September

4
5
6
7
2
3
8
9
10
GSH
Board
LABOR
DAY
11
1
13
SIPES
Symposium
14
Technical
Breakfast
19
20
Technical
Luncheon
15
16
17
SIPES
Luncheon
HGS Golf
Tournament
SEG Forum (Bahrain)
25
HGMS Show
26
27
21
Rock
Physics
SIG
22
23
Potential
Fields
SIG
HGMS Show
28
September 2005
by Pat Peck, GSH President
Data
Processing
SIG
18
NEWSLETTER
Technical Luncheon Technical Breakfast President’s Column
Newsletter
Deadline
12
VOL. 40, NO. 1
29
30
24
Date: September 20, 2005
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Westchase Hilton
9999 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77042
(just inside Beltway)
713-974-1000
Cost: $22 with reservation
$27 at the door
Reservations:Online at www.gshtx.org
E-mail: [email protected]
GSH 713-463-9477
Title: The Impact of Seismic
Amplitudes on Prospect
Risk Analysis
Speakers: Rocky Roden* - Consultant
with Rose and Associates, LLP
Mike Forrest - Consultant with
Rose and Associates, LLP
Roger Holeywell - Marathon
Oil Corporation
Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Time: 7:00 a.m., breakfast; no food or
drink allowed in the Visionarium
Location: Paradigm 820 Gessner,
820 Gessner, Suite 400
Website: www.paradigmgeo.com
Directions: Exit Gessner south from the
Katy Freeway; cross Kingsride and
Barryknoll; turn left into parking garage to
level F; take covered walkway across to Two
Let’s Talk about Beer
I
had the pleasure of attending the GSH
Honors and Awards dinner back in
May. The evening was truly enjoyable,
great food and more important were the
wonderful people I had the privilege of
visiting with throughout the evening. Many
of these people are legends in our industry;
of course I’m not referring to myself, I’m
just a legend in my own mind.
Memorial City Plaza
Abstract: Essentially all companies
involved in oil and gas exploration and
development must account for the various
geological risk factors associated with their
specific prospects. Since seismic data
(calibrated with well control if available) is
one of the primary interpretation tools used
to determine these risk factors, the presence
of seismic amplitudes that are potentially
Title:
WHY NOT HFVS?
Speaker: J. W. (Tom) Thomas,
Chief Geophysicist
Dawson Geophysical Co.
Abstract:
The High Fidelity Vibratory Seismic
(HFVS) method allows data from multiple
vibratory sources to be simultaneously
collected in the acquisition phase followed
by source separation and inversion during
the processing stage. Source separation
allows for enhanced spatial sampling
which improves the resolution and the
bandwidth of the seismic image. The
inversion procedure may also increase the
seismic bandwidth. The primary
operational benefit of the HFVS
technology is the potential to increase
production efficiency. An increase in the
Craig Beasley, SEG president, as usual
gave an excellent presentation discussing
the state of the SEG and briefly discussed
the state of our industry. One of his
comments that really grabbed my attention
was the decline in the amount of money
being spent by our industry for research
over the last 10 years. It’s my
understanding that when he referred to
energy research he was referring to money
spent by the top 40 oil companies. This
in itself is very disappointing, however not
surprising, since one of the first places we
often cut to improve the bottom line is
research.
Technical Luncheon continued on page 5.
Technical Breakfast continued on page 5.
President’s Column continued on page 15.
The statement that really got my attention
was when he gave an example of a beer
company spending more on research (as a
Inside This Issue
Welcome
New
Officers!
Geophysical Auxiliary .................................. 3
SIPES Symposium, SIPES Luncheon ............ 4
SEG Bahrain ............................................... 5
Volunteers Needed ...................................... 7
HGMS Announcement ................................. 8
SEG Cont. Ed. & DISC ................................ 9
Explorer Scouts .......................................... 9
Rock Physics SIG ...................................... 10
Potential Fields SIG .............................. 11
Data Processing SIG ............................. 11
Sightings ....................................... 12, 17
Dinosaurs ............................................. 13
75th Celebration Update ....................... 13
Membership Report .............................. 19
GSH-SEG Symposium ........................... 19
Calendar of Events ................................ 20
GEOPHYSICAL SOCIETY OF HOUSTON
Joan Henshaw, Office Manager • 10575 Katy Freeway, Suite 290 • Houston, TX 77024 • Office Hours 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: (713) 463-9477 • Fax (713) 463-9160
email: [email protected] • website - http://www.gshtx.org
Joint GSH-SEG
Technical Symposium
GSH Board of Directors = GSH Executive Committee + SEG Section Representatives
PHONE
FAX
E-MAIL
PRESIDENT .................................... Pat Peck ............................. 713/461-7178 ............ 713/468-7246 ............ [email protected]
Corp. Relations ........................ Steve Danbom ................... 713/937-7530 ................................................ [email protected]
Historian .................................. Art Ross ............................ 281/360-9331 ................................................ [email protected]
Honors & Awards .................... Steve Danbom ................... 713/937-7530 ................................................ [email protected]
Museum ................................... Tom Fulton ........................ 281/242-1806 ................................................ [email protected]
Nominating .............................. Pat Peck ............................. 713/461-7178 ............ 713/468-7246 ............ [email protected]
Scholarship Liaison ................. Art Ross ............................ 281/360-9331 ................................................ [email protected]
PRES.-ELECT .................................. Kathy Hardy ...................... 713/862-0913 ................................................ [email protected]
Academic Liaison .................... Steve Danbom ................... 713/937-7530 ................................................ [email protected]
Advisory .................................. Lee Lawyer ....................... 281/531-5347 ................................................ [email protected]
Employment Ref. ..................... Sam LeRoy ....................... 281/556-9766 ............ 281/556-9778 ............ [email protected]
Office ....................................... Dave Agarwal .................... 281/920-4450 ............ 281/920-1576 ............ [email protected]
Volunteers ................................ Jerry Donalson .................. 713/464-6188 ............ 713/464-6440 ............ [email protected]
