Rock Physics

Thursday 10 December, 15:00-16:00 (CET)

The field of Rock Physics includes many scientific challenges. One of the big challenges is to bridge the fields of geology and geophysics. Hence, Rock Physics is by nature inter-disciplinary.

Another big challenge is to bridge the gap between the different scales, from nano‐ and micro‐scale, where most of the experimental work is done, to the well log and seismic scale, where most of the applications are made. 

Yet another issue we often encounter in Rock Physics is the choice of model, and how we optimally calibrate our models in field studies. There are always more unknowns than observables. How can we better validate our calibration parameters to ensure that the models are predictive away from well control?

With recent focus on machine learning and big data analytics in the petroleum industry, there is also a question of the future role of rock physicists themselves, and how we integrate rock physics with computer science. With increasingly data‐driven and automated workflows, and use of artificial intelligence, to predict geology and reservoir properties from geophysical data, how can we ensure that physical bounds and rigorous theories are not violated? 

At the end of the day, in order to extract information reliably from geophysical observables, we still need to understand the physics of the rocks, the uncertainties in the measurements, and the validity of the methods we are using, at all scales. Or do we?

And finally, can Rock Physics have great impact in a future beyond oil?