Multiple reflections-a geologically

based conjecture
By NORMAN S. NEIDELL
N.S. Neidell and Associates
Houston, Texas

E xplorationists have recognized for In fact, multiple reflections are noth- line.” Time in this context refers to geo-
some time the less than satisfactory re- ing less than an “Achilles heel” of the logic time, and a time line is a line on a
sults of synthetic seismogram fits which theory for simulating seismic reflec- surface of contemporaneous sediment
are often encountered. The nature of the tions. When included according to the- deposition. Two simple models of depo-
problems are variable and include oretical designs, synthetic seismic re- sition show times lines to clarify the
“missed” or “extra” events, amplitude sults containing multiple reflections are definition. In model 1 (Figure 1), a
disparity, waveform changes, and miss- invariably worse than when the multi- shoreline builds outward from a trans-
ing/misaligned multiples. We are not ples are detected. gressive sea. The boundaries which de-
counting as problems the “timing” mis- I wish to submit for review, com- fine sand unit A are traversed by the
matches which we expect as a result of ment, discussion, and analysis a conjec- time lines T1, T2, T3. etc.
velocity integration errors. ture which links generation of multiples Model 2 (Figure 2) shows a sequence
Usual explanations point to physical to reflection boundary depositional style. of deep marine carbonate deposition.
aspects of the correlation process, par- The purpose of such dialogue would be Unit B is aligned with the time lines.
ticularly the Fresnel zone and its roles, to incorporate a neglected element into Clearly for the family of all depositional
and the representative nature of logging the quest for improving 1-D synthetic models which are physically possible,
measurements at seismic frequencies. seismogram synthesis-the geology! we shall see some continuum of align-
More recent indictments include the ment and misalignment between the
stacking process, including amplitude time lines and the lithology boundary.
variation with offset (AVO) effects. S ome geology and the conjecture. This circumstance gives rise to the once
Case-by-case studies of mismatches Before stating the conjecture, I wish to fashionable debate as to whether seis-
(of which few are published) typically review the geologic concept of a “time mic reflections follow time lines or the
show some improvements. These em-
ploy remedies based on new logging
tools, fabrication of zero-offset traces,
reediting of logs, use of pseudo-logs
developed from resistivity measurements,
etc. No general guidelines for improve-
ment have resulted from these limited
studies. None of the studies focused in
any detail on the stratigraphic and depo-
sitional aspects of the subsurface. Fur-
ther, no study to this time has directly
addressed the fact that under the most
favorable circumstances, we still cannot
predict (any seismic) amplitudes even
in relative terms with a satisfactory level
of reliability, and we remain unable to
predict which boundaries produce mul- Figure 1. Geologic model 1. Transgressive shoreline with rising sea level
tiple reflection events. showing development of sand unit A.

1068 THE LEADING EDGE NOVEMBER 1993

lithology change. Such discussions
have been complicated by refmements
relating to seismic imaging, but it has
been clearly demonstrated that only
changes in acoustic impedance are seen
by the correctly imaged seismic method
(see suggestions for further reading).
Let us look more closely at the two
models and recognize that there are im-
portant variables and elements about
which we have yet said nothing. The
sediment supply, its variability and con-
stitution, rates of flow, etc, will bear on
the geometry and transitional nature of Figure 2. Geologic model 2. Marine carbonate deposition with rising sea level.
the lithology boundaries, and even on
the homogeneity of the resulting units.
We have the mistaken impression, how-
ever, that we would appreciate such
characteristics if we could sample the
lithology adequately with suites of well
logs. Figure 3 shows model-type logs
from a series of three closely spaced
wells penetrating the same sand body.
While each log taken individually shows
an abrupt sand/shale contact, if all three
samples occurred within the principal
span of a single seismic Fresnel zone,
the sand type would be effectively tran-
sitional in seismic terms.
The point, in essence, is that even a
dense sampling of correct well logs may Figure 3. Hypothetical productive sand body with electric logs. Acoustic im-
not adequately depict what seismic illu- pedance signature at well B and effective seismic signature at well B when D is
mination sees, particularly when time smaller than Fresnal zone diameter.
lines and lithology boundaries are not
coincident. We would also expect less
consistency in character when such mis- ground, I now state my conjecture: Co- F urther reading. Recommended ma-
alignment occurs and less ability to pre- herent multiple reflections result only terial about synthetic seismograms and
dict reflection amplitude levels based from lithological boundaries where multiples include: “Transmission ef-
on logging measurements even for pri- acoustic impedance changes and geo- fects in the continuous one-dimensional
maries. logic time lines are substantially aligned. seismic model” by Manus Foster (Geo-
When coincidence takes place be- physical Journal of the Royal Astro-
tween the time lines and the lithology nomical Society, 1975); “Reflections on
changes, we have the well behaved “re- D ialogue. I hope that the conjecture amplitudes” by O’Doherty and N.A.
gional markers” which are easy to map can serve as a focal point for discussion Anstey (Geophysical Prospecting 197 1);
and show anticipated characteristics. and studies which will lead to real prog- “Shear-wave logging to enhance seismic
For this case, the sampling by wellbore ress in relating subsurface measure- modeling” by M. Payne (GEOPHYSICS
methods is quite valid. For these cases, ments to seismic data. Some time ago, 1991); “The effect of subsurface sam-
synthetic seismogram matches to field Elmer Eisner wanted to see expositions pling on 1-D synthetic seismograms” by
seismic data are usually quite good. of unsolved problems occupying the M. Schoenberger and F.K. Levin (GEO-
A little read paper by Manus Foster, abilities of a cadre of retired geophysi- PHYSICS 1979); “Interpretation at the
published in 1975, treated the issue of cal (and geologic) experts (see June well-tie” (Symposium proceedings, Geo-
multiple reflections in the presence of 1992 TLE ). The commentaries which physical Society of Houston Continuing
transitional boundaries. We now under- should come forward may well be what Education Committee, 1992).
stand that we may have transitioning is needed to engage the formidable Informative articles about seismic
lithologies in seismic terms which can skills of that group. imaging include: “Seismic imaging of
not be recognized by well logs. Hence, It should also be noted that a short porosity and hydrocarbons in consoli-
even for good or “correct” well log mea- dialogue between this author and Dan dated formations” by N.S. Neidell
surements, if time lines and lithology Ebrom, of the faculty at the University (SPE Preprint, 1992); “Use of seis-
changes are not adequately aligned, our of Houston’s Seismic Acoustics Labo- mic-derived velocities for strati-
subsurface picture developed in seismic ratory, helped crystallize these ideas. graphic exploration on land: Seismic
terms by seismogram synthesis may be This most astute researcher is contem- porosity and direct gas detection” by
seriously flawed. plating further theoretical study relating J.H. Beard and E.E. Cook (in AAPG
With this short discussion as back- to multiple reflections. Memoir 39, 1985).K

NOVEMBER 1993 THE LEADING EDGE 1069