SEISMIC SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A CUBE OF VARIANCE VALUES

Abstract: A work station computer system (54) and its associated method and program storage device (58) stores a novel software package known as "Variance Cube". The computer system is responsive to a plurality of seismic signals (42) propagating through a cubic volume of an earth formation (44) for generating a cube, representing the cubic volume of earth, where the cube includes a plurality of seismic data samples (42) and each seismic data sample has a corresponding variance value (60) assigned thereto. The computer system also generates time slice map (60) representing one or more slices through the cube, each map including a plurality of variance values representing geologic features, and each variance value defined as the degree to which an amplitude of each seismic data sample in the cube at a particular reflection time varies about an average amplitude.

Description: SEISMIC SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A CUBE OF VARIANCE VALUES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The subject matter of the present invention relates to a seismic signal processing method and apparatus and, in particular, a workstation computer system, and its associated method and program storage device, which stores a novel software package known as "Variance Cube". The computer system is responsive to a plurality of seismic signals, which propagated through a cubic volume of an earth formation, for generating a cube representing said cubic volume of earth. The cube includes a plurality of seismic data samples, each seismic data sample having a corresponding "variance value" and a unique color assigned thereto. The computer system further generates one or more maps, such as a time slice map, representing one or more slices through the cube, each map displaying and being used to determine certain geologic features which exist along the corresponding slice through the cube. Each map includes a plurality of the variance values representing the geologic features, each such variance value being defined as the degree to which an amplitude of each seismic data sample in a cell in the cube at a particular reflection time "t" varies about an average amplitude of the samples in the cell. Two dimensional seismic data is acquired along lines that consist of geophone arrays onshore or hydrophone streamers offshore. The geophones or hydrophones act as sensors which receive seismic energy from an earth formation. The seismic energy is transmitted into the earth formation, reflected back toward a surface of the earth from subsurface horizon interfaces in the earth formation, and propagates through a cubic volume of the earth formation before reaching the sensors. In three dimensional (3-D) seismic, the principle is the same except that the arrays of geophones and hydrophones are more closely spaced to provide more detailed subsurface coverage. As a result, extremely large volumes of digital seismic data are received by a computer and stored therein, the computer processing the seismic data by executing certain software stored in the computer and displaying the results of that processing. Following that processing, final interpretation of the processed seismic data can be made. The processing of the digital seismic data requires computer resources which store and execute complex software for enhancing the received digital data/seismic signals and for muting any accompanying noise which masks the signals. Once the digital data/seismic signals are processed, the resultant processed signals are recorded and displayed in the form of a "cube" and a plurality of "maps" which represent slices through the cube, such as horizontal time slice maps or horizon maps, which display various geologic features situated on the corresponding slice through the cube. As a result, three dimensional seismic is used extensively to provide a more detailed structural and stratigraphic image of subsurface reservoirs. During the computer processing of the seismic data, the computer responds to a set of seismic data which was digitally generated when seismic energy "sound" waves were transmitted through a cubic volume of earth. The computer operates on a cubic portion of the received seismic data (hereinafter called a "cube") which corresponds to that portion of the seismic energy that propagated through the cubic volume of earth. The seismic data in the cube comprises a plurality of seismic traces, where each trace further comprises a multitude of seismic data samples. If a horizontal plane were to pass through corresponding seismic data samples in the cube, that plane would be called a "time slice", since all the corresponding seismic data samples on that time slice have the same reflection time. Therefore, a plurality of such time slices pass through a plurality of corresponding seismic data samples in the cube (see figure 2). During the computer processing of the seismic data, a cell on a first time slice in the cube encompasses a first seismic data sample on the first time slice in the cube, similar such cells on other time slices in the cube encompass the same corresponding first seismic data sample on the other time slices in the cube, and a mathematical operation is performed on the seismic data samples in each of the plurality of cells on each of the plurality of time slices in the cube thereby producing a plurality of values or results corresponding, respectively, to a first plurality of the first seismic data samples in the plurality of cells of the cube. The plurality of values or results are then assigned, respectively, to the first plurality of first seismic data samples in the respective plurality of cells of the cube, one such value or result being assigned to each of the first seismic data samples. Then, the plurality of cells on each time slice in the cube move (or sequentially progress) from the first plurality of first seismic data samples to a second plurality of second seismic data samples, the above referenced mathematical operation is performed on the seismic data samples in each of the plurality of cells which now encompass the second plurality of second seismic data samples, and a second plurality of values or results is produced corresponding, respectively, to the second plurality of second seismic data samples in the plurality of cells of the cube, one such value or result being assigned to each of the second plurality of second seismic data samples. Then, the plurality of cells move or sequentially progress from the second plurality of second seismic data samples to a third plurality of third seismic data samples, and the above process is repeated until all of the seismic data samples on each of the time slices in the cube have a value or result assigned thereto. A color is assigned to each value or result corresponding to each seismic data sample. Therefore, each of the seismic data samples in the cube have a unique color assigned thereto. By slicing through the cube along the time axis, a time slice "map" is produced having a plurality of colors disposed thereon which correspond, respectively, to the plurality of values or results which further correspond to the plurality of seismic data samples on that time slice (see figures 13-15). Similarly, by slicing vertically through the cube along a vertical axis, another "map" is produced having another plurality of colors disposed thereon which correspond, respectively, to the plurality of seismic data samples on that vertical slice (see figure 39). Consequently, the entire cube now has values or results and unique colors assigned to each of the seismic data samples in the cube and a plurality of maps can be produced which reflect the geologic features on the maps. However, as good as the above referenced computer processing of the seismic data has become, improvements are needed. For example, there are different ways for performing the above referenced mathematical operation on the plurality seismic data samples in each of the plurality of cells on each of the slices in the cube. For example, in U.S. Patent 5,563,949 to Bahorich et al (the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference into this specification), in each of the cells on each of the time slices, a "coherency" is determined between two seismic data samples which are disposed in an "in-line" direction, and another "coherency" is determined between two seismic data samples which are disposed in a "cross-line" direction; the geometric mean of the coherency in the in-line direction and the coherency in the "cross-line" direction is determined; and that geometric mean value is assigned to one of the seismic data samples in each of the particular cells. The "coherency" is defined below with reference to figure 20. In addition, in U.S. Patent application serial number 09/019,180 filed 02/05/98 to Peter P. Van Bemmel et al and entitled "Seismic signal processing method and apparatus for generating time slice or horizon maps in response to seismic traces and quadrature traces to determine geologic features" (hereinafter called the "Van Bemmel application"), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in this specification, a seismic signal trace and its quadrature trace undergo cross correlation for determining a cross correlation function (from which a plurality of values are determined for assignment to the seismic data samples) and generating the aforementioned "maps". However, the method disclosed in the Bahorich patent (which discloses a mathematical operation for calculating the geometric mean of two coherency values to represent the value to assign to a seismic data sample in each cell on a time slice of a cube) and the method disclosed in the Van Bemmel application (which discloses a mathematical operation for calculating the cross correlation between a seismic trace and its quadrature trace) represent only two such methods and mathematical operations for generating a "cube" and a plurality of corresponding "maps" that display a set of geologic features of the earth formation in the cube. There exist other methods for performing other mathematical operations for calculating other values or results for assignment to a seismic data sample in each of the cells on each of the slices in the cube for the ultimate generation of a "cube" and corresponding "maps" that display the geologic features of an earth formation in the cube. