Integrated Seismic Acquisition and Processing

Instructor: Jack Bouska

Course description

This course covers both modern and future practices in 3D seismic acquisition survey design and field operations. The seismic experiment is introduced as part of a larger integrated system, one composed of acquisition design, field operations, data processing, imaging and interpretation. This two-day course emphasizes how real-world aspects of interpretation, data processing, imaging and field operations can either constrain or liberate various survey design parameter choices.The course material conveys the full breadth of knowledge and tools required to select and adjust survey design parameters for optimum imaging of the subsurface target, while honouring equipment limits and surface constraints. The syllabus develops a practical set of survey design skills, using a combination of both presentations and in-class exercises. This knowledge and skill base is also reinforced using specific examples of cutting edge seismic acquisition projects from around the globe. All case histories were selected to emphasize the value of long offset, wide azimuth and simultaneous source techniques for onshore and offshore ocean bottom seismic acquisition 3D designs, employing both large and small field crews. 

Course objectives

Each participant will gain exposure to the core principals of seismic 3D survey design,  along with  practice in selecting a balanced set of 3D acquisition geometry parameters for both optimum field implementation and competent data processing.  Students will also learn how those parameter choices directly affect acquisition operations, data processing and the quality of the final image volume. 

Course outline

1)       Foundations of seismic system integration and subsurface mapping.

2)       Methods of acquiring seismic data, to image the subsurface.

3)       Optimum processing of wide azimuth seismic data, to image the subsurface.

4)       Introduction to the survey design study, a data driven investigation into survey objectives, mapping requirements and geographic constraints.

5)       The survey design procedure, techniques for selecting a balanced set of 3D geometry parameters.

6)       Offshore Ocean Bottom Seismic 3D survey design, with worked examples.

7)       Onshore 3D seismic surveys using explosive sources, with worked examples.

8)       Onshore 3D seismic surveys using Vibroseis sources, with Simultaneous Source examples. 

Participants' profile

The course is designed for: Seismic acquisition specialists who wish to learn more about designing cost-effective acquisition programmes, that are well matched to state-of-the-art processing and imaging techniques, along with strategies to exploit the future of high channel count crews in order to create ultra-high quality images;Seismic processing specialists who wish to learn about how acquisition geometry parameter choice directly affects the ability to attenuate noise, and image the subsurface, in the context of a modern processing scheme.Seismic interpreters with a desire to know more about both of the above. 

Prerequisites

Participants are assumed to possess a working knowledge of the reflection seismic method and its use in exploration and reservoir management.

Jack Bouska graduated with a Geophysics degree from the University of Alberta (1980), and started working at Seiscom-Delta (1981) then moved to Western Geophysical (1983), before joining Dome Petroleum in 1985, persevering through the Dome-Amoco-BP mergers of 1988 & 1998. His career included residence in; London U.K., Muscat Oman, and Calgary Alberta, while tackling a wide variety of projects spanning across five continents. Initial projects included revitalizing cost effective exploration for Amoco Canada using his invention of Sparse-3D, later expanding into the S. American Andes, designing and acquiring some of the world’s largest Heli-portable 3D’s. His innovation at BP continued with novel acquisition techniques for Seabed OBC-3D’s in the North Sea, Caspian Sea, Gulf of Suez, Abu Dhabi, Indonesia and West of Shetlands. While in the UK, Jack also acted as team Leader for the upstream technology Reservoir Management team, prior to moving to Oman as the Middle East region Seismic Delivery Manager, where he instigated several ultra-high speed Vibroseis surveys made possible by his invention of Distance Separated Simultaneous Sweeping (DS3). While in Oman, he also invented a new type of seismic sensor and autonomous node recorder, resulting in several patents (as inventor) and a commercial implementation (the BP-Schlumberger-Rosneft Nimble Node). 

In 2013 he moved back to Calgary as regional seismic delivery manager for BP’s Oil Sands and Canadian offshore seismic programs, before retiring in 2015, and turning his attention to industry training and consultation.As an author of more than 50 industry papers and technical presentations, Jack's innovations in seismic acquisition design and processing have been recognized by numerous geophysical societies; including the CSEG with the Best Theme Paper award in 1995, Best of Session papers in 1997 & 98 and best technical luncheon talk of 2014. The SEG also awarded Jack the Best Paper in the Leading Edge 2005, and Honourable Mention in Best Paper category, 2005 National convention. Jack has served as an EAGE Distinguished Lecturer for 2007-2008 and in 2009, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists selected him as the spring SEG Distinguished Lecturer in Geophysics. 

The SEG distinguished lecture was delivered at more than 40 venues, in 30 cities, across 15 countries, spanning five continents reaching approximately 2500 geophysicists world-wide during 2009.Jack is an active member of the EAGE, SEG, CSEG, and APEGA.