FIRST VP ......................................... Jim DiSiena ....................... 281/287-5757 ............ 281/276-9112 ............ [email protected]
Continuing Education .............. John Parrish ....................... 281/300-2570 ............ 281/859-6362 ............ [email protected]
Speakers ................................... John Parrish ....................... 281/300-2570 ............ 281/859-6362 ............ [email protected]
Tech Breakfasts ....................... Scott Wallace .................... 713/917-6783 ................................................ [email protected]
Tech Luncheons ....................... Steve Cochran ................... 281/275-7509 ............ 281/275-7660 ............ [email protected]
Tech Committee ...................... Karl Seibert ....................... 281/578-9712 *111 ....................................... [email protected]
SIGS
Data Processing ....................... Ray Abma ......................... 281/366-4604 ................................................ [email protected]
................................................. Karl Seibert ....................... 281/578-9712 *111 ....................................... [email protected]
Potential Fields ........................ Dale Bird ........................... 281/463-3816 ............ 281/463-7899 ............ [email protected]
Rock Physics ........................... Keith Katahara .................. 713/759-1770 ............ 713/356-1800 ............ [email protected]
................................................. Tad Smith .......................... 832/351-8980 ................................................ [email protected]
SEC. VP ............................................ Ken Nixon ......................... 281/646-2494 ............ 281/646-2610 ............ [email protected]
Annual Meeting ....................... Jim Moulden ..................... 832/636-8665 ................................................ [email protected]
Awards Banquet ....................... Steve Davidson ................. 281/529-3210 ............ 281/293-0641 ............ [email protected]
Golf Tournament ...................... George Lauhoff ................. 281/275-7623 ............ 281/275-7550 ............ [email protected]
Salt Water Tournament ............ Bobby Perez ...................... 281/240-1234 ............ 281/240-4997 ............ r_ [email protected]
Shrimp Peel ............................. Lee Shelton ....................... 832/351-8814 ................................................ [email protected]
Sporting Clays ......................... Alan Foley ......................... 713/526-6680 ................................................ [email protected]
Tennis Tournament .................. Joe Jones ........................... 281/438-5626 ................................................ [email protected]
SECRETARY ................................... Robert Wegner .................. 713/785-7977 ................................................ [email protected]
Directory .................................. Paul Schatz ........................ 713/975-7434 ................................................ [email protected]
GSH Membership .................... Claire Bresnahan ............... 713/880-5910 ................................................ [email protected]
Ladies Auxiliary ...................... Luann Cefola .................... 281/759-7338 ................................................ [email protected]
OTC Rep. ................................. Alf Klaveness .................... 713/468-5123 ............ 713/468-5123 ............ none
SEG Membership .................... Roy E. Clark, Jr. ................ 281/654-5651 ............ 281/654-5891 ............ [email protected]
TREASURER ................................... Scott Singleton .................. 713/273-1426 ............ 713/783-5594 ............ [email protected]
Finance .................................... Seth Berman ...................... 281/275-7506 ................................................ [email protected]
EDITOR ........................................... John Sumner ..................... 713/666-7655 ................................................ [email protected]
Assistant Editor ....................... Fernanda Araujo ................ 713/431-6126 ................................................ [email protected]
Assistant Editor ....................... Glenn Bear ........................ 713/431-6583 ................................................ [email protected]
Company Contacts .................. Scott Sechrist .................... 281/856-8029 ............ 281/856-7445 ............ [email protected]
Electronic Pub ......................... Scott Sechrist .................... 281/856-8029 ............ 281/856-7445 ............ [email protected]
Photography ............................. John Sumner ..................... 713/666-7655 ................................................ [email protected]
Publicity ................................... Scott Sechrist .................... 281/856-8029 ............ 281/856-7445 ............ [email protected]
Web Site ................................... Dave Agarwal .................... 281/920-4450 ............ 281/920-1576 ............ [email protected]
PAST PRES. .................................... Steve Danbom ................... 713/937-7530 ................................................ [email protected]
PRIOR PAST PRES. ........................ Roy E. Clark, Jr. ................ 281/654-5651 ............ 281/654-5891 ............ [email protected]
SEG SECTION REPS. ..................... Paul Schatz ........................ 713/975-7434 ................................................ [email protected]
................................................. Lee Lawyer ....................... 281/531-5347 ................................................ [email protected]
................................................. Dave Agarwal .................... 281/920-4450 ............ 281/920-1576 ............ [email protected]
ALTERNATE SEG REPS ................ Bill Gafford ....................... 281/370-3264 ................................................ [email protected]
................................................. Art Ross ............................ 281/360-9331 ................................................ [email protected]
................................................. Tom Fulton ........................ 281/242-1806 ................................................ [email protected]
................................................. George Marion .................. 713/408-0147 ................................................ [email protected]
2
Geophysical Society of Houston
September 2005
“Well-Ties in the 21st Century:
Applications to Interpretation, DHI,
and Reservoir Characterization”
Membership
Committee
Report
Claire M. Bresnahan,
Membership Chair
Active
Catalina Acuna,
Shell International
Jane Burger, ExxonMobil
Mark your calendars for this event!