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to disclose another such method and associated apparatus for calculating another value or result (i.e., a "variance value") for assignment to a seismic data sample in each cell on each time slice in a cube and for generating a cube and one or more maps from the cube, such as time slice maps, for displaying, via the variance values, the various geologic features of the earth formation in the cube. It is a primary feature of the present invention to use a particular mathematical operation to calculate a value or result for assignment to a seismic data sample in each cell on each time slice through a cube, and to produce a cube and a plurality of corresponding maps, such as a time slice map, for displaying the geologic features of an earth formation along each slice through the cube, the calculation of that value or result being accomplished by: assigning a variance value to each such seismic data sample on each such slice through the cube and assigning a unique color to each such variance value thereby producing a cube and a plurality of corresponding maps representing slices through that cube which display, via the variance values, a set of geologic features of the earth formation along that slice through the cube. It is another feature of the present invention to use a particular mathematical operation to calculate a value or result for assignment to a seismic data sample in each cell on each time slice through a cube, and to produce a cube and a corresponding map, such as a time slice map, that displays the geologic features of an earth formation along that slice through the cube, the calculation of that value or result being accomplished by: dividing the cube into a plurality of time slices and dividing each time slice in the cube at a particular reflection time "j" into a plurality of cells where each cell has (for example) nine seismic data samples disposed therein; calculating the average of the amplitudes of the nine seismic data samples in a particular cell at the time "j"; subtracting that average from the amplitude of each seismic data sample in the particular cell thereby producing a plurality of difference values; summing the squares of the plurality of difference values thereby producing a final summation value; dividing that final summation value by the sum of the squares of the amplitudes of the seismic data samples in the particular cell thereby producing a final variance value which is assigned to a center one of the nine seismic data samples in the particular cell; repeating the above steps for another adjacent cell on each of the time slices of the cube having another nine seismic data samples disposed therein until all of the seismic data samples on each of the time slices of the cube have variance values assigned thereto; and assigning colors to each of the variance values on each of the slices through the cube to thereby produce a plurality of color maps corresponding to each of the slices through the cube, the colors on each map representing a set of geologic features along a slice through the cubic volume of the earth formation. In accordance with the above object and other features of the present invention, a "Variance Cube" software is disclosed which is adapted for storage in a memory of a computer workstation. The Variance Cube software is initially stored on a program storage device, such as a CD-Rom, the software being loaded from the program storage device into the memory of the computer workstation. That workstation includes a processor, and when the processor executes the Variance Cube software stored in the memory, a method is practiced. When the workstation processor executes the Variance Cube software, the workstation processor will respond to a set of seismic data which was digitally generated when seismic energy "sound" waves were transmitted through a cubic volume of earth. The computer operates on a cubic portion of the received seismic data (hereinafter called a "cube") which corresponds to that portion of the seismic energy that propagated through the cubic volume of earth. The seismic data in the cube comprises a plurality of seismic traces, where each trace further comprises a multitude of seismic data samples. When a plurality of horizontal planes (called 'time slices') pass through each corresponding set of seismic data samples in the cube, that cube is divided into a plurality of the time slices where each time slice has a particular reflection time "j". During the processing of the seismic signal traces by the workstation processor, a first plurality of cells on the respective plurality of time slices in the cube will encompass a corresponding first plurality of seismic data samples on the plurality of time slices of the cube. Each cell on each time slice includes a plurality of seismic data samples having a corresponding plurality of amplitudes at the reflection time "j", the plurality of seismic data samples in said each cell including a center seismic data sample. In each cell on each time slice, a mathematical operation is performed. During that mathematical operation which is performed in connection with each cell on each time slice, the following mathematical steps are performed: calculating an average of the amplitudes of the plurality of seismic data samples in said each cell at said reflection time "j"; subtracting that average from each amplitude of each seismic data sample of the plurality of seismic data samples in said each cell thereby producing a plurality of differences; summing the squares of the plurality of differences thereby producing a numerator; summing the squares of the plurality of amplitudes of the plurality of seismic data samples in said each cell thereby producing a denominator; dividing the numerator by the denominator to thereby produce an approximate variance value; mathematically operating said approximate variance value with respect to a weighting factor to produce a final variance value which is assigned to the center seismic data sample of the plurality of seismic samples in said each cell on the time slice; assigning a color to the final variance value; and repeating the above steps until all the seismic data samples on each slice through the cube have a final variance value and a corresponding unique color assigned thereto thereby producing a cube enclosing a plurality of seismic data samples wherein a unique variance value and a corresponding unique color is assigned to each seismic data sample in the cube. When any horizontal or vertical slice passes through that cube, that slice can be represented by a "map" which also includes a plurality of seismic data samples, each such seismic data sample having a unique variance value and a corresponding unique color assigned thereto. Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description presented hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while representing a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become obvious to one skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A full understanding of the present invention will be obtained from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment presented hereinbelow, and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not intended to be limitative of the present invention, and wherein: Figures la- lb and 2 illustrate a plurality of seismic traces reflecting off a horizon in an earth formation and propagating through a cubic volume (i.e., a "cube") of the formation; Figures 3 through 12 illustrate how a mathematical operation is performed in each cell in connection with a plurality of corresponding cells on a plurality of time slices associated with a plurality of corresponding seismic data samples in the cube and how the plurality of corresponding cells sequentially progress through the cube for the purpose of determining a unique value or result for each seismic data sample in the cube, each value or result corresponding to a unique color which is subsequently assigned to each seismic data sample in the cube; Figures 13-15 illustrate time slice maps resulting from the cube of figure 12; Figures 16 through 22 illustrate the specific mathematical operation performed in each of the cells of figures 3- 12 as disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,563,949 to Bahorich et al; Figure 23 illustrates a seismic operation where the resultant seismic data output record undergoes data reduction to produce a reduced seismic data output record; Figure 24 illustrate a computer system, such as a workstation, which stores the "variance cube software" in accordance with the present invention; Figures 25 through 28 illustrate the specific "variance oriented" mathematical operation (different from the mathematical operation of figures 16-22 in the Bahorich patent, and different from the mathematical operation of the Van Bemmel application) performed in each of the cells of figures 3- 12 as disclosed in the present application when the "variance cube software" of the present invention is executed by the workstation processor of figure 24; Figures 29 through 31 illustrate a set of user interface dialogs which are presented to the operator of the computer workstation of figure 24 via the "recorder or display device" when the variance cube software of the present invention is being executed; Figure 32 explains the structure of a flowchart depicting the structure of the "variance cube software" of the present invention of figures 33 and 34; Figures 33 and 34 illustrate a flowchart depicting the structure of the "variance cube software" of the present invention; and Figures 35 through 39 illustrate different "maps", such as time slice maps, which are generated by the recorder or display device of figure 24 when the "variance cube software" of the present invention is executed by the workstation processor of figure 24. