Patent ID: 6715551
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
A method for modeling a reservoir in the subterrane, comprising the steps of:(a) screening the reservoir to determine if the reservoir comprises at least one property suitable for applying time lapse vertical seismic profiling, selected from the group consisting of geologic properties, fluid properties, dry rock properties and saturated rock properties; and (b) if the reservoir is found to comprise at least one property suitable for applying time lapse vertical seismic profiling, initially modeling the reservoir to determine if vertical seismic profiling of the reservoir over time will provide suitable time variant response; (c) if the initial modeling of the reservoir is found to include an observable time variant response, determining whether it is economically viable to apply time lapse vertical seismic profiling to the reservoir; and (d) if determined to be economically viable, applying time lapse vertical seismic profiling to the reservoir, wherein applying time lapse vertical seismic profiling includes: (e) generating model seismic data from a model of the subterrane; (f) modifying the model of the subterrane based on a comparison of the model seismic data to current vertical seismic profile data to create a modified model of the subterrane, wherein the modified model then becomes the model of the subterrane; and (g) repeating steps (e) and (f) until the difference between the model seismic data and the current vertical seismic profile data is minimized to a desired level.