Note that the organizers are also seeking volunteers to
help make the event a success.
Jamie Collins, Shell International
February 9, 2006, Houston, TX
(date subject to change)
Federic Lettieri,
Gryphon Exploration
Tentative Topics
– Measurement, quantification of tie
– Pre-stack and angle stack tie
– Multi-well tie
– Log quality and editing
– Role of rock/fluid physics
– How do you know which is wrong; seismic, well, or both?
– Deviated wells
– Anisotropy
– Tying inverted data
– Extracting Wavelets
– The simple convolutional synthetic - how adequate is it?
– Subsalt sections - how best to calibrate
– Role of VSP’s
Seeking Volunteers for Technical Committee
Organizers:
• Joel Walls, [email protected], 713-273-1432
• Tim R. Lane, [email protected], 281-366-5468
Grant Gist, ExxonMobil
Dan McConnell, AOA Geophysics
Patrick F. Rush,
Core Laboratories
Ming Zhao, ChevronTexaco
Michelle Abraham, Kerr-McGee
John Fortier, Geotrace
Larry Galloway,
Geophysical Pursuit
James Hawkins, Jr., UNOCAL
Joseph Kruger, Lamar University
Associate
Patricia Menger, GX Technology
Kelley Peace, Fugro Services
Craig Scherschel, Fugro Services
Michael Wall, Kerr-McGee
Valentin Ionesca, Microseismic
Student
Connie VanSchuyver,
University of Houston
GSH Advertising Rates
No. of
Issues:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Emeritis
Donald Frye, Palace Exploration
1/8 pg.
$125
$208
$278
$348
$425
$490
$560
$630
$700
$735
1/4 pg.
$200
$335
$448
$560
$680
$782
$895
$1008
$1120
$1175
September 2005
1/2 pg.
$400
$660
$880
$1100
$1360
$1565
$1790
$2016
$2240
$2350
full page
$750
$1250
$1670
$2090
$2515
$2935
$3355
$3780
$4200
$4400
Business Cards:
$125 for 10 issues
To reserve your advertisement space or for more
information contact Lilly Hargrave at:
713/463-9477
Geophysical Society of Houston
Members
Active
Associate
Comp
Emeritis
Honorary
Life
Student
Total Members
1070
352
22
61
30
32
15
1582
19
Editor’s Note
To insure your information
reaches the GSH society members
in a timely manner it must
appear in the appropriate
newsletter issue. Please note the
following deadlines and plan
your function’s publicity strategy
accordingly. Items must be
received on or before the corresponding deadline date. Please
send any obituary or memorial
articles of recently deceased
members to the Editor for inclusion in the newsletter. Materials
can be emailed to John Sumner
at [email protected] with
a copy sent to Fernanda Araujo at
[email protected].,
and Glenn Bear at glenn.w.bear@
exxonmobil.com. If you have any
questions please call John Sumner
at 713/666-7655, Fernanda Araujo
at 713/431-6126, or Glenn Bear
at 713/431-6583.
2005 GSH Newsletter
Deadlines
Issue ..................... October 2005
Deadline........ September 8, 2005
Issue .................. November 2005
Deadline.......... October 10, 2005
Announcements
SIPES Symposium
September 13, 2005
Technical Breakfast
September 14, 2005
Data Processing SIG
September 14, 2005
SIPES Luncheon
September 15, 2005
SEG Forum
September 18-21, 2005
HGS Golf Tournament
September 20, 2005
Technical Luncheon
September 20, 2005
Rock Physics SIG
September 21, 2005
Potential Fields SIG
September 22, 2005
18
Geophysical Society of Houston
September 2005
September 2005
Auxiliary
The Geophysical Auxiliary of Houston is Getting
Ready for a Great Year - Come Join Us!
T
he Geophysical Auxiliary of Houston invites the wife of any present or past member of
the GSH or SEG, the widows of former members of the GSH and SEG, and women
members of these organizations to join us and become a member of the GAH for 2005-2006.
Our Membership Chairperson, Kathi Hilterman, wants to hear from you! We are busy planning many wonderful events for your enjoyment and yearly dues are only $15.00. Call now
and don’t miss out! Call Kathi at 713-467-2599 or GSH Liaison, Luann Cefola at 281-7597338 for a membership application and information on how to join.
Here is just a sampling of the entertaining, enlightening, and enjoyable things that we can
expect for the coming year. Delicious luncheons in lovely locations, knowledgeable speakers, a chance to learn something new, fantastic newsletters, a fashion show, antique shopping, another wonderful yearbook, and most important of all, the opportunity to share time
with friends and many opportunities to make new friends. Don’t be left out! Break out your
calendars and please include the Geophysical Auxiliary of Houston in your plans. Contact
us today for membership information.
We will begin our year on Wednesday, September 14th with a lovely luncheon at Acordoro
Restaurant located at 5000 Westheimer. Join us as we welcome Dr. Leena Bhat, a well
known dermatologist, who will treat us to an educational discussion on the latest techniques
to help us care for our skin and “Maintain That Glow”. We will be treated to a Chef’s
Special menu and certainly enjoy the chance to catch up on summer happenings. This
should be a very enjoyable and informative event. Contact Susan Bell at 281-579-0858 or
Kathi Hilterman at 713-467-2599 for additional information.
Thursday, October 20th will find us at Hart’s Antique Mall & Design Center, located at
3002 Fondren for a light lunch and a lecture on sterling silver by one of the many experts at
Hart’s. This will also be a marvelous opportunity to tour this wonderful and extensive
antique mall. For our Winter Luncheon, the New Year will find the GAH at the Royal
Oaks Country Club on January 18th, where we will be treated to a delicious luncheon and
spring fashion show, with fashions provided by Coldwater Creek. Various artists will also
be on hand to show and sell their latest creations.
