Insight through modelling - NORSAR

Insight through modelling
NEWSLETTER FROM NORSAR INNOVATION SUMMER 2009
NORSAR Innovation
builds on its success
New representative in Brazil
New office in Malaysia
Valuable additions to sales
team
Integration of commercial
services
See page 2 for further details
SeisRoX Integrated into Petrel
NORSAR Innovation, the leading supplier of survey evaluation
and design software is happy to announce that its innovative
reservoir-to-seismic software, SeisRoX, is now integrated with
Schlumberger’s Petrel package via the Ocean framework.
See page 3 for comment on the impact of SeisRoX or visit our web site
for further information.
www.norsar.com
Also in this issue:
News - consolidation, innovation, expansion
Advanced SED - assessing the value of COIL
Editorial Comment - the value of the Petrel plug-in
What’s New - an update on the current software
Training and Development - new facilities, new courses
News, publications, sponsorships

Time-Lapse
Modelling
Mapping the changes in the
fluid and pressure distributions
of a reservoir during production
is a major objective in 4D
seismic data analysis. Seismic
modelling can be used as a
guide for interpreting seismic
changes during production.
However, in most 4D projects
a simple 1D seismic modelling
approach is used, disregarding
the illumination and sampling
characteristics imposed on
the reservoir response as the
seismic waves are transmitted
by a pattern of sources,
modified by the overburden
structures, reflected in the
reservoir and recorded by
another pattern of receivers.
SeisRoX now provides the
potential to integrate the
survey data, overburden
properties, rock properties and
fluid simulator data into the
4D modelling scheme in a time
efficient manner through the
use of the ray based 3D PSDM
simulator.
Furthermore, SeisRoX is
integrated with Petrel* to
improve data transfer and
close the Seismic to Simulation
workflow.
*Petrel is a mark of Schlumberger
What’s New?
Expansion of activities in
Brazilian Market
We are happy to welcome Carlos Eiffel
Arbex Belem, principle of Ies Brazil
Consultoria, as our Brazilian and South
American representative. Ies Brazil
will be assisted by Patricia Lugao
of Stratalmage in the provision of
technical support and consulting.
New office in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
The office, headed by Dr Mike
Branston, will provide software
sales and service project support to
NORSAR Innovation’s clients in the
Asian Pacific Region.
“We are seeing a rapid broadening
of our client base across the world.
With the addition of this office to
our existing representation in Oslo,
Bergen, Houston, Beijing and Rio we
feel we are well positioned to give our
clients the service they have come to
expect from NORSAR Innovation.”
New Training Facilities
A new training facility was opened
at our head office in Oslo in the
Autumn of 2008. The opening of this
state of the art facility reaffirms our
commitment to providing our clients
with quality training. See the back
page for details of upcoming courses.
Software Releases
Maintaining our commitment to
provide world class maintenance
and support, we continue to release
regular software updates. We value
our clients feedback and endeavour to
incorporate many of their ideas in this
process. If you would like to contribute,
please contact us. See page 6 for
a review of what has been recently
added to the software.
NORSAR Innovation reports
record results for 2008
The board of directors announced in
their annual report for 2008 that the
gross revenue for 2008 increased
by 71% when compared to the same
period in 2007.
NORSAR Innovation continues
to grow
As a result of continuing demand for
our software we have added to our
sales team.
Hugo Moen joins us as Sales Manager
for Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
(hugo.moen@norsar.com)
Chris Watts joins us as Sales Manager
for North and South America. (chris.
watts@norsar.com)
Integration of Commercial
Services
The commercial services department
has now been fully integrated into
NORSAR Innovation. The team looks
forward to working with you to provide
innovative solutions. See opposite
Inversion, the next step for
NSM
Integrating inversion into the SeisRoX
workflow. Watch this space!
Continued sponsorship of some
of the most exciting research
programs around
We pride ourselves on our
commitment to R&D. One aspect of
this is the sponsorship of research
initiatives such as the Edinburgh Time
Lapse Program, the CO2Sink program
at Uppsalla University and the Wave
Inversion Technology Consortium.
