Unlock Hidden Insights: How AI is Revolutionizing 3D Seismic Interpretation
"Genetic algorithms are transforming the way geoscientists analyze vast 3D seismic datasets, revealing subsurface secrets faster and more accurately than ever before."
For over two decades, the accumulation of 3D seismic data has exploded, providing geoscientists with unprecedented views of the Earth's subsurface. In Australia alone, over 550,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic data has been acquired, holding valuable clues to mineral and petroleum deposits. By integrating this data with geological and geophysical information, geoscientists construct models that guide critical decisions in exploration, appraisal, and development activities. The accuracy of these models is paramount, directly impacting the success of these ventures.
Advancements in acquisition, processing, and interpretation techniques have significantly increased the volume of high-quality data available. However, the time allocated for thorough analysis, extraction, and integration of information from these massive, often multi-volume datasets remains limited. Geoscientists often find themselves spending a disproportionate amount of time scrutinizing small portions of the data, leaving vast amounts of potentially valuable information unexplored.
Fortunately, inspiration from an unexpected source – the Human Genome Project (HGP) – has led to a revolutionary approach. By adapting techniques developed for analyzing vast amounts of genetic data, a new system has been created to automatically segment and identify surfaces within 3D seismic volumes. This technology enables geoscientists to analyze large datasets in an unbiased manner, incorporating significantly more data into their models. This patented technology promises to unlock hidden insights and transform the field of 3D seismic interpretation.
Automated Interpretation: Speed and Accuracy
The traditional approach to 3D seismic interpretation is a time-consuming process. A typical interpreter may spend a significant portion of their time just picking horizons. This manual process limits the amount of data that can be thoroughly examined, potentially leading to missed opportunities and less accurate subsurface models. Automating this process not only saves time but also ensures that all data is considered in an unbiased way.
- Seismic Trace as Chromosome: Each seismic trace represents a chromosome, containing a wealth of genetic information.
- Waveforms as Genes: Waveforms within the seismic trace are treated as genes, each with unique attributes like location, amplitude, and shape.
- Evolutionary Process: The system automatically segments the seismic volume into individual waveforms and randomly selects new populations.
- Genetic Similarity: Each gene seeks out other genes with similar characteristics, both locally and globally.
- Population Growth: As populations grow, they combine with compatible groups, forming larger subpopulations that inherit the characteristics of their parents.
- Database Creation: The evolution continues until all GeoPopulations™ (unique waveform segments) have been identified and categorized into a database of surfaces.
Unlocking Subsurface Secrets: The Future of 3D Seismic
By automating the surface extraction process and providing higher quality surfaces, geoscientists can spend more time understanding the significance of the results. The insights gained from examining GeoPopulations™ provide valuable information about structure, geomorphology, fluid flow, outgassing, and seafloor stability. These insights, reviewed in detail by multi-disciplinary teams, enable more informed decisions and ultimately, increase the success rate of resource exploration and development activities. This technology allows experts to review at a macro and micro scale.