Mark your calendars, on March 19th we will gather at the scenic Lakeside Country Club for
our annual Spring Brunch, bring your spouses and friends, as we are treated to an elegant
buffet and some very special entertainment. As a special Spring Event, on April 20th, the
Auxiliary will be Wine Tasting at the Circle S Vineyard located in Sugarland, Texas and we
then round out our year on May 17th with our annual business meeting at The Houston
Racquet Club. Along with the business meeting there will be a special program on accessorizing presented by Steinmart’s Judy Luska.
It is a pleasure to welcome our new GAH Board and Committee Chairs: President – Lynn
Schoenberger, 1st Vice President – Susan Bell, 2nd Vice President – Kathi Hilterman,
Secretary – Mary Elizabeth Sims, Treasurer – Pat Abercrombie, Historian – Judy Brett,
Newsletter Editor – Joyce Gore, and our Directors Louise Andrews, Charlcie Dial, and
Phyllis Winborn.
Please remember, the 75th Anniversary Meeting of the SEG will be here in Houston from
Nov. 6-10, 2005. As the Host(ess) organization, we are proud of the program we are
developing for our Diamond Jubilee. We look forward to welcoming SEG Spouses to
Houston, the birthplace of SEG. Don your “Denims’n’Diamonds”, come celebrate the
75th Anniversary of the founding of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and let us
show you some Houston Hospitality. There will be a special one day ticket available for
spouses wishing to attend the single day event of continental breakfast, luncheon and
program which includes an afternoon of cards, book exchange and just plain old talk. The
cost of the one day ticket will be $50. What a “bargain” – stay tuned!
Geophysical Society of Houston
3
Sightings
SIPES Symposium
How Small Companies Get BIG Value from 3D Seismic
Date:
September 13th, 2005
Time:
7:45 am to 4:30 pm
Scenes from
the Honors
and Awards
Banquet
Location: Houston Research Center of the Bureau of Economic Geology
11611 West Little York Road, 77041-4715 (off of Hwy 290)
Coffee, snacks and Catered Lunch Provided
Topics:
The latest on 3D Seismic Geometric Attributes, Professor Kurt Marfurt (UH); Tying 3D Seismic to Rocks & Logs;
Dr. Charlotte Sullivan (UH), Independent Value of 3D Seismic, Hans Sheline (VeriNova); Highlights from Denver 3D
Seismic Symposiums; R. Randy Ray (R3 Expl.); Seismic Contracts overview; Invited Best Case Histories.
Cost:
$250 (Walk-ins)
($25 SIPES Member Discount)
To Register Contact: BK Buongiorno [email protected] 713-651-1639.
September SIPES Luncheon Meeting
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Houston Museum of Natural Sciences
NOTE THE ONE-TIME CHANGE IN VENUE
Social Period: 11:00 am
Lunch: 12:00 noon
Title: “Seismic Considerations for Classifying Resources/Reserve”
Speaker: Jeff S. Ogilvie, Noble Energy, Inc., Houston, Texas.
Note: Jeff will repeat his well received January 17, 2005 presentation to HGS.
T
he meeting begins with a private reception, from 11 a.m. until 12 noon, in the Weiss Energy Hall in honor of
its recent reopening. Reception hospitality will be sponsored by GeoGraphix. The reception will be followed by
a catered lunch meeting and the presentation in the museum’s conference center. For those who will be traveling
from downtown Houston, please note that the museum is only a short walk from MetroRail. For those who drive, the
museum has kindly offered to validate parking in its garage.
Colin
Sayers
Rock
Physics
SIG
Register online, call, fax or e-mail your reservation to Mrs. B.K. Buongiorno at Tel: 713-651-1639, Fax: 713-9519659, e-mail: [email protected] by 12:00 Noon, Friday, September 9, 2005. Members and Affiliates who register
by Friday, September 9 pay $30. The cost is $35 for guests, non-members, and new registrations at the door.
No-shows will be billed.
4
Geophysical Society of Houston
September 2005
September 2005
Geophysical Society of Houston
Mike
Fulton
and
Jim
DiSiena
17
SEG Forum on Land Seismic
September 18 - 21, 2005
Gulf Hotel Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain
S
ubstantial oil and gas potential and
proven reserves onshore guarantee
that land seismic will be a major factor in
securing the supply of vital energy to the
world. Land seismic presents some unique
challenges that deserve special attention.
From acquisition to interpretation, seismic
on land requires different thinking and
processes than marine seismic. For this
reason, SEG is launching this new Forum
to focus on seismic land issues. The goal
of this applied Land Seismic Forum is to
bring geoscientists together to promote
research, development and innovation in
this area. Participants will focus on
discussing solutions, sharing and
exchanging important ideas to meet the
specific challenges of land seismic
technology.
Bahrain in Manama, Bahrain. The topics
will include: Acquisition (Geometries and
sampling, etc.), Acquisition (Sources and
receivers, etc.), Near Surface, Land
Multiples, Imaging and Interpretation,
Signal Enhancement, and MultiComponent Imaging.
The forum will take place 18-21
September 2005 at the Gulf Hotel
Please visit:http://seg.org/meetings/
landseismic for more information on
the forum.