More details on page 4

NORSAR Innovation releases
advanced seismic simulation
capability for Petrel
The release of our SeisRoX plug-in
gives Petrel* users new functionality and
a level of integration and accuracy not
previously available.
Why include SeisRoX
The key components within SeisRoX are
a) comprehensive rock physics modelling,
b) the inclusion of 3D illumination effects
caused by the overburden and survey
geometry, c) rapid simulation of 3D
prestack depth migrated
(PSDM) seismic cubes
using an extremely accurate
PSDM simulator (SimPLI),
which incorporates the
effects of illumination as
well as lateral and vertical
resolution.
The SeisRoX plug-in to Petrel makes
it possible to make a SeisRoX model
directly from a Petrel simulation model,
or a Petrel geo model, and write seismic
data from the SeisRoX modelling back to
Petrel.
Illumination and Resolution Effects
The Petrel user can now dramatically
improve their synthetic seismic
simulation by including the illumination
and resolution effects of the overburden
and survey geometry. The process takes
a matter of moments and can be run
from a standard PC or laptop.
*Petrel is a mark of Schlumberger
SeisRoX therefore provides an efficient,
accurate and flexible simulation-toseismic
workflow, truly bridging the gap
between the reservoir and seismic.
4D Analysis with NORSAR Seismic
Modelling
One of the many applications is an
improvement in the history matching
process during 4D analyses; by including
the 3D illumination and resolution
effects in the
“The Petrel user
can now dramatically
improve their synthetic
seismic simulation...”
Including Rock Physics
seismic simulation
process you can
ultimately improve
the accuracy of your
reservoir model.
Further to this, the plug in can be used
for the quantifiable evaluation of future
seismic survey designs. Rock physics
analysis can now be included in the
evaluation of multiple acquisition designs
and reservoir scenarios to ensure that
you make the right acquisition decisions
and maximize your ROI.
Commercial
Services
Take a look at your turn
around time. We offer
flexible solutions from a
turn-key illumination project
to the building of models
enabling you to conduct the
geophysical analysis.
Our team of experienced
geophysicists provide a full
range of services using
NORSAR-3D, NORSAR-2D
and SeisRoX.
NORSAR Modelling Services
include a number of tasks,
such as:
• 3D survey planning
• 3D seismic illumination
studies and attribute
mapping
• Simulation of synthetic
seismograms including user
specified multiples and peg
legs
• Building of 1D - 3D rock
models in the reservoir zone
• Pore fluid substitution
using rock models
• Estimating seismic
parameters from rock/fluid
models, including sensitivity
analyses
• Modelling seismic
response for different
reservoir scenarios including
time-lapse feasibility studies
• Target oriented model
based imaging in the
reservoir zone (PSDM)
For more information
services@norsar.com

An Eye on Research
The Wave Inversion Technology
Consortium (WIT) was
established in 1997 with the
goal of developing the most
accurate and efficient target
orientated modelling and
imaging via seismic and acoustic
methods. Today it consists of
research teams from Germany,
Brazil, Russia and Norway.
NORSAR joined WIT as an
research affiliate in 2007. In
addition to actively participating
in the research topics,
NORSAR has donated up to 5
full licenses of the NORSAR
Seismic Modelling Suite to
the participants in the WIT
Consortium (estimated value
EURO 1,000,000) for use on
research topics in the field of
seismic exploration.
Dr. Tina Kaschwich is NORSAR’s
representative within the WIT
consortium.
“The consortium and NORSAR
have highly complementary
research topics in the field
of seismic exploration. Both
organizations agree to build
an exchange of scientific ideas
and research results applicable
to seismic exploration and
production. This includes the
exchange of scientists as well
as MSc and PhD students, and
the joint supervision of theses.
This collaboration provides an
excellent opportunity to get new
insights and innovative solutions
for the further development of
seismic modelling software.”
The University of Hamburg and
NORSAR (WIT) have submitted
an abstract to the EAGE subsalt
imaging workshop in Cairo 15th
- 18th November 2009.
Advanced Survey
Evaluation and Design;
the benefit of COIL
Arguably the biggest impact on the
seismic industry in the last decade
has been the advent of innovative
survey acquisition designs to overcome
complex imaging problems.