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to figures la through 15, the following paragraphs will discuss a prior art "sequential progression" method for determining a unique value or result for each seismic data sample in a cube (i.e., a cubic volume of earth) and a corresponding unique color for each such seismic data sample in the cube and for generating one or more "maps" associated with each slice through the cube. In figures la and lb, starting with figure la, a plurality of seismic waves 10 originating from an explosive energy source reflect off a horizon 12 in an earth formation. The seismic waves 10 will propagate through a cubic volume of earth 17 (hereinafter, called a "cube 17") during its travel toward the Earth's surface. At the Earth's surface, the seismic waves 10 are received, in the form of seismic traces 31. However, each of the seismic traces 31 actually consist of a sequential series of seismic data samples. In figure lb, the seismic traces 31 propagating through the cube 17 is illustrated. Each of the traces 31 include a series of interconnected seismic data samples 15. Therefore, in figure lb, the cube 17 (representing the cubic volume of earth 17 in figure la) contains a plurality of seismic data samples 15 representing a plurality of seismic traces 31 propagating through the cube 17. In figure 2, the cube 17 of figure lb is again illustrated; however, in figure 2, a slice (called a time slice) passes through each of the corresponding seismic data samples. For example, in figure 2, each of the seismic traces 10 include three (3) seismic data samples, a top sample, a middle sample, and a bottom sample. A time slice 19 passes through each of the top seismic data samples, a time slice 21 passes through each of the middle seismic data samples, and a time slice 23 passes through each of the bottom seismic data samples. The resultant cube of figure 2 is illustrated again in figure 3. In figure 3, a plurality of cells enclosed corresponding seismic data samples on the time slices of the cube. For example, in figure 3, a first cell 25a encloses a first seismic data sample 15al on time slice 19, a second cell 25b encloses a corresponding first seismic data sample 15a2 on time slice 21, and a third cell 25c encloses a corresponding first seismic data sample 15a3 on time slice 23. A mathematical operation takes place in each cell 15al, 15a2, 15a3, and a value or result "A" is determined for sample 15al, a value or result "B" is determined for sample 15a2, and a value or result "C" is determined for sample 15a3. The cells 25a, 25b, and 25c "sequentially progress" to the next adjacent samples 15bl, 15b2, 15b3. In figure 4, note that "A" is assigned to sample 15al, "B" is assigned to sample 15a2, and "C" is assigned to sample 15a3. In figure 4, the first cell 25a encloses a second seismic data sample 15bl on time slice 19, the second cell 25b encloses a corresponding second seismic data sample 15b2 on time slice 21, and the third cell 25c encloses a corresponding second seismic data sample 15b3 on time slice 23. The mathematical operation takes place in each cell 15bl, 15b2, 15b3, and a value or result "D" is determined for sample 15bl, a value or result "E" is determined for sample 15b2, and a value or result "F" is determined for sample 15b3. The cells 25a, 25b, and 25c "sequentially progress" to the next adjacent samples 15cl, 15c2, 15c3. In figure 5, note that value "D" is assigned to sample 15bl, value "E" is assigned to sample 15b2, and value "F' is assigned to sample 15b3. In figure 5, the first, second, and third cells 25a, 25b, and 25c enclose the third and corresponding seismic data samples 15cl, 15c2, 15c3, the mathematical operation is performed in the cells 25a, 25b, 25c and a value or result "G", "H", and "I" is determined for samples 15cl, 15c2, and 15c3, respectively. The cells 25a-25c sequentially progress to the next adjacent samples 15dl, 15d2, 15d3 and note, in figure 6, that values G, H, and I have been assigned to samples 15cl, 15c2, and 15c3, respectively. In figure 6, the first, second, and third cells 25a, 25b, and 25c enclose the fourth and corresponding seismic data samples 15dl, 15d2, 15d3, the mathematical operation is performed in the cells 25a, 25b, 25c and a value or result "J", "K", and "L" is determined for samples 15dl, 15d2, and 15d3, respectively. The cells 25a-25c sequentially progress to the next adjacent samples 15el, 15e2, 15e3 and note, in figure 7, that values J, K, and L have been assigned to samples 15dl, 15d2, and 15d3, respectively. In figure 7, the first, second, and third cells 25a, 25b, and 25c enclose the fifth and corresponding seismic data samples 15el, 15e2, 15e3, the mathematical operation is performed in the cells 25a, 25b, 25c and a value or result "M", "M", and "O" is determined for samples 15el, 15e2, and 15e3, respectively. The cells 25a-25c sequentially progress to the next adjacent samples 15fl, 15f2, 15f3 and note, in figure 8, that values M, N, and O have been assigned to samples 15el, 15e2, and 15e3, respectively. In figure 8, the first, second, and third cells 25a, 25b, and 25c enclose the sixth and corresponding seismic data samples 15fl, 15f2, 15f3, the mathematical operation is performed in the cells 25a, 25b, 25c and a value or result "P", "Q", and "R" is determined for samples 15fl, 15f2, and 15f3, respectively. The cells 25 a- 25c sequentially progress to the next adjacent samples 15gl, 15g2, 15g3 and note, in figure 9, that values P, Q, and R have been assigned to samples 15fl, 15f2, and 15f3, respectively. In figure 9, the first, second, and third cells 25a, 25b, and 25c enclose the seventh and corresponding seismic data samples 15gl, 15g2, 15g3, the mathematical operation is performed in the cells 25a, 25b, 25c and a value or result "S", "T", and "U" is determined for samples 15gl, 15g2, and 15g3, respectively. The cells 25a-25c sequentially progress to the next adjacent samples 15hl, 15h2, 15h3 and note, in figure 10, that values S, T, and U have been assigned to samples 15gl, 15g2, and 15g3, respectively. In figure 10, the first, second, and third cells 25a, 25b, and 25c enclose the eighth and corresponding seismic data samples 15hl, 15h2, 15h3, the mathematical operation is performed in the cells 25a, 25b, 25c and a value or result "V", "W", and "X" is determined for samples 15hl, 15h2, and 15h3, respectively. The cells 25 a- 25c sequentially progress to the next adjacent samples 15il, 15i2, 15i3 and note, in figure 11, that values V, W, and X have been assigned to samples 15hl, 15h2, and 15h3, respectively. In figure 11, the first, second, and third cells 25a, 25b, and 25c enclose the ninth and corresponding seismic data samples 15il, 15i2, 15i3, the mathematical operation is performed in the cells 25a, 25b, 25c and a value or result "Y", "Z", and "AB" is determined for samples 15il, 15i2, and 15i3, respectively. The sequential progression of the cells 25a-25c stops at this point, since values or results have been assigned to each and all of the seismic data samples in the cube 17. Note, in figure 12, that values Y, Z, and AB have been assigned to samples 15il, 15i2, and 15i3, respectively. In figure 12, as a result of the above "sequential progression" movement of the cells 25a, 25b, and 25c which was discussed above with reference to figures 3 through 11 , wherein the mathematical operation was performed in each of the cells 25a and 25b and 25c, all of the seismic data samples "x" on each of the time slices 19, 21, and 23 of the cube 17 have a "value or result" assigned thereto. Recall that a unique color is determined for each such unique value or result. In figures 13 through 15, a simple time slice map 19a is illustrated corresponding to time slice 19 of figure 12, a simple time slice map 21a is illustrated corresponding to time slice 21 of figure 12, and a simple time slice map 23a is illustrated corresponding to time slice 23 of figure 12. However, see figures 35 through 39 for more realistic time slice (and vertical slice) maps which are generated in accordance with the present invention. Referring to figures 16 through 22, recall that, in U.S. Patent 5,563,949 to Bahorich et al, a "first mathematical operation" is performed in each of the cells 25a, 25b, and 25c of figures 3 through 12 for the purpose of determining a value or result to assign to each seismic data sample in the cube. That "first mathematical operation", performed in each of the cells of each time slice in the cube of the Bahorich et al patent, is discussed below with reference to figures 16 through 22 of the drawings. In figure 16, the time slice 19 of figure 3 is illustrated. The time slice 19 includes the sequentially progressing cell 25a of figure 3. Each cell 25a contains four seismic data samples "x", three of the seismic data samples "x" being used during "cross correlation". For example, when "cross correlation #1" is complete, "cross correlation #2" takes place, followed by "cross correlation #3", "cross correlation #4", and "cross correlation #5" in "sequential progression" order. In figure 16, when "cross correlation #1" is complete, a "Geometric Mean" 20 is assigned to the seismic data sample "x" 20 (which is the corner sample) . Similarly, in figure 16, when cross correlations 2, 3, 4, and 5 are completed, a separate Geometric mean is assigned to each of their corner seismic data samples "x" as indicated in figure 16. This concept is explained more fully below with reference to figure 4. In figure 17, one of the cells 25a of figure 16 is illustrated. The cell 25a contains three seismic data samples "x": seismic sample 22, seismic sample 24, and seismic sample 26. An "in-line" cross correlation 28 takes place between samples 24 and 26 thereby producing a "coherency" value along the x-direction: "Px(t, tlagx)". Then, a "cross-line" cross correlation 30 takes place between samples 22 and 24 thereby producing a "coherency" value along the y-direction: "Py(t, tlagy)". The "Geometric mean" of the two coherency values "Px(t, tlagx)" and "Py(t, tlagy)" is determined. The "Geometric mean" for two (2) values is defined to be the square-root of the product of the two values. Therefore, since there are two coherency values "Px(t, tlagx)" and "Py(t, tlagy)", the Geometric mean of the two coherency values "Px(t, tlagx)" and "Py(t, tlagy)" is defined as follows: Geometric mean = [Px( t, tlagx)] [Py(t, tlagy)] The above referenced "Geometric mean" is assigned to the corner sample 24 in figure 17. Ultimately, a color is associated with the corner sample 24, that color being indicative of the above referenced "Geometric mean" value. The "in-line" cross correlation 28 and the "cross-line" cross correlation 30 of figures 16 and 17 will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to figures 18 and 19. In figures 18 and 19, the method for performing the "in-line" cross correlation 28 and the "cross-line" cross correlation 30 of figure 17 is illustrated. In figure 18, "seismic trace 1" 32 is "cross correlated" with "seismic trace 2" 34. "Seismic trace 1" 32 in figure 18 can be seismic trace 24 in figure 17 and "seismic trace 2" 34 in figure 18 can be either seismic trace 22 or seismic trace 26 in figure 17. The "seismic trace 1" 32 has a "zero mean" and it includes a plurality of seismic samples 36. The "seismic trace 2" 34 also has a "zero mean" and it is successively shifted or "lagged" downwardly in figure 18 by an amount equal to the distance between the seismic samples 36. For example, "seismic trace 2" 34a has a "zero mean" and it is not shifted or lagged downwardly; "seismic trace 2" 34b has a "zero mean" and it is shifted or lagged downwardly by one seismic sample 36; "seismic trace 2" 34c has a "zero mean" and it is shifted or lagged downwardly by two seismic samples 36; and "seismic trace 2" 34d has a "zero mean"and it is shifted or lagged downwardly by three seismic samples 36. In figure 18, in order to perform the cross correlation operation, a "shift and cross multiply and add" operation is performed, and, when the "seismic trace 1" 32 (which has a "zero mean") is successively cross correlated with each of the "seismic traces 2" 34a through 34d (each of which have a "zero mean" and are successively "lagged" downwardly in figure 18), a "Zero Mean Lagged Cross Correlation (ZMLCC)" function 38 is produced. For example, in figure 18, "seismic trace 1" 32 and "seismic trace 2" 34a are cross correlated by cross multiplying and adding (no shifting required here) thereby producing a first zero mean lagged cross correlation value 38a, "seismic trace 1" 32 and "seismic trace 2" 34b are cross correlated by shifting and cross multiplying and adding thereby producing a second zero mean lagged cross correlation value 38b, "seismic trace 1" 32 and "seismic trace 2" 34c are cross correlated by shifting and cross multiplying and adding thereby producing a third zero mean lagged cross correlation value 38c, and "seismic trace 1" 32 and "seismic trace 2" 34d are cross correlated by shifting and cross multiplying and adding thereby producing a fourth zero mean lagged cross correlation value 38d. By applying a curve to each of the peaks of the first, second, third, and fourth zero mean lagged cross correlation values 38a - 38d in figure 18, a "zero mean lagged cross correlation (ZMLCC) function" 38 is produced. In figure 18, note that the "second zero mean lagged cross correlation" value 38b is the "Most Positive" Zero Mean Lagged Cross Correlation, the "Most Positive Zero Mean Lagged Cross Correlation" being hereinafter denoted by the term: "(ZMLCC)max". In figure 19, another "Zero Mean Lagged Cross Correlation (ZMLCC) function 38 is illustrated. The "most positive zero mean lagged cross correlation" or "(ZMLCC)max" is the highest or greatest amplitude of the ZMLCC function 38. The term "t lag" is the time-distance between the "zero point" and the "most positive zero mean lagged cross correlation". In figure 20, the "seismic trace 1" 32 is cross correlated with "seismic trace 2" 34 in the manner discussed above with respect to figures 18 and 19 to produce the (ZMLCC) function 38. However, for the purpose of defining terms, the "autocorrelation of seismic trace 1" 32 is "(AC1)", and the "autocorrelation of seismic trace 2" 34 is "(AC2)". In figure 20, an "autocorrelation" of a seismic trace is defined. That is, taking "seismic trace 1" 32 as an example, "seismic trace 1" undergoes "autocorrelation" when "seismic trace 1" undergoes a mathematical operation consisting of "cross multiply and add (no shifting)" with "seismic trace 1" to thereby produce the "autocorrelation function of seismic trace 1", which we have defined to be "(AC1)". The "Geometric mean" of "(AC1)" and "(AC2)" has been defined In figure 20, therefore, the term "coherency", otherwise known as the "coherency- similarity", between "seismic trace 1" 32 and "seismic trace 2" 34 is defined as follows: By definition, the term "Px(t, tlagx)" is defined to be the "coherency or coherency/similarity in the x-direction", and the term "Py(t, tlagy)" is defined to be the "coherency or coherency/similarity in the y-direction". In figure 21, utilizing the above concepts, a cell 25a is illustrated. A cross correlation is performed between seismic trace 1 (27) and seismic trace 2 (29) to produce a "coherency value in the y-direction" which is defined to be the term "Py(t, tlagy)". Then, a cross correlation is performed between seismic trace 2 (29) and seismic trace 3 (31) to produce a "coherency value in the x-direction" which is defined to be the term "Px(t, tlagx)". A "Geometric Mean" is then calculated which is defined to be the square root of the coherency value in the x-direction "Px(t, tlagx)" multiplied by the coherency value in the y-direction "Py(t, tlagy)". That "Geometric mean" is then assigned to the corner seismic data sample "x" for seismic trace 2 (29). In figure 22, when the "Geometric mean" associated with all the cells 25a of figures 3 through 11 have been determined in the manner described above with reference to figures 16 through 22, those "geometric mean" values are plotted on a "horizontal time slice map of 3-D seismic data", and a representation of that horizontal time slice "map" is shown in figure 22. Referring to figures 23 through 39, in accordance with the present invention, another "second mathematical operation" is performed in each of the cells 25a, 25b, and 25c of figures 3 through 12 for the purpose of determining a value or result to assign to each seismic data sample "x" in the cube. That "second mathematical operation", performed in each of the cells 25 of each time slice in the cube of figure 3 in accordance with the present invention, is discussed below with reference to figures 23 through 39 of the drawings. The following paragraphs with reference to figures 23 through 39 will discuss the structure and the functional operation of the "variance cube" software in accordance with the present invention when the variance cube software is executed by a processor of a computer workstation. In figure 23, an explosive energy source 40 produces a sound vibration 42 which reflects off a horizon 46 of an earth formation 44 which is separated by a fault 48. The sound vibrations 42 are received by geophone receivers 50 thereby producing an electrical signal representing data received 52. The data received signal 52 is received by a computer 54 of a recording truck, that computer 54 generating a seismic data output record 56. The seismic data output record 56 undergoes a data reduction operation 58 in a mainframe computer thereby producing a reduced seismic data output record 60. In figure 24, a workstation computer 62 is illustrated in figure 24. The workstation computer 62 includes a processor 62a, a memory 62b which stores a "Variance Cube software" 64 in accordance with the present invention, and a recorder or display device 62c. The reduced seismic data output record 60 is received by a system bus of the workstation 62 and that record 60 is made available to the workstation processor 62a during the processor's execution of the Variance Cube software 64 of the present invention. The Variance Cube software 64 is initially stored on program storage device, such as a CD-Rom. That program storage device, having the Variance Cube software stored thereon, is inserted into the workstation 62 and the Variance Cube software is then loaded from the program storage device into the memory 62b of the workstation 62 for subsequent execution by the processor 62a. When the "Variance Cube software" 64 is executed by the processor 62a, the recorder or display device 62c can print or display a map, such as a time slice map, which reflects the geologic characteristics of the slice (such as time slice 19 of figure 2). These maps, such as the time slice maps, which are generated by the "Variance Cube software" of the present invention are illustrated in figures 35 through 39. The "Variance Cube" software 64 will be discussed below in connection with the "second mathematical relation" and a plurality of seismic traces which intersect a time slice at a particular reflection time "j". In accordance with the present invention, a set of values or results are computed by a second mathematical relation and such values or results are assigned to each seismic data sample "x" in each 'cell' on each time slice of a cube (such as cells 25a and 25b and 25c on time slices 19 and 21 and 23 of cube 17 of figures 3 through 12). Such values or results are computed using the following "second mathematical relation": Such values or results, that are assigned to each seismic data sample "x" in each cell on each time slice of a cube (such as cells 25a and 25b and 25c on time slices 19 and 21 and 23 of cube 17 of figures 3 through 12), can also be calculated by using the following slightly modified version of the "second mathematical relation": j=t+L/2 I t \ 2 Σ σ, j=t-U2 Wy- ( Σ ι=l ( π J — X J j') j=t+LI2 I 2 j= Σl-L/2 y-,Σ i=l ( v ,v J ) The following example with reference to figure 25 will demonstrate how the above "second mathematical relation" in accordance with the present invention is used to calculate the values or results that are assigned to each seismic data sample "x" of each cell 25a-25c in the cube 17 of figures 3 through 12. In figure 25, nine seismic data samples "x" are enclosed by the cell 25a (or the cells 25b and 25c) of time slice 19 (or time slice 21 or 23) of figures 3 through 12. An amplitude of a particular seismic data sample is denoted generically by the notation "%.. ", where "x" is an amplitude, the "i" denotes a particular seismic trace having that amplitude "x", and the "j" denotes a particular reflection time along that particular seismic trace "i" (e.g., the "j" would be a reflection time for a seismic data sample along seismic trace "i"). In figure 25, the amplitude χ of seismic data sample 1 "x" on the time slice 19 is "x(l)'\ In addition, in figure 25, the amplitude j r. of seismic data sample 2 "x" on time slice 19 is "x(2)'\ the amplitude χ r of seismic data sample 3 "x" on time slice 19 is "x(3)'\ ..., and the amplitude χ of seismic trace 9 "x" on time slice 19 is "x(9)". In figure 25, the following table summarizes the amplitudes χ of each of the seismic data samples 1 through 9 in the cell 25a of time slice 19 in figure 25: In figure 25, the average of each of these amplitudes is defined to be r , where the "j" refers to the particular time slice (recall, in a cube, a plurality of time slices pass through a plurality of corresponding seismic data samples at time "j"). Therefore, in our example of figure 25, the average "χ ~ " of each of these amplitudes is defined as follows: X j = [x(l) + x(2) + x(3) + x(4) + x(5) + x(6) + x(7) + x(8) + x(9)j79 Next, in figure 25, the average χ ~ is subtracted from each amplitude in the above table. Therefore, for seismic data sample 1, the following 'subtraction' takes place: ( x<D - 3c, ) Similarly, for seismic data samples 2 through 9, the following 'subtractions' take place: (X(2) - X j ), (X(3) - x .), (X(4) - J.), (X(5) - J.), (X(6) - χ } ), (X(7) - X j ), (X(8) - J y ), and (X(9) - J.) Next, in figure 25, the sum of the squares of each 'subtraction' is calculated; that is: (x(l)-χ j ) (x(2)-χ- J f + (x(3)-χ j f + ... + (x(9)- χ - j ) 1 Next, in figure 25, the sum of the squares of the amplitudes of the seismic data samples "x" is calculated, as follows: Ml)] 2 + [x(2)f + [xOtf * ..