Biography:
Rocky R. Roden has been
successful in managing
and administering programs and technical
staffs in exploration and
development, domestically
and worldwide, for the past 30 years. He is
a proven oil finder with extensive knowledge
of modern geoscience technical approaches
(past Chairman-The Leading Edge Editorial
Board). As Chief Geophysicist for RepsolYPF, his role comprised advising corporate
officers, geoscientists, and managers on
interpretation, strategy and technical
analysis for exploration and development
in offices in the U.S., Argentina, Spain,
Egypt, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil,
Venezuela, Malaysia, and Indonesia. He was
directly involved in the design and
organization of the risk analysis program
at YPF-Maxus. He has been involved in the
technical and economic evaluation of Gulf
of Mexico lease sales, farmouts worldwide,
and bid rounds in Ecuador, Venezuela,
China, Hungary, Colombia, and Trinidad.
Previous work experience includes
exploration and development at Maxus
Energy, Pogo Producing, Decca Survey,
and Texaco. Rocky presently is a principle
in the Rose and Associates DHI Risk
Analysis Consortium, consults with Seismic
Micro-Technology as New Products Design
Consultant, and works with several oil
companies on technical and prospect
evaluation issues. His education includes a
BS in Oceanographic Technology-Geology
from Lamar University and an MS in
Geological and Geophysical Oceanography
from Texas A&M University.
stayed until joining Dawson Geophysical in
the fall of 2002. Mr. Thomas has extensive
field experience with 2D and 3D production
and research seismic crews. He is a
recognized leader in the geophysical sector
for the innovation and application of 3D
seismic acquisition and specialized
processing techniques. His current interests
are concentrated in the development and
application of seismic technology for
Dawson Geophysical Company. Mr.
Thomas holds several patents
in the field of seismic data
acquisition and processing and
has published his concepts and
methods in the geophysical
literature. He is a member of
the Society of Exploration
Geophysicists, the Tulsa Geophysical
Society, Permian Basin Geophysical
Society, and Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics
Honor Society).
Technical Luncheon continued from page 1.
associated with oil and gas pays is extremely
important. However, interpreters risking
prospects have to inherently know how
seismic amplitudes impact the geological
chance factors and ultimately the probability
of geological success (Pg). In 2001, a DHI
Risk Analysis Consortium of oil companies
set the goal to specifically quantify how
seismic amplitude anomalies impact the Pg.
To accomplish this goal, it was necessary
to address not only specific seismic
amplitude characteristics in different
geological environments, but also quantify
the quality of the seismic data and rock
physics information from which these
interpretations were made. A systematic
interpretation workflow methodology
developed by the DHI Consortium between
2001 and 2004 addresses all these issues
and has produced consistently realistic
results confirmed by 93 drilled wells.
Technical Breakfast continued from page 1.
production rate can be used to collect data
faster, or to acquire more seismic data per
unit area which can be used to improve
spatial sampling, or increase the fold.
Biography:
James Walter (Tom) Thomas received a BS
and MS in Physics from Pittsburg State
University in 1976 and 1980, respectively.
He began his career in the energy industry
with Phillips Petroleum in 1981 where he
16
Geophysical Society of Houston
September 2005
September 2005
Geophysical Society of Houston
5
President’s Column continued from page 1.
percentage of total revenue) than the oil
industry. I’m not certain what all is included
in their research spending, possibly
marketing, manufacturing, etc. To me this
was truly a remarkable statement. I do
appreciate a good beer (my wife would say
there isn’t any such thing as “a beer”), but
I’m far more concerned about the future of
the energy business. After all, energy is an
indispensable part of our entire economy
and our way of life.
The beer industry has been around a lot
longer than the energy industry and yet some
companies are still spending more money
on research trying to improve beer. I thought
there was only so much you could do with
hops, barley, malt and water. By contrast,
let’s list some of the ongoing seismic
research problems we’re dealing with, such
as multiple attenuation, pre-stack and post
stack depth imaging, 4-D issues, migration
issues, DMO, AVO, anisotropy and multicomponent problems, just to name a few.
I’m not saying that brewing beer isn’t
complex, however, I have a difficult time
understanding how it could require more
R&D money than our industry. I suppose
this is a good news / bad news scenario.
The good news is our children and
grandchildren will have good beer to drink.
The bad news is that without energy they
will have to drink their beer warm and in
the dark. I’m relatively certain there are
many other industries spending more money
on research as a percentage of their revenue
than we spend in the oil industry but I really
liked this beer company example.
Advertise
Your
Company
Here!
Now that I have your attention I would like
to say that our new board of officers has
already begun working for the society. We
have another fine group of officers,
committee chairmen and volunteers that are
all excited about their new positions and are
working hard to make this another successful
year. Please make an effort to attend some
of our many technical sessions or our social
events. I look forward to serving this year
as your president and perhaps having a beer
with you at the one of our social outings.
6
Geophysical Society of Houston
September 2005
September 2005
Advertise
Your
Company
Here!
“The Place to Go”
For GOM Gravity Data and Interpretations
Complete, New
Data Coverage
Fugro Robertson Inc.
(Formerly Fugro-LCT)
GRAVITY AND MAGNETICS
Brian Anderson – Dave Schwartz
Tel: 713-369-6100 www.fugro-lct.com
Geophysical Society of Houston
PSDM Support
3D Modeling
15
SEG Convention
November 6 - 10
Volunteers Needed
T
here are a variety of needs both before and during the SEG convention: Booth duty at the Historical Area
and Theater, Session monitors, Assistance during the Applied Science session, Delegate bag stuffers and
other tasks of a similar nature. There are needs that have yet to be identified. Each volunteer will receive
a one-day free pass with the commitment to 1/2 day duty.
There is flexibility for selecting specific days and projects. If you are interested please contact Claire Bresnahan at
[email protected] or 713/880-5910.