Integral to the success of these
surveys and the uptake by the industry,
is the advanced survey evaluation
and design (SED) studies that are
conducted initially as proof of concept
but ultimately to address the specific
imaging challenges of an individual
prospect.
To illustrate a typical SED workflow
we have used the NORSAR Seismic
Modelling (NSM) software suite to
compare the main marine acquisition
designs available for a marine sub-salt
reservoir. In this example a synthetic
reservoir model was added to the well
known SEG/EAGE salt model.
The primary objectives of this study
were a) to characterize the impact
that the marine survey strategies
have on the illumination of the target
horizon, b) to assess and quantify the
related improvement in seismic data
quality and c) establish the relative ROI
for each design.
Key to the success of this study were
the wavefront construction method
used to trace the rays (the engine
behind all NSM software), the ability to
simulate accurate migration amplitudes
along the target horizon (the SMA
module within NORSAR-3D) and the
rapid simulation of 3D PSDM data
cubes at key points within the reservoir
(SeisRoX - a new addition to NSM
software suite).
Illumination from WAZ survey. 4.9
times the cost of NAZ
Illumination from RAZ survey. 9.4
times the cost of NAZ.
Illumination from COIL survey. 3.7
times the cost of NAZ.
Illumination analysis shows the
increased coverage gained by adopting
the COIL approach. Cost analysis
shows the improved ROI in comparison
with the vessel intensive RAZ survey.
The results from this study will be
presented on our booth at all major
exhibitions. Details on page 12.

The survey acquisition strategies
modelled included conventional
narrow azimuth (NAZ), wide azimuth
(WAZ), rich azimuth (RAZ), shooting
in circles (COIL) and ocean bottom
node survey (OBN). Selected results
can be seen opposite.
Unique functionality within NSM
allows the accurate estimation of
migration amplitudes across the
target horizon to aid the decision
process. In addition, we can analyze
the number of reflection points,
reflection angles, aperture size
(CMP-CRP) and recording time when
assessing the relative virtues of the
various survey strategies.
Following the illumination analysis,
the study was extended to include
the resolution of the seismic data
at key points within the reservoir.
This analysis was conducted using
SeisRoX. This new addition to the
NSM software suite efficiently
estimates PSDM seismic amplitudes
without the need to predict and
process synthetic seismic gathers.
The COIL survey shows a dramatic
improvement in the migration
amplitudes across the target
horizon. Looking at the PSDM data
at key points of poor coverage
beneath the salt it can be seen that
the improved azimuthal coverage
afforded by the COIL approach
results in better imaging of the
faults.
As part of the SED, a cost analysis
was performed for each survey,
taking into account the number of
shots in the survey, the number of
vessels, expected infill, line change
duration and technical downtime.
However, we have not considered
mob/de-mob time or any price
uplift associated with proprietary
technology. As can be seen the
COIL technique has significant cost
and imaging benefits over the other
strategies for the given model.
Summary
The survey evaluation and design
(SED) workflow presented takes
advantage of the efficiency and
accuracy of the ray tracing
approach. Advance functionality
within the NORSAR Seismic
Modelling software has enabled the
generation of results that provide
diagnostic information needed to
assess the merits of the key marine
survey strategies. Information
such as optimal survey orientation,
amplitude distribution, number of
reflection points and listening time.
In addition, the use of the advanced
PSDM simulator, has extend the
analysis through the simulation of
PSDM data at key depth points in a
usable timeframe.
Saudi Aramco and NORSAR will be copresenting
a paper detailing a similar
case study from the Red Sea at the
upcoming Subsalt Imaging workshop
in Cairo 15th - 18th November 2009.
Anti-clockwise starting
from top left: a)
Illumination map for
NAZ survey with salt
overlain in grey. Key
points on interest on
the target are labelled.
Equivalent for Coil
survey is shown as
insert. b) Synthetic
reservoir model with
key locations shown.
c) Synthetic PSDM
data generated for
COIL with illumination
vector plots, showing
the azimuth and dips
that can be illuminated
with this survey. d)
the equivalent for the
NAZ survey. Note the
improvement in the
resolution of the faults
in the PSDM data
from the COIL survey.
