Patent ID: 7280952
Filing Date: 2007-10-09
Classification: E21B,G01V

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for predicting hydrocarbon production from a subterranean region of interest using reflection seismic data, said reflection seismic data including a plurality of laterally spaced stacked seismic traces representative of the region of interest, said method comprising the steps of: (a) defining a reference trace within the region of interest; (b) defining a drainage area around the reference trace; (c) calculating trace-to-trace coherence factors for pairs of adjacent seismic traces within the drainage area; (d) defining drainage pathways extending outwardly from the reference trace, through the adjacent seismic traces, and towards the perimeter of the drainage area; (e) using the trace-to-trace coherence factors located along each drainage pathway to calculate a composite coherence value for each pathway; (f) for each drainage pathway, using the composite coherence value for the pathway and a reservoir quality attribute for at least one seismic trace located along the pathway to calculate a pathway production value, said reservoir quality attribute being a seismic-derived attribute that is predictive of reservoir rock quality or hydrocarbon quantity in the region of interest; and (g) generating a map of at least a portion of the subterranean region of interest, said map being based at least in part on the composite coherence value.