GSH Membership Chairperson Needed
Responsibilities:
Present monthly membership Report to the board at the monthly meeting
1. List of people who have submitted an application for membership and whose qualifications for
membership have been verified by the membership chair
2. The report is broken down by membership type. Membership types are:
Active, Associate, Student, Emeritus, and Life- see the GSH Membership directory for qualifications
for each type membership.
3. The report also includes current membership count by membership type
• Send annual dues notifications -July
• Send 2nd notice for annual dues notification- September
• Track of membership numbers (Active, Associate, Student, Emeritus)
• Recruit new members
Contact: Claire Bresnahan at [email protected] or 713/880-5910.
Fishing Tournament continued from page 9
BIG “6” Drilling Company, Geovision, Roff Oil & Gas, Seismic Ventures,
Southwest Canoe & Kayak, Veritas Geophysical - Hampson & Russell Software Services, Geological Services, Indel-Davis, American Shooting Centers,
Polaris E&E Services, Dawson Geophysical Company, J.L. Allen Exploration
Ventures, Unique Digital Technology, Western Geco, Iron Mountain, Jack
Nadel, Copy Dr., Tyrrell Data Services, Ovation Data Services, M-W Solutions, eSeis, Fairfield Industries, Fugro Multi Client Services, and Fugro
Robertson / LCT Division for sponsoring the Saltwater Fishing Tournament.
We wish to thank everyone again involved with the “5th Annual GSH/HGS
Saltwater Tournament”. The best advertisement is word of month, so please
spread the word to your friends about the next fishing tournament.
“The Passing of the Shovel”
Steve Danbom and Pat Peck
Tight lines to everyone until next year.
14
Geophysical Society of Houston
September 2005
September 2005
Geophysical Society of Houston
7
Humble Dinosaur
Invasion!
T
his year the Houston Gem and Mineral Society show at
the Humble Convention Center will have some special
visitors - more than 75 kinds of prehistoric creatures from the
Dinosaur World collection in San Antonio. Dinosaur George,
the ringmaster of this menagerie, will bring a whole tent full of
replicated critters of all sizes. Past visitors will remember “Stan”,
a life-size T. rex skull replica from the Black Hills Institute. Stan’s
coming back, accompanied by a few of his friends. Dinosaur
George is bringing a cute baby rex and a fierce juvenile rex,
raptors, a nest full of dino eggs, and an enormous Triceratops
skull. There will be a 23-foot Pteranodon suspended in the air.
Plesiosaurs, the skull of a Mosasaur that made its living by eating
other Mosasaurs, and a rarely-seen complete Ichthyosaur
skeleton represent the swimming reptiles. You will see Ice Age
fossils, too, including skulls from a Cave Bear and a huge
carnivorous bird. In all, visitors will learn about almost 100
different species. Most science museums do not have this much
questions. If you
variety - and you
have a favorite
will get a whole lot
bone, or any other
closer than in a
fossil you have been
museum. The tent
wondering about,
will be staffed with
bring it by for
fossil experts who
identification.
will answer all your
www.dinosaurworld.com
Biography:
Dawson Geophysical Company
Houston, Texas 713-917-6772
Midland, Texas 432-684-3000 800-D-DAWSON
www.dawson3d.com
8
Geophysical Society of Houston
September 2005
September 2005
I
am not sure where you are
on the set-up at the
convention. There will be a
Foundation Booth near the
registration area. There will be
a “History Area” in the back
near the SEG Pavilion. In that
History Area, there will be a
small SEG75 theater.
I have collected a few items
to be run on a schedule in
SEG75 Theater. They are
as follows but in no
particular order:
1) History of GSI
2) How Oklahoma
Millionaires are Made
3) Seeing the Unseen
(not Edited version)
(+or- 45 minutes)
Data Processing SIG continued from page 11
Frederic Billette obtained a Ph.D. from
Paris School of Mines, France, in 1998.
The doctorate research led to the
description and implementation of a new
velocity estimation method named
Stereo-tomography (see Geophysical
Prospecting as well as several SEG/
EAGE extended abstract publications). In
January 1999, he joined BP’s Advanced
Imaging Team in Houston where he
participated to the E&P Technology
R&D effort while contributing to data
processing projects in GoM, on-shore
US, Trinidad, Angola, Caspian Sea and
Egypt (2001 SEG award for best poster:
Update from
Lee Lawyer
“July/Ramadan: a 3D imaging project
of 6 surveys” and 2003 award for best
leading edge paper “Pushing the limits
of resolution at Holstein: A case
history from the deepwater Gulf of
Mexico”. Since January 2005, Frederic
has moved to Gulf of Mexico Deep Water
Exploration looking at the seismic
program in the Walker Ridge area. He
is still project manager for several
velocity-related R&D projects as well as
BP’s Seismic SubNetwork leader for
Velocity in the Depth Domain.
[email protected].
Geophysical Society of Houston
4) The new DVD
(as yet unnamed)
5) Video from Seismos
6) 50 years of Excellence
- History of WGC
(27 minutes)
7) 60 years of WGC
(no dialog - just
pictures and music)
8) 125th Anniversary
of Chevron
13
SEG
Continuing Education
and DISC
Sightings
B
efore the SEG 75th Annual Meeting in Houston, SEG will be hosting the 2005 Distinguished Instructor Short
Course (DISC) lecturer, Rodney Calvert, who will be speaking on “Insights and Methods for 4D Reservoir Monitoring
and Characterization” on Friday, November 4, 2005. The DISC is being held in the Hiltons America Hotel from 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
The DISC is only $35 for SEG members and $110 for non-SEG members. Additionally, SEG will be hosting 12 Continuing
Education courses on November 5-6, 2005. CE Courses will be held in the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Scenes from the
April 19th Luncheon
1.