We can extend our analysis by generating synthetic 3D PSDM data for key points below the salt. Using SeisRoX
we can incorporate the resolution and illumination effects from the overburden and survey and rapidly generate
an accurate 3D PSDM data cube from the reservoir geo/simulation model. Further to this, we can analyze the
illumination vectors to determine which dips and azimuths can be illuminated for this survey/overburden combination.

What is new in NORSAR
Seismic Modelling?
Free 30 day
software trial
We offer a temporary licence
to enable you to evaluate the
software at your convenience.
Discover the full range of
functionality and ease of
integration by using the test
data and tutorial supplied.
In addition you can run your
current projects through the
software with full access
to the NORSAR software
support team. This is an ideal
way to assess the potential
improvements that could be
made to your next project.
If you would prefer, we are
happy to give a demonstration
of the software at your
offices.
A review of this year’s major releases
Version 5.3 introduces a new
simplified and user-friendly way of
defining the modelling project, new
functionality in the Model Builder and
improved ray code definition in the
Wavefront Tracer. In addition the
Illumination Map module has been
upgraded with improved user interface,
new functionality like attenuation maps
and setup for easier parallelization.
Project definition
• Completely new module
• Easy and user friendly setup
• Preview of grids used as templates
Model Builder
• Load grid directly into the Model
Builder
• New function to remove zerothickness
layers
• Improved block cross-section plots
Wavefront Common Shot Tracer
• Improved user interface for General
Ray Code setup and selection
• Improved default values and warnings
Illumination Map
• Simplified and improved setup
• Improved handling of converted
waves
• Option to include attenuation effects
in the maps
• Option to calculate constant
impedance SMA maps
• Event selection (all, first arrival, most
energetic, shortest ray path)
• Improved recover possibilities
• Automatic splitting of IMG’s into subimgs
to be run in parallel
Illumination Map Utility
• Improved handling of trimesh IMGs
• Option to import external data, for
example noise grids and add to an
IMAP
• Operations between maps on
different IMGs

Version 2.0 sees SeisRoX mature into
a highly advanced seismic modelling
package. Further integration with
NORSAR-3D as part of the NORSAR
Seismic Modelling software suite provides
additional modelling possibilities.
SeisRoX cube models
Extension of the SeisRoX reservoir model
to include cubes as a model element. A
SeisRoX model can consist of a set of
cubes, a set of horizons or both cubes
and horizons, all with property values
attached to each node. This makes it
easy to import and use external cubes
in the SeisRoX modelling.
Petrel plug-in
A new plug-in for Petrel makes it possible
to make a SeisRoX model directly from
a Petrel simulation model or a Petrel
geo model and write seismic data from
the SeisRoX modelling back to Petrel for
viewing and comparison.
Cube Import
New import function to import property
cubes on SEG-Y format.
Time/Depth functions
Definition of time/depth functions
is extended with an option to use a
P-velocity cube as basis for the function.
Fully integrated time domain
All data elements and SeisRoX models
can be defined and edited both in time
and depth using a time/depth function
transformation.
Fully integrated time domain 3D viewer
All elements can be plotted simultaneously
in both the time viewer and depth viewer.
Well handling
More flexible import of well data and
prediction of new logs based on depth
trends.
Handling of general surveys
All NORSAR-3D surveys can now be
sub-selected, plotted and used in the
SeisRoX modelling. Sub-selection filtering
based on X-offset and Y-offset is added.
Illumination Vector improvements.
Tighter integration between NORSAR-
3D and SeisRoX makes it easier and
more flexible to take into account survey
sub-selection and PSDM filters when
generating the Illumination Vectors. In
addition a new plot option to compare
Illumination Vectors is added.
New SimPLI modelling options
New options and improvements in
the SimPLI modelling are introduced
to simulate various amplitude effects,
including geometrical spreading and
transmission. In addition when selecting
a pulse, a new option allows to simulate
deconvolution by replacing the spectrum
of the pulse by a white-spectrum.
