, in some cases, time-lapse (4D) seismic surveys. This advancement in seismic technology has contributed to identifying obscure reservoirs, reducing development costs, and optimizing reservoir management, while at the same time lowering discovery costs. Seismic surveys are also being used in conjunction with other technology, such as hydrofracing, to monitor the effectiveness of fracturing and to detect the natural fractures that may be "sweet spots" for natural gas. The finished geophysical interpretation of a targeted formation begins with the first shock to the surface of a landowner followed by the first reflection off the targeted mineral estate to a receiver. Both events implicate private property.