2.
3.
4.
Steve Cochran, Yvonne Griffin,
and Robert Nejako
9.
10.
11.
12.
Davey Einarsson, Sam Nader
Bill Gafford, Art Berman
5.
6.
7.
8.
Dale Bird and Roy Clark
Seismic Fluid Detection, Reservoir Delineation...: The Rock Physics Basis by Gary Mavko
AVO: Seismic Lithology by Michael Graul and Fred Hilterman
Seismic Anisotropy: Basic Theory & Applications in Exploration & Reservoir Characterization
by Vladimir Grechka and Ilya Tsvankin
Acoustic & Elastic Seismic Modeling and Imaging (Reverse-Time Migration)
by Phil Bording and Larry Lines
Planning & Operating a Land 3D Seismic Survey by Andreas Cordsen and Peter Eick
Pore Pressure Prediction in Practice by Martin Traugott and Richard Swarbrick
Gravity and Magnetics for Explorationists by Michal Ruder
Reservoir Characterization - What Geophysicists Need to Know (& How They can Contribute)
by Norm Hyne and Norm Neidell
Applications and Interpretation of Converted Waves by Jim Gaiser
Planning & Operating a Marine 3D Seismic Survey by Malcolm Lansley and Philip Fontana
Understanding the Nature of Seismic Data by Donald Macpherson
Migration without Math (Ok, a Little Greek Math) by Bee Bednar
For more information or to register for the DISC or CE courses, please visit the SEG Professional Development website at
http://ce.seg.org and click on “Course Schedules”. Alternatively, you may e-mail Candice Chinsethagid at
[email protected] or call 918-497-5526 for registration information. Don’t delay, as courses can fill up fast! We look
forward to seeing you at the SEG 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting.
5th ANNUAL GSH/HGS SALTWATER FISHING TOURNAMENT June 25, 2005
By Robert D. Perez - Tournament Chairman
T
his year’s Saltwater Fishing Tournament was a Big Success for both the Geophysical Society of Houston and the
Houston Geological Society. Everyone had a great time. The tournament took place at Teakwood Marina, Village of
Tiki Island, Galveston, Texas. We had 52 Anglers fishing the entire Galveston Bay Complex trying their fishing skills on
Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder.
Jerry Roth and Bob Sheriff
Scenes from
Annual Meeting
and BBQ
This year’s winners are:
The Neidells
Heaviest Speckled Trout:
First Place:
Dale Shipley, 4 lb. 8 oz.
Second Place:
John Cumming, 3 lb. 7 oz.
Third Place:
Robert Tannehill, 3 lb. 4 oz.
Heaviest Redfish:
First Place:
Dale Shipley, 4 lb. 14 oz.
Second Place:
Robert Tannehill, 4 lb. 5 oz.
Heaviest Flounder:
First Place:
Second Place:
Third Place:
Heaviest Stringer:
First Place:
Dale Shipley, 16 lb. 2 oz.
Second Place:
Robert Tannehill, 10 lb. 4 oz.
Third Place:
John Cumming, 8 lb. 1 oz.
Dave Felti, 2 lb. 11 oz.
Jack Kramberger, 2 lb. 4 oz.
Dan Doss, 2 lb. 2 oz.
A “Special Thank You” to the volunteers of the event: Joan Henshaw, Lilly Hargrave, Tom Parsons, Tom Ayers, Deb Martin, Pat
Perez, and Jeff Autrey for helping with the registration and preparation of the event.
Peter Wang
We can’t praise our sponsors enough for their support and generosity for this event. We want to give a “Special Thank You” to
Kenneth Baucum, Jr. (Diversified Well Logging) for sponsoring the Fish Fry. Bill Enyart (GX Technology) for sponsoring the
Marina. David Orchard (Manzanita Alliance) for sponsoring the Awards. Jeff Autrey (Seismic Exchange) for sponsoring the
Fishing Caps.
Fishing Tournament continued on page 7
12
Geophysical Society of Houston
September 2005
September 2005
Geophysical Society of Houston
9
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
ROCK PHYSICS SIG
POTENTIAL FIELDS GROUP
Date:
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Bi-Monthly Dinner Meeting
Time:
5:30 p.m.
Date:
Time:
Location:
Cost:
Reservations:
Location: Visualization Center,
Veritas DGC, Inc.
10300 Town Park Dr.
Houston, TX 77072
Title:
Title:
Speaker:
A Modular Wireline Sonic Tool for Measurements of 3D (Azimuthal, Radial, and Axial)
Formation Acoustic Properties
Speaker: Tom Plona, Schlumberger-Doll Research
Abstract:
A comprehensive mechanical characterization of the wellbore
rock relies on a three-dimensional (3D) characterization of the
acoustic slowness in terms of radial, azimuthal, and axial variations. These acoustic rock property variations arise because of
non-uniform stress distributions, mechanical or chemical nearwellbore alteration caused by the drilling process, and formationintrinsic anisotropy.
A 3D formation acoustic properties characterization is achieved
through comprehensive acquisition of broadband waveforms from
all borehole modes (monopole, dipole, and Stoneley) coupled with
an integrated inversion of all acquired data. Compressional slowness radial variations are enabled through monopole acquisition
with a wide range of transmitter-receiver spacings, from very short
to very long, unique to this new technology. Shear slowness radial
variations are quantified through inversions of the broadband dispersions of the dipole flexural and Stoneley modes over a wide
frequency band featured by this new sonic tool. The unique design
of the dipole source enables it to be fired in either pulse mode or
chirp mode. The tool has more transmitters (5) and more receivers (104) than current generation tools, an acoustically quiet and
predictable structure, plus advanced inversion methods.
