Patent ID: 8670944

Claim:
A method of providing a quantitative prediction using a processor of a magnitude of a maximum horizontal stress (S H /S V ) at a point on a horizon within a prospect wherein the processor is programmed to perform the following steps: a) receiving seismic reflection data at the processor including a plurality of seismic reflection lines within the prospect, wherein the processor: b) selects at least two seismic reflection lines which cross the prospect substantially in the direction of maximum dip; c) selects at least one further seismic line which lies substantially along a longitudinal axis of the prospect; d) identifies on one of the plurality of seismic lines at least one substantially vertical crust cutting fault; e) identifies on the selected seismic lines a plurality of horizons; f) identifies on the selected seismic lines at least four horizons, a first pair of horizons produced in a first compressional pulse period and a second pair of horizons produced in a second compressional pulse period; g) interprets the seismic reflection data to identify at least one anticline and/or syncline; h) maps in plan the identified anticlines and/or synclines; and i) classifies each anticline into one or more predefined stress states based on the length of the anticline and its proximity to adjacent anticlines and/or classifying each syncline into one or more predefined stress states based on the length of the syncline and its proximity to adjacent synclines, wherein each predefined stress state corresponds to a predetermined value for the magnitude of the maximum horizontal stress (S H /S V ).