* [ (9)| Finally, the value or result (which is hereinafter known as the "variance 2 value" and is denoted by the symbol "(J, ") that is assigned to the center sample 72 of the nine seismic data samples "x" in the cell 25a of figure 25 is calculated as follows: In figure 25, using our simple example, the variance value " (J - 2 t »" ; i,s assigned to the center seismic data sample 72 which is associated with seismic trace 5 and has the amplitude of "x(5)'\ Note the above equation Recall the "second mathematical relation": which has been used to calculate the "variance value" that is assigned to the center seismic data sample 72 in figure 25. Comparing the above equation with the "second mathematical relation", the only difference is the term " y _ ( ". That term " _ ( " is a "triangular weighting function". The function of the triangular weighting function will be discussed below with reference to figure 28. In figure 26, the variance value "V" which is equal to " J ( " is assigned to the center seismic data sample 72 of the nine seismic data samples enclosed by the cell 25a in figure 25. Recall from figures 3 through 12 that a plurality of cells 25a, 25b, 25c are sequentially moving or progressing in rows along a plurality of time slices and a corresponding plurality of variance values "V" are calculated for each center seismic data sample "x" in each cell (25a, 25b, 25c). In figure 27, therefore, for a particular time slice, such at time slice 19, when a variance value (V) is calculated for each of the plurality of center seismic data samples "x" 72 for the plurality of sequentially progressing cells 25a on the time slice 19 (that sequential progression being illustrated in figures 3 through 12), the result is a "map" of the time slice 19 through the cube 17 of figure 3. That "map" of time slice 19 is illustrated generically in figure 27. The discussion set forth above in connection with figures 25 through 27 described how a "variance value" (V) is assigned to each of the seismic data samples "x" in a cube (i.e., a cubic volume of earth), and how a map of each slice through that cube can be generated. However, when the above identified "second mathematical relation" calculation takes place, the triangular weighting function " " is included in that calculation. The following discussion with reference to figure 28 will discuss the involvement of the triangular weighting function " y ._ t " in that calculation. In figure 28, a cubic volume of earth 74 (a cube 74) is divided into five time slices 76, 78, 80, 82, and 84. As noted earlier, plurality of cells (25a, 25b, 25c of figures 3 through 12) sequentially progress along a time slice (19, 21, 23) and, during that sequential progression, a corresponding plurality of variance values "V" are calculated for each of the center seismic data samples "x" (72 of figure 25) associated with each of the cells. In figure 28, a plurality of cells 76a, 78a, 80a, 82a, and 84a, associated with the plurality of time slices 76, 78, 80, 82, and 84 in the cube 74 begin their sequential progression, the cells 76a-84a moving, in synchronism, from left to right, in their respective time slices 76-84, as denoted by the arrows 76b-84b. In figure 28, the "center seismic data samples" (72 of figure 25) in the cells 76a- 84a are denoted by "XI" through "X5". Recall the "second mathematical relation": 2 where the "smoothing" variance value (J, * s assigned to the center seismic data sample 72 of figure 25. In figure 28, the "smoothing" 2 variance value J ( is a function of two pans: (1) a triangular weighting part 86, and (2) a variance part 88, that is: 2 Smoothing variance value "V" =0~, = (triangular weighting part 86)(variance part 88) Where the triangular weighting part 86 = _ ( ; and In figure 28, the triangular weighting part 86 and the variance part 88 for each of the "center seismic data samples" XI through X5 is illustrated. For example, in figure 28, locate the center seismic data sample XI (identified by element numeral 90), center seismic data sample X2 (element numeral 92), center seismic data sample X3 (numeral 94), center seismic data sample X4 (numeral 96), and center seismic data sample X5 (numeral 98). Associated with center seismic data sample XI (90), locate its corresponding triangular weighting part 90a and its variance part 90b; then, for center seismic data sample X2 (92), locate its corresponding triangular weighting part 92a and its variance part 92b; and for center seismic data sample X3 (94), locate its corresponding triangular weighting part 94a and its variance part 94b; and for center seismic data sample X4 (96), locate its corresponding triangular weighting part 96a and its variance part 96b; and for center seismic data sample X5 (98), locate its corresponding triangular weighting part 98a and its variance part 98b. Each of the variance parts 90b through 98b undergo a "cross multiply and add" operation 100 with its corresponding triangular weighting parts 90a through 98a to thereby yield the "smoothing" variance values "VI" through "V5". For example, variance part 90b undergoes the cross multiply and add operation 100 with the triangular weighting part 90a to yield the "smoothing" variance value "VI". Similarly, variance part 92b undergoes the cross multiply and add operation 100 with the triangular weighting part 92a to yield the "smoothing" variance value "V2". Variance part 94b undergoes the cross multiply and add operation 100 with the triangular weighting part 94a to yield the "smoothing" variance value "V3". Variance part 96b undergoes the cross multiply and add operation 100 with the triangular weighting part 96a to yield the "smoothing" variance value "V4". Variance part 98b undergoes the cross multiply and add operation 100 with the triangular weighting part 98a to yield the "smoothing" variance value "V5". Smoothing variance value VI is assigned to the center seismic data sample XI of cell 76a and a unique color is assigned to the variance value VI. Similarly, smoothing variance value V2 is assigned to the center seismic data sample X2 of cell 78a and another unique color is assigned to the variance value V2. Smoothing variance value V3 is assigned to the center seismic data sample X3 of cell 80a and another unique color is assigned to the variance value V3. Smoothing variance value V4 is assigned to the center seismic data sample X4 of cell 82a and another unique color is assigned to the variance value V4. Smoothing variance value V5 is assigned to the center seismic data sample X5 of cell 84a and another unique color is assigned to the variance value V5. In figures 35 through 39, realistic examples of slices, such as time slices, through the cube 17 of figure 12 are illustrated. In figures 29 through 31, a plurality of user interface dialogs which are presented to the operator of workstation 62 via the recorder or display device 62c of figure 24 are illustrated. In figures 29 through 31, the parameter requirements for the Variance Cube software 64 of figure 24 are: Area of Interest (AOI), Variance Window length, and Output Volume Name. These parameter selections are illustrated in figures 29, 30, and 31. In figure 29, the user/operator has the option to select the Area of Interest (AOI) as the entire survey or from a subset of the survey. The "Entire Survey" button in figure 29, when selected or "clicked on", will bring up the dialog of figure 30, the dialog of figure 30 allowing the user operator to select any available 3D seismic survey and, additionally, to set a restrictive time range over which to compute the variance cube values. In figure 29, if the user wishes to process only a portion of a 3D seismic survey, they may press the "Select Path" button from the main dialog of figure 29. This selection will invoke the dialog box of figure 30. The dialog box of figure 31 also allows the selection of a previously defined rectangular path, restricting the inline and crossline ranges, in addition to the time range restriction which is still allowed. In figure 29, with the input data and the data range defined, the user can now select the processing parameters for the variance cube calculation. The right side of figure 29 shows the operator controls. The icons on the right side of figure 29 illustrate the user's options to select the specific input seismic traces to use in the calculation of variance. The three options shown are: 3x3, 5+5, and 5x5. The variance cube calculation outputs the results for one trace at a time, but it uses the 'surround traces' in the computation of the variance value. For example, as illustrated in figure 25, using the 3x3 operator, the 'variance cube' algorithm will use the sample values from the eight traces which surround the center trace (or operator trace), as the icon illustrates. As we process from one trace to the next adjacent trace, the original input seismic data is used for the eight traces which surround the new trace, etc. In figure 29, the other parameter setting at the user's control is labelled "vertical average" on the main dialog. This parameter is used in the algorithm to set the number of samples (such as eight in figure 25), which are located above and below the sample at which the calculation is currently being performed, to use in the variance calculation. Finally, the user must name the output variance volume. In figure 32, before beginning to discuss the flowcharts of figures 33 and 34 which depict the structure of the "variance cube" software 64 of figure 24 of the present invention, figure 32 explains the two-part structure of the flowcharts, namely, the first flowchart of figure 33 and the second flowchart of figure 34. In figure 32, the triangular weighting part 86 and the variance part 88 of figure 28 is again illustrated; however, in figure 32, only the one triangular weighting part 90a and its one corresponding variance part 90b is illustrated for purposes of this discussion. Still referring to figure 32, recall from figure 28 that the variance part 90b undergoes a "cross multiply and add" operation 100 with respect to the triangular weighting part 90a to yield a "smoothing" variance "VI" which is assigned to the center seismic data sample "XI" of cell 76a of figure 28. Refer now to figures 33 and 34 and note that this flowchart comprises a first flowchart of figure 33 and a second flowchart of figure 