Simulation-enhanced Fracture Detection: Research and Demonstration in U.s. Basins

Remote detection and characterization of fractured reservoirs is facilitated in this project by developing a revolutionary software system. The Model-Automated Geo-Informatics (MAGI) software integrates basin modeling, seismic data, synthetic seismic wave propagation and well data via information theory. The result is a seismic inversion cast in terms of fracture and other reservoir characteristics. The MAGI software was fully tested on synthetic data to verify program accuracy and robustness to data error. In Phase II, we • collected geological information (stratigraphic, structural, thermal, geochemical, fracturing and other information across the study area (Task 4.1); • created a GIS database that is compatible with the input requirements of MAGI (Task 4.1); • implemented a web-based interface for user friendly access (Task 4.2); • gathered and preprocessed seismic data for input into MAGI; • developed twoand three-dimensional wave propagation simulators (in time domain) for fluid saturated porous media and implemented matching layer methodology for absorbing boundary conditions (Task 4.3); • developed parallel version of the seismic simulators (Task 4.3); • proposed an information theory framework that allows for the integration of multiple data types of a range of quality (Task 4.4); • developed and implemented highly efficient, parallel, Gauss-Newton seismic waveform inversion code based on reciprocity theorem (Task 4.5) • verified and demonstrated the accuracy and efficiency of the wave propagation and seismic waveform inversion codes (Tasks 4.3 and 4.5); and • identified the requirements for seismic data to allow seismic inversion (Task 4.6). With these accomplishments, we are prepared to carry out a demonstration in the Illinois Basin. A database of the proposed study area and the web-based system to facilitate geologic and seismic data input are ready for this demonstration as are mapping tools for comparison and observations.