2013 SEG Summer Research Workshop

Seismic Uncertainties and Their Impact

8-12 July 2013
Rimrock Resort Hotel
Banff, Alberta, Canada

Registration deadline extended!

Uncertainty plays a very important role in managing risk at all stages of the exploration and production (E&P) business. Much of this uncertainty is tied to the imperfect description of the subsurface in terms of structure and formation properties (the earth model). Therefore, our ability to better understand and quantify the uncertainties in this model will help better manage the risk and reduce cost in our industry. In this multidisciplinary workshop we will discuss the root causes of this uncertainty, how we quantify it, how we can reduce it, and what it means to the users of the earth model in other disciplines including drilling and production.

Seismic plays a central role in creating the earth model. Subsurface structural model is obtained by interpretation of depth migrated seismic images. Formation properties such as velocity, density, lithology, pressure, porosity, and pore fluids are obtained by advanced processing of seismic data calibrated by well information. Consequently, it is key to understand what types of uncertainties are introduced in this seismic model generation process and how we can quantify them. This understanding facilitates creation of new techniques and establishment of best practices for accurate characterization of uncertainties, leading to improved risk management. We will have several sessions to discuss new advances in model uncertainty analysis and quantification.

The real impact of earth model uncertainty is measured by how it influences decision making at various phases of E&P activities including:

1. Exploration
2. Drilling
3. Reservoir management
4. Recovery optimization
5. Health and environment

We will have presentations by industry experts in these areas and discussion sessions with the objective of building a bridge between the seismic model builders and the users of these models.

Schedule and Session Descriptions

The workshop will begin on Monday evening, 8 July, with a welcome reception at the hotel. A welcome and keynote speaker will begin the morning on Tuesday, 9 July, and the remainder of the day will feature presentations on seismic uncertainty (Paul Williamson, Konstantin Osypov, Session Chairs).

The Uncertainty Sessions will focus on the fundamentals of the uncertainty in seismic imaging and characterization. Examples are: limitations in the precision of measurements (S/N) and acquisition geometries; types of uncertainty, such as kinematic vs. dynamic; and approaches for estimating output uncertainties from these inputs. We also welcome contributions addressing statistical models of earth parameters and the choice of parametrization, the definition and use of prior models, and the distinction between uncertainty and bias, due (for example) to the neglect of some aspects of the physics in the model such as elasticity, attenuation or anisotropy.

Tuesday Sessions will include a Mixed Posters Session.

Wednesday Morning Sessions will focus on seismic uncertainties Impact on Exploration (Frederik Pivot Session Chair) This session will include papers focusing, for example, on how seismic uncertainties are taken into account for interpretation (horizons and faults that define the envelope of potential prospects) and how they are finally integrated for estimating ranges of possible volumes for Hc in place. We look also for papers showing impact on relevant exploration attributes like coherency, seismic impedances, avo cubes, and case studies showing pitfalls, and propositions about more "uncertainty-proof" prospect interpretation workflows.

Wednesday afternoon will allow time off to take part in planned activities or to just enjoy the beautiful scenery and cool mountain air.

The Thursday Morning Session will look at the Impact on Drilling (Cengiz Esmersoy, Session Chair) of seismic uncertainties. Uncertainties in structural images, drilling target locations, and formation properties such as pore pressure could result in unexpected hazards and increased costs. Impact of these on drilling risk management will be discussed.

Thursday Afternoon Sessions examine the Impact on the Static Reservoir Model (Cory Hoelting, Session Chair). This session will include papers and discussion on how seismic uncertainties are taken into account when building P10, P50, P90 (or high, mid, low) geomodels. They may focus on any relevant aspect of static modeling, including but not limited to: impacts on the geometry (and gross rock volume) of the model; stochastic specification of reservoir properties populating the model, and how the standard base case workflow is modified to create end-member models.

Thursday evening we will enjoy a group dinner.

Friday Morning's Session will look at the seismic uncertainties Impact on Production (Mike King, Session Chair) This session will consider the interaction between reservoir uncertainties, multiple models of the reservoir, reservoir management and surveillance and production optimization. As we develop a reservoir we produce oil and gas but also acquire dynamic data about the reservoir. We are especially interested in presentations which describe the change in uncertainty (collapse or expansion), and integrate it into decisions on well placement and/or well optimization during field development.

The workshop concludes on Friday at noon.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Location and Dates

The venue for the meetings, meals and guest rooms for the SEG Summer Research Workshop on Seismic Uncertainties and Their Impact is the Rimrock Resort Hotel in beautiful Banff, Alberta, Canada over the dates of 8-12 July 2013. Go to the hotel's website, www.rimrockresort.com to see the breathtaking views of the hotel in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Canada's Banff National Park and the surrounding areas have a variety of magnificent mountain golf courses to challenge you if you are a golfer. In addition, Banff offers horseback riding, fishing, tennis, hiking, white water rafting, gondola rides and an outdoor hot springs pool. The town of Banff also offers many wonderful shops, art galleries and museums. This is an ideal location to bring your family.

Workshop Process

1. Information and instructions for submission of papers to present at the workshop is available on this website in the sidebar on the upper right side under Important Documents.
2. The organizing committee will carefully review applications and papers to determine acceptance.
3. You will be notified by 10 June and if accepted you will receive registration and housing information by email. If you receive notification after the 8 June deadline, you will be granted an extension on the advance rate.
4. Register and pay the fee to attend the workshop.
5. Make your own housing reservations with the hotel using the information you will be given to secure the special group rate for workshop attendees.
6. Come enjoy a great time of learning and sharing of ideas and experiences.

Visa Information and Invitation Letter

• name
• passport number
• date and place of birth
• nationality as it appears on the passport
• reference number from the invitation letter

Fax these forms together with the cover letter printed on the group's official stationery to +1.918.497.5557, Attention: Visa Letter Assistance.

Create my letter

Please note that this letter does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa, nor does it commit SEG to pay any expenses you may incur. It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry to Canada.

If you have any questions about this form or the letter it generates, please send us an email.

SEG Meeting Planner

Peggy Pryor