34. Referring back to figure 32, when the first flowchart of figure 33 is executed, the top half of the variance part 90b undergoes the cross multiply and add operation 100 with respect to the top half of the triangular weighting part 90a; and, when the flowchart of figure 34 is executed, the bottom half of the variance part 90b undergoes the cross multiply and add operation 100 with respect to the bottom half of the triangular weighting part 90a. In addition, before beginning to discuss the flowcharts of figures 33 and 34, recall again the following "second mathematical relation" in accordance with the present invention which was used to calculate the 2 "smoothing variance values" (J t that are assigned to the center seismic data samples "X1-X5" of the cells (76a-84a in figure 28) on the time slices (76-84 of figure 28) for the purpose of generating the cube of figure 12 and the time slice maps of figures 13-15, as follows: where: ~ ( is a variance value, ; ._ t is a triangular weighting function, where the sum of said weighting l=L/2 functions is unity: ∑ \;, = 1.0 ;=- /2 tne sum °f tne squares of each subtraction or the sum of the squares of a plurality of differences, a sum °f tne squares of a plurality of amplitudes of a corresponding plurality of seismic data samples in each cell (i.e., cells 25a, 25b, 25c of figures 3-11), χ is the amplitude of each seismic data sample in a cell (25a- 25c), and X j is the average of the amplitudes of all the seismic data samples in a cell. The above "second mathematical relation" can also be expressed or set forth in a slightly different form (hereinafter called an "additional second mathematical relation") which can also be used to calculate the 2 "smoothing variance values" J ( that are assigned to the center seismic data samples "X1-X5" of the cells (76a-84a in figure 28) on the time slices (76-84 in figure 28) for generating the time slice maps of figures 13-15, the "additional second mathematical relation" being set forth below, as follows: where: (J t is the variance value, y ._ ( is the triangular weighting function, / _ 2 ∑(jt / — X j) is a sum of the squares of each subtraction or the sum of the squares of a plurality of differences, ' 2 ∑ Xij) is a sum of the squares of a plurality of amplitudes of a ;=ι corresponding plurality of seismic data samples in each cell (i.e., cells 25a, 25b, 25c of figures 3-11), X y is the seismic amplitude at time "j" for trace "i"; and X j is the average amplitude at time "j" for all traces «"ϊ»> Refer now to figures 33 and 34 wherein a flowchart 64 of the "variance cube" software 64 of figure 24 of the present invention is illustrated. The flowcharts of figures 33 and 34 are divided into two parts, the first flowchart 64a of figure 33 and the second flowchart 64b of figure 34. The flowcharts of figures 33 and 34 utilize the above referenced "additional second mathematical relation" which is set forth again below, as follows: 2 In figure 33, in the first flowchart 64a, the top half of the variance part 90b in figure 32 will undergo the "cross multiply and add operation" 100 with respect to the top half of the triangular weighting part 90a in figure 32. In figure 33, start by reading the first three inlines, block 64al and initialize "Sumsqx, Sumsqy, and Weight = 0.0", block 64a2. Then, find the sample value average "χ ~ ", block 64a3, as follows, Recall from figure 25 that the average of each of the amplitudes of the seismic traces "x(l)" through "x(9)" is defined to be χ ~ , where the "j" is a time value which refers to the particular time slice, and that the average " x " of each of these amplitudes is defined as follows: X j = [x(l) + x(2) + x(3) + x(4) + x(5) + x(6) + x(7) + x(8) + x(9)]79 In figure 33, find the squared difference from the mean, block 64a4, as follows: Sumsqx Recall from figure 25 that the sum of the squares of each 'subtraction' is calculated as follows: Xij X j) - ι=l — \2 (x(l)-x j ) 2 + (x 2)-X j ) 2 + (x(3)-x j Y + ... + (x(9)-x j y In figure 33, find the sum of the squared sample value, block 64a5, as follows: Sumsqy ?( ^) Recall from figure 25 that the sum of the squares of each amplitude (of each seismic trace at the intersection) is calculated, as follows: In figure 33, scale by weighting function, block 64a6, as follows: Weight = Weight + (1.0/(L/2)) Sumsqx = Sumsqx * Weight Sumsqy = Sumsqy * Weight In connection with the "scale by weighting function" step, block 64a6, recall that the "weighting function" term ltiplied by both the "normalized squared difference from the mean" term Sumsqx = ∑( X j .— χ ~ ; ) and the sum of the squared sample value term Sumsqy = ∑ I C / ) which appears in the "additional second mathematical relation", as follows: In figure 33, accumulate Sumsqx, Sumsqy for this reflection time "j", block 64a7. In figure 34, in the second flowchart 64b, the bottom half of the variance part 90b in figure 32 will undergo the "cross multiply and add operation" 100 with respect to the bottom half of the triangular weighting part 90a in figure 32. In figure 34, start by reinitializing the weight to be equal to 1.0, block 64b 1. Then, in figure 34, repeat blocks 64a3, 64a4, 64a5, 64a6, and 64a7 of figure 34, as follows: 1. Find the sample value average "χ ~ j ", block 64b2, as follows: 2. Find the squared difference from the mean, block 64b3, as follows: Sumsqx = ∑( Xij — x j 3. Find the sum of the squared sample value, block 64b4, as follows: Sumsqy 4. Scale by weighting function, block 64b5, as follows: Weight = Weight + (1.0/(L/2)) Sumsqx = Sumsqx * Weight Sumsqy = Sumsqy * Weight 5. Accumulate Sumsqx, Sumsqy for this reflection time "j", block 64b6 6. Output variance value for the reflection time "t", block 64b7, as follows: Variance(t) = Sumsqx/Sumsqy 7. Drop the first of three inlines and pick up the next inline, repeat the process until all the inlines are finished, block 64c. The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims: WE CLAIM: A method of generating a cube for displaying a set of geologic features of a cubic volume of an earth formation, a plurality of seismic waves propagating through said cubic volume of said earth formation, a plurality of seismic traces being generated in response to said plurality of seismic waves, said plurality of seismic traces including a plurality of seismic data samples, a cube representing said cubic volume of said earth formation enclosing said plurality of seismic data samples, comprising the steps of: (a) assigning a variance value to each seismic data sample in said cube; and (b) assigning a unique color to each variance value in said cube. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said variance value assigned to each seismic data sample is defined to be a degree to which an amplitude of said each seismic data sample varies about an average seismic data sample amplitude value. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said cube is divided into a plurality of time slices where each of the time slices include a first subset of said plurality of seismic data samples, each of said plurality of time slices enclosing a corresponding plurality of cells where each of the cells on each time slice include a second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples where said second subset represents a further subset of said first subset, and wherein the assigning step (a) for assigning a variance value to each seismic data sample in said cube comprises the steps of: (al) calculating, for a seismic data sample in each cell on each time slice of the cube, a variance value, and (a2) assigning the variance value to said seismic data sample in said each cell on said each time slice of the cube. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the calculating step (al), for calculating said variance value for a seismic data sample in each cell on each time slice of the cube, comprises the steps of: calculating an average seismic data sample amplitude which represents an average of a plurality of amplitudes of the plurality of seismic data samples of said second subset in said each cell; subtracting said average seismic data sample amplitude from each of said plurality of amplitudes of said plurality of seismic data samples of said second subset in each cell thereby producing a plurality of differences; summing the squares of said plurality of differences to thereby produce a numerator; summing the squares of said plurality of amplitudes to thereby produce a denominator; dividing the numerator by the denominator to produce a quotient; and mathematically operating said quotient against a weighting function to produce said variance value. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the calculating step (al) further comprises the steps of: performing the following mathematical operation, where: 2 (J t is said variance value, ._ t is said weighting function, where the sum of said weighting functions is unity: = 1.0 , 1 - , 2 ∑ Xij ~ X /) is aid sum of the squares of said plurality of differences i=l J J of said numerator, / 2 ∑ ( t) is said sum of the squares of said plurality of amplitudes of i=l J said second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples in each cell of said denominator, jT y - is said amplitude of each seismic data sample in said cell, and X . is said average of the amplitudes of all said seismic data samples in the cell. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the calculating step (al) further comprises the steps of: performing the following mathematical operation, 2 where <J ( is said variance value, W . is said weighting function, ∑ f χ;;—χ : ) is said sum of the squares of said plurality of the differences of said numerator, is said sum of said squares of said plurality of amplitudes of said second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples in each cell of said denominator, r, is said amplitude of each seismic data sample in said cell, and X . is said average of the amplitudes of all said seismic data samples in the cell. 7. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for generating a cube that displays a set of geologic features of a cubic volume of an earth formation, a plurality of seismic waves propagating through said cubic volume of said earth formation, a plurality of seismic traces being generated in response to said plurality of seismic waves, said plurality of seismic traces including a plurality of seismic data samples, a cube representing said cubic volume of said earth formation enclosing said plurality of seismic data samples, said method steps comprising: (a) assigning a variance value to each seismic data sample in said cube; and (b) assigning a unique color to each variance value in said cube. 8. The program storage device of claim 7, wherein said cube is divided into a plurality of time slices where each of the time slices include a first subset of said plurality of seismic data samples, each of said plurality of time slices enclosing a corresponding plurality of cells where each of the cells on each time slice include a second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples where said second subset represents a further subset of said first subset, and wherein the assigning step (a) for assigning a variance value to each seismic data sample in said cube comprises the steps of: (al) calculating, for a seismic data sample in each cell on each time slice of the cube, said variance value, and (a2) assigning the variance value to said seismic data sample in said each cell on said each time slice of the cube. 9. The program storage device of claim 8, wherein the calculating step (al), for calculating said variance value for a seismic data sample in each cell on each time slice of the cube, comprises the steps of: calculating an average seismic data sample amplitude which represents an average of a plurality of amplitudes of the plurality of seismic data samples of said second subset in said each cell; subtracting said average seismic data sample amplitude from each of said plurality of amplitudes of said plurality of seismic data samples of said second subset in each cell thereby producing a plurality of differences; summing the squares of said plurality of differences to thereby produce a numerator; summing the squares of said plurality of amplitudes to thereby produce a denominator; dividing the numerator by the denominator to produce a quotient; and mathematically operating said quotient against a weighting function to produce said variance value. 10. The program storage device of claim 9, wherein the calculating step (al) further comprises the steps of: performing the following mathematical operation, where: ( ( is said variance value, vVi-i * s sa id weighting function, where the sum of said weighting functions is unity: = 1.0 , ∑ XXXiijj~X j) is said sum of the squares of said plurality of differences 1=1 of said numerator, 2 Σ Xij) i s sa id sum of the squares of said plurality of amplitudes of ι=l said second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples in each cell of said denominator, X is said amplitude of each seismic data sample in said cell, and χ ] is said average of the amplitudes of all said seismic data samples in the cell. 11. The program storage device of claim 9, wherein the calculating step (al) further comprises the steps of: performing the following mathematical operation, where (J ( is said variance value, W,- t i said weighting function, plurality of the differences of said numerator, / 2 ∑ X ) is said sum of said squares of said plurality of amplitudes of ι=l said second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples in each cell of said denominator, X is said amplitude of each seismic data sample in said cell, and X j is said average of the amplitudes of all said seismic data samples in the cell. 12. A computer program product for generating a cube that displays geologic features of a cubic volume of an earth formation, a plurality of seismic waves propagating through said cubic volume of said earth formation, a plurality of seismic traces being generated in response to said plurality of seismic waves, said plurality of seismic traces including a plurality of seismic data samples, a cube representing said cubic volume of said earth formation enclosing said plurality of seismic data samples, said computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied in said medium for causing the generation of said cube, said computer readable program code including, a first computer readable program code adapted for causing said computer to assign a variance value to each seismic data sample in said cube; and a second computer readable program code adapted for causing said computer to assign a unique color to each variance value in said cube. 13. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein said cube includes into a plurality of time slices where each of the time slices include a first subset of said plurality of seismic data samples, each of said plurality of time slices enclosing a corresponding plurality of cells where each of the cells on each time slice include a second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples where said second subset represents a further subset of said first subset, and wherein said first computer readable program code causes said computer to assign said variance value to each seismic data sample in said cube by executing a plurality of method steps comprising the steps of: (al) calculating, for a seismic data sample in each cell on each time slice of the cube, said variance value, and (a2) assigning said variance value to said seismic data sample in said each cell on said each time slice of the cube. 14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein said first computer readable program code causes said computer to assign a variance value to each seismic data sample in said cube by first executing the calculating step (al), the calculating step (al) comprising the steps of: calculating an average seismic data sample amplitude which represents an average of a plurality of amplitudes of the plurality of seismic data samples of said second subset in said each cell; subtracting said average seismic data sample amplitude from each of said plurality of amplitudes of said plurality of seismic data samples of said second subset in each cell thereby producing a plurality of differences; summing the squares of said plurality of differences to thereby produce a numerator; summing the squares of said plurality of amplitudes to thereby produce a denominator; dividing the numerator by the denominator to produce a quotient; and mathematically operating said quotient against a weighting function to produce said variance value. 15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the calculating step (al) further comprises the steps of: performing the following mathematical operation, where: (J, is said variance value, \ ; _ ( is said weighting function, where the sum of said weighting (= /2 functions is unity: ∑ ? t = 1.0 , l=-LI2 I _ 2 ∑ XXXiijj~X ) is said sum of the squares of said plurality of differences ι=l of said numerator, 2 ∑ Xi j ) is said sum of the squares of said plurality of amplitudes of i=l J said second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples in each cell of said denominator, jr. is said amplitude of each seismic data sample in said cell, and X j is said average of the amplitudes of all said seismic data samples in the cell. 16. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the calculating step (al) further comprises the steps of: performing the following mathematical operation, j= Ut++LU/22 I 2 J= v Σ Σt--L//22 Wj- t ∑ ι=l [Xi J ,—X J j ') j=t+L/2 I l= Σt-LI2 Wj-.Σ ι=l i v Xi J j / ) 2 . where (J, s said variance value, W _ t is said weighting function, ∑\Xi j ~X ) i said sum of the squares of said plurality of the differences of said numerator, ' 2 ∑ Xij) is said sum of said squares of said plurality of amplitudes of ι=l said second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples in each cell of said denominator, χ t is said amplitude of each seismic data sample in said cell, and X is said average of the amplitudes of all said seismic data samples in the cell. 17. A seismic signal processing apparatus responsive to a plurality of seismic traces for generating a cube that displays a set of geologic features of a cubic volume of an earth formation, a plurality of seismic waves propagating through said cubic volume of said earth formation, a plurality of seismic traces being generated in response to said plurality of seismic waves, said plurality of seismic traces including a plurality of seismic data samples, said cube representing said cubic volume of said earth formation enclosing said plurality of seismic data samples, comprising: variance value assignment apparatus adapted for assigning a variance value to each seismic data sample in said cube; and color assignment apparatus adapted for assigning a unique color to each variance value in said cube. 18. The seismic signal processing apparatus of claim 17, wherein said cube enclosing said plurality of seismic data samples includes a plurality of slices, said plurality of slices passing through said cube and intersecting corresponding ones of said plurality of seismic data samples in said cube, and wherein said variance value assignment apparatus, for assigning said variance value to each seismic data sample in said cube, comprises: first apparatus adapted for disposing a cell on each of said slices passing through said cube, a plurality of the cells corresponding, respectively, to the plurality of slices, each of said cells on each of said slices enclosing at least one of said plurality of seismic data samples, said plurality of cells enclosing, respectively, a plurality of seismic data samples among the plurality of slices; second apparatus adapted for calculating, within each of the cells on each of the slices, a variance value, said second apparatus assigning each said variance value to one of the seismic data samples enclosed by the cell, a plurality of the variance values being assigned, respectively, to a plurality of the seismic data samples in said plurality of cells among the plurality of slices in the cube, said variance value being a function of the degree to which an amplitude of each seismic data sample in the cell varies about an average amplitude of the seismic data samples in the cell; third apparatus adapted for sequentially progressing in synchronism said plurality of cells across said plurality of slices in said cube until said plurality of cells each enclose at least one of another plurality of seismic data samples, said second apparatus calculating, within each of the cells on each of the slices, a variance value, another plurality of the variance values being assigned, respectively, to said another plurality of seismic data samples, said third apparatus sequentially progressing in synchronism said plurality of cells across said plurality of slices in said cube until a variance value is assigned to each of said plurality of seismic data samples in said cube. 19. The seismic signal processing apparatus of claim 18, wherein each of said cells on each of said slices enclose a plurality of the seismic data samples, said second apparatus assigning said variance value to one of said plurality of the seismic data samples enclosed by said cell, each said variance value being a function of a difference between an amplitude of each seismic data sample in the cell and an average of a plurality of amplitudes of all the plurality of seismic data samples in the cell. 20. The seismic signal processing apparatus of claim 19, wherein each of said seismic data samples in said cube have an amplitude and said plurality of seismic data samples enclosed by each of said cells have an average amplitude, and wherein said second apparatus calculates, within each of the cells on each of the slices, said variance value by: (a) subtracting said average amplitude of all said plurality of seismic data samples enclosed by the cell from each of the amplitudes of each seismic data sample enclosed by the cell thereby producing a plurality of differences; (b) summing the squares of said plurality of differences thereby producing a numerator; (c) summing the squares of said amplitudes of all the seismic data samples enclosed by the cell thereby producing a denominator; and (d) dividing said numerator by said denominator to produce a quotient. 