This release builds on the success of
previous releases. Highlights of which
include;
Wells
LAS format reader included. Prediction
of Vp, Vs and Rho using logged geological
properties and ROCKs.
Rocks
• Pressure correction using exponential
velocity function.
• The solids definition can be edited.
• Import and use of external tabulated
rocks.
Survey
• Sub select a survey based on survey
configuration with filters on parameters
such as indices (shot line, streamer,
etc.), positions, offset, azimuth, etc.
SeisRoX workflow
• Handling of converted-wave ray code
(PS) for homogeneous and layered
background models.
• Improved speed of the illumination
vector generator
• Cross-section plots of cubes
NSM featured
in Nucleus+
PGS has extended the
capabilities and scope of
the Nucleus modelling
package to a new platform,
known as Nucleus+, whilst
maintaining the link with
NORSAR Seismic Modelling
(NSM).
A project-based and project
sharing capability is now
offered, enabling greater
flexibility and easier user
access to libraries of
results and files. A new
tree structure during
parameterization provides
greater interactivity and
the capability to execute
several jobs in a workflow
or batch manner. A “job
builder” enables easier
modification and revision
later during projects.
PGS distributes NORSAR-
2D and NORSAR-3D as
an integrated part of its
NUCLEUS package
The key values added to
NORSAR-3D through the
integration with NUCLEUS
are:
• Seismogram generation
with full source-receiver
directivity through
integration with the
industry standard
marine source modelling
software.
• Simple, realistic and
flexible acquisition
geometry definition with
the NUCLEUS survey/
vessel concept.

Publications
Resolution and Illumination
analyses in PSDM: A raybased
approach.
Isabelle Lecomte. The Leading
Edge, 2008, pp 650-663.
Closer to real earth in
reservoir characterization:
a 3D isotropic/anisotropic
PSDM simulator.
Isabelle Lecomte and Tina
Kaschwich. Expanded Abstracts,
2008, SEG 78th Annual
Meeting, Las Vegas.
Using a 3D PSDM simulator
to facilitate overburden and
survey consistent modelling
of the 4D seismic response
in the Norne field offshore
Norway.
Åsmund Drottning and Mike
Branston. Expanded abstracts
PETEX 2008, London.
Image-ray tracing for joint 3D
seismic velocity estimation
and time-to-depth conversion
Einar Iversen and Martin Tygel.
Geophysics, 2008, vol,73. No3
Ray tracing and
inhomogeneous dynamic
ray tracing for anisotropy
specified in curvilinear
coordinates
Einar Iversen and Ivan Psencık,
Geophys. J. Int. 2008, 174,
316-330.
This years key publications
Closer to real earth in reservoir
characterization: a 3D isotropic/
anisotropic PSDM simulator.
Isabelle Lecomte and Tina Kaschwich.
Expanded Abstracts, 2008, SEG 78th
Annual Meeting, Las Vegas
1D convolution has proved to be a
very valuable simulation tool in seismic
exploration for decades. It is easy to
understand and to program (cheap!),
and in-house codes using this principle
are numerous because the method
is fast too. However, the underlying
assumptions are very strong, i.e., a
flat layered earth model. While 1D
convolution uses a 1D time wavelet,
the PSDM simulator is based on 3D
spatial wavelets (PSF) depending on
surveys, 3D models and wave type.
The additional cost is negligible
because the process is FFT-based and
the alternative (modelling + processing)
is far too expensive. In addition, the
PSDM simulator can be extended to
more complex background models,
taking into account anisotropy and
soon wave conversion. Various PSDM
effects can also be easily added, as will
be demonstrated, to better reproduce
actual PSDM data. Applications to
seismic inversion are on-going.
“This goes far beyond the
standard 1D poststack timeconvolution
seismic simulators
used in industry, adding proper
3D illumination and resolution
effects, including angledependency
of both reflectivity
and PSF.”
Norne reservoir model courtesy of
StatoilHydro. a) Location of two local
PSDM targets in the reservoir model
(water saturation is used for the color
mapping). The 3D target will be used
here. b) Location and geometry of
the modeled surveys. 2D line (grey
markers): the red square is the first shot
and the blue line shows the streamer.
