Interpretation and analysis of the Blackfoot 3C-3D seismic survey

Grace Y. C. Yang, Donald C. Lawton, Robert R. Stewart, Susan L. M. Miller, Colin C. Potter, Vladan Simin

This paper describes the interpretation of the 3C-3D seismic survey acquired in blackfoot field, near Strathmore, Alberta (Township 23, Range 23 W4).

Structural interpretation shows a horst block in the south-central part of the area, evident from basal Cambrian time through Viking time. A fault running in a north-south direction bounds the eastern part of the block at basal Cambrian time. The fault is clearly mappable on both P-P and P-S data. More detailed structural variations are noticed on the P-S time structure map than from P-P data in the west-central part of the survey area.

Time slice analysis indicates that P-P amplitude anomalies occur not only along the Glauconitic channel trend (target of survey), but also where regional wells were drilled. P-S time slices and isochron maps indicate clearly the valley fairway trend, and Vp/Vs Values very accurately predict the locations of producing wells.

The Blackfoot 3C-3D survey has shown that converted-wave (P-S) analysis has provided significant added value to conventional, single-component P-wave surveys for the exploration of valley-fill sandstone reservoirs.