21. The seismic signal processing apparatus of claim 20, wherein each said variance value calculated by said second apparatus is a function of a weighting function, the sum of said squares of said plurality of said differences, and the sum of said squares of said amplitudes of all said seismic data samples enclosed by said cell. 22. The seismic signal processing apparatus of claim 21, wherein said second apparatus calculates, within each of the cells on each of the slices, said variance value by using the following mathematical relation: where: J t is said variance value, W j - t i s sa id weighting function, where the sum of said weighting 1=112 functions is unity: ∑ \ ; t = 1.0 , ll==--LLII22 squares of said plurality of differences of said numerator, / 2 ∑ Xij) i s sa id sum of the squares of said plurality of amplitudes of ι=l said second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples in each cell of said denominator, X is said amplitude of each seismic data sample in said cell, and X j is said average of the amplitudes of all said seismic data samples in the cell. 23. The seismic signal processing apparatus of claim 21, wherein said second apparatus calculates, within each of the cells on each of the slices, said variance value by using the following mathematical relation: where øτ f i said variance value, W is said weighting function, said sum of the squares of said plurality of the differences of said numerator, / 2 ∑ Xij) i said sum of said squares of said plurality of amplitudes of »=1 said second subset of said plurality of seismic data samples in each cell of said denominator, x is said amplitude of each seismic data sample in said cell, and X is said average of the amplitudes of all said seismic data samples in the cell. 24. A method of generating a cube including a plurality of seismic data samples and a plurality of variance values corresponding, respectively, to said plurality of seismic data samples in response to a set of seismic data, said set of seismic data including said plurality of seismic data samples, said seismic data being generated when an acoustic energy source generates acoustic energy, reflects said acoustic energy off a horizon in an earth formation, and propagates said acoustic energy through a cubic volume of said earth formation, said cube displaying a set of geologic features of said cubic volume of said earth formation, comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a subset of said set of seismic data which represents said cubic volume of said earth formation thereby generating said cube; (b) selecting a plurality of slices through said cube, each of the plurality of slices passing through corresponding ones of said plurality of seismic data samples in said set of seismic data, thereby generating a plurality of slices through said cube; (c) enclosing a cell around at least one seismic data sample on each slice through said cube, thereby generating a plurality of cells enclosing, respectively, a plurality of seismic data samples on a respective plurality of slices through the cube; (d) calculating a variance value for a particular seismic data sample in each cell on each slice in the cube thereby generating a plurality of variance values corresponding, respectively, to a plurality of seismic data samples in the respective plurality of cells on the respective plurality of slices in the cube, each said variance value being a function of the degree to which an amplitude of each seismic data sample in the cell varies about an average amplitude of the seismic data samples in the cell; (e) assigning each variance value in each cell to a seismic data sample in the cell and assigning a unique color to said each variance value in said each cell; (f) sequentially moving said cell from said at least one seismic data sample on said each slice through said cube to another adjacent seismic data sample on said each slice through said cube, and (g) repeating steps (a) through (f) until a variance value and a unique color has been assigned to each seismic data sample in the cube. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein each of said seismic data samples in the cube have an amplitude and wherein each of said plurality of seismic data samples enclosed by each cell on said slice has an average amplitude, wherein the calculating step (d) for calculating said variance value comprises the steps of: (dl) subtracting said average amplitude of said plurality of seismic data samples enclosed by the cell from each of the amplitudes of each seismic data sample enclosed by the cell thereby producing a plurality of differences; (d2) summing the squares of said plurality of differences thereby producing a numerator; (d3) summing the squares of the amplitudes of said seismic data samples enclosed by the cell thereby producing a denominator; and (d4) dividing said numerator by said denominator to produce a quotient representative of said variance value. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the calculating step (d) for calculating said variance value further comprises the steps of: calculating said variance value by using the following mathematical relation: where: J ( is said variance value, W ,_ t is a weighting function, where the sum of said weighting functions l= I2 is unity: ∑VM = 1 -0> ll==--LI/22 i said sum of the squares of said plurality of differences of said numerator, ∑ Xij) is said sum of the squares of said amplitudes of said seismic i=l data samples enclosed by the cell of said denominator, jr. is said amplitude of each seismic data sample in said cell, and X . is said average amplitude of said plurality of seismic data samples enclosed by the cell. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the calculating step (d) for calculating said variance value further comprises the steps of: calculating said variance value by using the following mathematical relation: where øτ is said variance value, W ._ t is a weighting function, ∑ I χ;;—χ ; ) is said sum of the squares of said plurality of the differences of said numerator, / 2 ∑ Xi j ) is said sum of the squares of said amplitudes of said seismic .=1 J data samples enclosed by the cell of said denominator, j r. is said amplitude of each seismic data sample in said cell, and x . is said average amplitude of said plurality of seismic data samples enclosed by the cell. 28. A method of generating a map displaying a set of geologic characteristics representative of the geologic characteristics of a time slice through a cube in an earth formation, a boundary enclosing a plurality of seismic data samples, comprising the steps of: (a) assigning a variance value to each seismic data sample enclosed by said boundary, and (b) assigning a color to each variance value that is assigned to each seismic data sample. 0/54207 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the assigning step (a) comprises the steps of: calculating each said variance value by determining an amplitude for each seismic data sample in a cell disposed within said boundary, determining an average seismic data sample amplitude of the seismic data samples in the cell, subtracting the average seismic data sample amplitude from the amplitudes of the seismic data samples in the cell to produce a plurality of differences, summing the squares of the plurality of differences to produce a first value, summing the squares of a plurality of the amplitudes of the seismic data samples in the cell to produce a second value, dividing the first value by the second value to produce a quotient, and operating the quotient against a weighting function to produce each said variance value. 30. A program storage device including a plurality of instructions, the instructions adapted to be executed by a processor of a computer, said instructions when executed by said processor conducting a process which generates a map that displays a set of geologic characteristics representative of the geologic characteristics of a time slice through a cube in an earth formation, a boundary enclosing a plurality of seismic data samples, said process comprising the steps of: (a) assigning a variance value to each seismic data sample enclosed by said boundary, and (b) assigning a color to each variance value that is assigned to each seismic data sample. 31. The program storage device of claim 30, wherein the assigning step (a) comprises the steps of: calculating each said variance value by determining an amplitude for each seismic data sample in a cell disposed within said boundary, determining an average seismic data sample amplitude of the seismic data samples in the cell, subtracting the average seismic data sample amplitude from the amplitudes of the seismic data samples in the cell to produce a plurality of differences, summing the squares of the plurality of differences to produce a first value, summing the squares of a plurality of the amplitudes of the seismic data samples in the cell to produce a second value, dividing the first value by the second value to produce a quotient, and operating the quotient against a weighting function to produce each said variance value.

Inventors: PEPPER RANDOLPH E F, VAN BEMMEL PETER P, PEPPER, RANDOLPH, E. F., VAN BEMMEL, PETER, P.
Applicants: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORP, SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
Application year: 2000
Main classification: G06F19
IPC codes: G01V1