Different types of VSP

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Zero offset VSP vertical well

also shot as a checkshot
for purely time depth
information

Uses
Surface Seismic correlation
Over pressure prediction
Multiple Identification
Wavelet Processing
Formation Velocities
Time depth curve
Identification of events
Prediction ahead of the bit

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Checkshot spacing much coarser than VSP as no imaging required

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

Zero offset VSP vertical well

Zero offset VSP deviated well

Uses
Structural Mapping
Porosity Evaluation
Determine Anisotropy

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

A Zero-Offset VSP corridor stack can be used to positively

calibrate phase and identify multiple reflections present on a
surface seismic section. Because the VSP is recorded along the
depth profile of the well, the processed Zero-Offset VSP will
contain only the primary reflected arrivals above the well total
depth.
Zero-Offset VSP and Velocity Surveys provide a geophysicist
the time-depth information required to map the time-domain
seismic zone of interest into the depth domain. In-situ interval
velocity measurements can also be used to update the
estimated stacking velocities used in surface seismic data
processing.

Zero offset VSP vertical well

Zero offset VSP deviated well
Normal Incidence

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

Uses
Lateral Coverage beneath
well
Fault and dip identification

2003

Vertical travel paths no refraction therefore accurate velocities

Zero offset VSP vertical well

Uses

Zero offset VSP deviated well

Image specific target

Normal Incidence VSP

Identify edge of gas cloud

Offset VSP

Undershoot gas chimney

Image edge of salt diapir
Rock properties

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Uses

Zero offset VSP vertical well

Zero offset VSP deviated well

Imaging

Normal Incidence VSP

Seismic attributes

Offset VSP

Surface processing
parameters
Shear wave analysis

Walkaway VSP

Anisotropy and AVO

Surface survey design

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Zero offset VSP vertical well

Zero offset VSP deviated well

Uses
Accurate salt flank image

Normal Incidence VSP

Offset VSP
Walkaway VSP
Salt Proximity VSP

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Zero offset VSP vertical well

Zero offset VSP deviated well

Uses
High sub-surface resolution

Normal Incidence VSP

Offset VSP
Walkaway VSP
Salt Proximity VSP
3D VSP
may be acquired in a grid

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Provides time-depth correlation with surface seismic data

Assists in creating a high-resolution velocity model around
the wellbore
Improves reservoir characterization and delineation of faults
and pinchouts
Reduces operating costs and maximizes synergy with
simultaneous acquisition and processing of 3-D VSP and 3-D
surface seismic data
Shared velocity model, shot statics, and deconvolution
derived from surface seismic data is applicable to the VSP
data
Q compensation derived from borehole VSP data improves
surface seismic resolution
Allows surface seismic AVO calibration and anisotropy
detectionproviding a better understanding of lithology,
porosity, pore fluids, and the orientation of aligned fractures
Contributes valuable information to time-lapse seismic
studies, especially when recorded with permanently installed
sensors

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Zero offset VSP vertical well

Zero offset VSP deviated well

Uses
High sub-surface resolution

Normal Incidence VSP

Offset VSP
Walkaway VSP
Salt Proximity VSP
3D VSP
may be acquired in a spiral

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Spiral easier processing, faster acquisition

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Zero offset VSP vertical well

Zero offset VSP deviated well
Normal Incidence VSP
Offset VSP
Walkaway VSP

Uses
Assess changes in the
subsurface with time
Monitor well depletion
Monitor enhanced recovery

Salt Proximity VSP

3D VSP
Time Lapse (or 4D) VSP

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Seismic data from the surface or a borehole acquired at

different times over the same area to assess changes in the
subsurface with time, such as fluid movement or effects of
secondary recovery. The data are examined for changes in
attributes related to expressions of fluid content. Time-lapse
seismic data can repeat 2D, 3D (which is known as 4D seismic
data), crosswell and VSP data.

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Zero offset VSP vertical well

Zero offset VSP deviated well
Normal Incidence VSP
Offset VSP
Walkaway VSP
Salt Proximity VSP
3D VSP
Time Lapse (or 4D) VSP
Seismic While Drilling

Uses
Place the drill bit on the
seismic section
Predict pore pressure
Predict target (hazard) depth
Optimise mud weight
Select coring and casing
points
Land the well optimally in the
reservoir
Identify salt proximity in real
time

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Seismic data from the surface or a borehole acquired at

different times over the same area to assess changes in the
subsurface with time, such as fluid movement or effects of
secondary recovery. The data are examined for changes in
attributes related to expressions of fluid content. Time-lapse
seismic data can repeat 2D, 3D (which is known as 4D seismic
data), crosswell and VSP data.

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Uses

Zero offset VSP vertical well

Zero offset VSP deviated well
Normal Incidence VSP
Offset VSP
Walkaway VSP
Salt Proximity VSP

Calculate velocity between

wells
High resolution image between
wells
Reservoir connectivity
mapping

3D VSP
Time Lapse (or 4D) VSP
Seismic While Drilling
Cross well VSP (Tomography)

Baker Atlas MER Seismic School 2003

2003

Reservoir Connectivity Mapping (RCM)

Measures interwell continuity of reservoir units
Provides high resolution image to determine:
Continuity of flow/barrier units within the reservoir
Sand channels description
Natural fracture patterns
Carbonate porosity patterns
Can be used to increase primary production and improve
recovery during secondary and tertiary recovery programs
RCM and Connectivity-While-Drilling (CWD) Benefits
Improves reservoir description for reservoir monitoring and
management
Assists in the planning of well tests, in-fill drilling, EOR
programs, horizontal wells, and completion/ recompletion
programs
Increases production through accurate reservoir delineation
and compartment identification
Details reservoir heterogeneities at the reservoir level
indicated with surface seismic data
Velocity Tomography
Velocity tomography uses cross-well seismic travel-times to
calculate formation velocity between wells. Direct-path travel-

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