SS: Exploration Prospect Interpretation and Risking Using Modern Geophysical Technology - Success in Amplitude Anomalies and AvO - Technology has the Might, but the Basics must be Right

Abstract

Advanced technology provides elegant solutions to complex E&P problems. We should never forget, however, to respect the basics of subsurface sciences, since getting the basics right is a necessary prerequisite for applying advanced technology. This holds particularly true for the evaluation of seismic anomalies -Direct Hydrocarbons Indicators (DHIs) and Seismic Amplitude-versus-Offset (AvO) anomaliesThe optimal solution is to always force "Low-Tech" to precede "High-Tech", and never the reverse, meaning these three "basics" must be considered first:• Basics of Seismic Geophysics • Basics of Geology • Basics of Risk Analysis With these three areas of basics covered, the higher-end analytical geophysical techniques that are commonly employed to predict risk and reward in DHI and AvO prospects can now be effectively employed to create value rather than destroy it.