Open hole wireline logs from China, Norway, Mexico, Brazil and
the United States demonstrate the improved accuracy of both compressional and shear slowness measurements and their radial variations. With the increased number of axial and azimuthal receivers
and an acoustically quiet and predictable structure, shear wave
anisotropy is estimated more robustly with data showing reliable
fast shear azimuth measurements down to 12% slowness anisotropy. Shear slownesses from 90 to 900 µs/ft have been measured
with this new tool. Improved dispersion curves for both monopole
and dipole modes lead to clear identification of formation homogeneity, inhomogeneity, isotropy and mechanisms of anisotropy.
10
Cased hole formation evaluation data demonstrate that shear slowness curves through casing can be made reliably as high as 450
us/ft. Additional QC indicators, based on dispersion analysis, will
be described which increase the confidence of the compressional,
shear and Stoneley measurements.
Accurate determination of relevant rock properties leads to timely
decision making (e.g., regarding perforating, sand control, well
placement, and stimulation). Various applications will be discussed.
Biography:
Tom Plona is a Scientific Advisor at Schlumberger-Doll Research,
Ridgefield, CT. He received his BS (’70) in Physics from Providence College and a MS (’73) and PhD (’75), in Physics, from
Georgetown University. He joined Schlumberger in 1976 and
has worked on various aspects of the acoustics of rocks and porous media and on acoustic well logging tools for borehole applications. He provided the first experimental confirmation of the
slow compressional wave in a fluid saturated porous media that
was first predicted by Biot. He has studied the relationship between acoustics and stress/strain in rocks and compared static to
dynamic moduli. In borehole acoustics, he conducted the experimental research for the oil industry’s first compressional wave velocity measurement while drilling. Recently, Tom has focused on
the effects of stress on sound propagation in rocks and boreholes.
He has demonstrated that the frequency dependence of dipole
flexural wave propagation in a borehole contains unique information about the earth stresses that can distinguish stress-induced
anisotropy from intrinsic anisotropy. His current interests are
relating compressional and shear waves to various Geomechanics
properties (stress direction, stress magnitude, strength, etc.). Tom
has over 75 journal and conference papers; 10 patents and is a
Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America. He is also a member
of SPWLA, SPE, SEG, IEEE, and AGU.
Geophysical Society of Houston
September 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
5:30 PM
HESS Building, 5430 Westheimer, Houston
$25.00
Call or e-mail Dale Bird, by noon Tuesday, September 20, 2005
281-463-3816 or [email protected]
Marine CSEM: ExxonMobil’s experience and a summary of the 2005 SEG Workshop
Len Srnka, ExxonMobil
Abstract:
Marine controlled-source electromagnetic surveying has
emerged as a new tool for remotely detecting reservoired
hydrocarbons offshore. The technology was pioneered
by university and government researchers over the past
25 years, and recently has benefited from development
by contractors and the oil industry, including ExxonMobil.
When integrated carefully with other geoscience
infor mation, primarily seismic, marine CSEM shows
promise for adding considerable value in Upstream
applications. Remote reservoir resistivity detection and
imaging results from a recent ExxonMobil survey
demonstrate this technology. Highlights from the recent
SEG Forum on Marine CSEM will be reviewed, and an
informal panel discussion is planned.
Biography
Born & raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Married, 3 children. BSc
Engineering Sciences, Purdue 1968. PhD Physics, Newcastle upon
Tyne UK, 1974 (Marshall Scholar). NASA Lunar Science Institute,
Postdoctoral Fellow and Staff Scientist 1974-79; Research on
origins and evolution of lunar and planetary electromagnetism.
ExxonMobil 1979 - present, as follows: Exxon Production Research
Co., 1979-1993: Project leader and supervisor assignments in
electromagnetic methods, seismic modeling and inversion, and
borehole geophysics. Exxon Exploration Co., 1993-1998:
Supervisor for Grav/Mag/Remote Sensing research and
applications. ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co., 1998-present,
project leader for “R3M” marine electromagnetic technology.
Member of senior technical staff. Chief Scientist on numerous
R3M surveys offshore West Africa in 2002-2003.
DATA PROCESSING SIG
Date:
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Time:
4:30 pm - Set up, 5:00 pm - Presentation/ Q&A, 6:00 pm - Closing
Location:
PGS Geophysical, 15250 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77079. Phone (281) 509-8000
Title:
The BP Velocity Benchmark
Speaker:
Frederic Billette, BP
Abstract:
In 2004, BP conducted a 2D velocity model estimation
benchmark study. The study was open to all interested parties,
and was constructed as a blind test of available velocity model
estimation/building techniques. The test was based on a 2D
synthetic (finite-difference) dataset generated by BP, which was
made available to the interested parties. After receiving the data,
the participating groups were offered to present their results at
the 2004 EAGE workshop and/or provide the results to BP to
partake in the overall evaluation.
September 2005
In this presentation, I will present the model used for the
benchmark and comment on the results received by BP before
the solution was displayed at the 2004 EAGE conference in
Paris. The model was designed to cover several issues
encountered when estimating migration velocity models in
geophysically challenging areas around the world. The model
provides velocity estimation problems ranging from a gradient
estimation to difficult sub-salt velocity anomaly detection.
Geophysical Society of Houston
Data Processing SIG continued on page 13
11