3D survey (magenta markers): the
magenta square is the first shot and
the green lines show the streamers.
Illumination plots showing both dips and
azimuths of the potentially illuminated
reflectors at the center of the target
for a homogeneous background and
with c) the 2D mono-streamer line,
d) a 2D multi-streamer line (same
multi-streamer configuration as for the
3D survey), and e) the 3D grid with
multistreamer acquisition.

Resolution and Illumination analyses in PSDM: A raybased
approach.
Isabelle Lecomte. The Leading Edge, 2008, pp 650-
663.
Ray-based approaches allow an efficient and flexible
calculation of illumination vectors (difference of two local
slowness vectors) at any image point in an imaging
target, as a function of the survey, background velocity
model, pulse, and wave phases. This can be done in
isotropic and anisotropic media in complex background
models, and wave conversion can be included. The
illumination vector alone gives fundamental information
in terms of dip and azimuth of potentially illuminated
reflectors (the actual reflectors are not known). Each
illumination vector corresponds to one potentially
illuminated reflector: the one perpendicular to the
illumination vector (Snell’s law). However, it is possible to
go much further by introducing a frequency dependency
to form the scattering wavenumber vectors. A mapping
of the latter in the wavenumber domain will give the
point-scatterer function (PSF), hence resolution of
the PSDM system, after taking a Fourier transform
“The workflow presented here has
shown that more realistic 4D signals are
obtained from the PSDM simulator compared
to the 1D approximation”.
to get back to the depth domain. This approach is
data-independent, i.e., the illumination and resolution
capabilities of a given combination of survey, model,
pulse, and wave types can be calculated prior to any
PSDM migration of actual data. Considering reflectors
as sets of point scatterers acting as secondary sources
in reflection seismic (Huygens’ principle), and knowing
through the PSF (space-domain) or their corresponding
scattering-wavenumber filters (wavenumber domain)
how a point scatterer is imaged in PSDM, an efficient
PSDM simulator has been developed. It works as a 3D
prestack space-convolution method applying calculated
3D PSFs to 3D reflectivity cubes (FFT-based imageprocessing
approach). This goes far beyond the standard
1D poststack time-convolution seismic simulators used
in industry, adding proper 3D illumination and resolution
effects, including angle-dependency of both reflectivity
and PSF. Though key approximations are done here,
such as the local plane-wavefront approximation in the
calculation of the PSFs, and the use of the same PSFs
for a size-limited reflectivity cube (target-oriented local
imaging), extensions are possible. The first consists
of considering curvature parameters calculated by ray
tracing to extend the plane-wave approximation to higherorder
approximations. The second consists of a spacedependent
convolution where the PSFs are precalculated
at the nodes of a cube and interpolated to get a better
PSF estimate for each image point. However, the
space-variant convolution is more time-consuming and
an alternative is to use the actual local process in an
iterative mode for several local adjacent targets, merging
all resulting PSDM cubes at the end. Such a process
is easy to parallelize on a multinode machine or on a
cluster of computers. The actual version of the PSDM
simulator is working in a “true-amplitude” mode, i.e., all
scattering wavenumber vectors are attached with the
same weight when mapping in the wavenumber domain.
However, it is easy to consider other parameters
calculated by ray tracing, such as traveltime, amplitude,
attenuation, polarization, etc., to modify these weights
and thus introduce various effects on the simulated
PSDM results. These could be amplitude effects
(especially to study some ad hoc corrections functions
of traveltime), directivity pattern for both source and
receiver, attenuation in the background model, and
decomposition of the wavefield for multicomponent
receivers (polarization needed).
Using a 3D PSDM simulator to facilitate overburden
and survey consistent modelling of the 4D seismic
response in the Norne field offshore Norway.
Åsmund Drottning and Mike Branston. Expanded abstracts
PETEX 2008, London.
An overburden and survey consistent PSDM simulator is
proven to be a valuable tool for calculating the synthetic
seismic response from complex reservoir geometries.
Using real data taken from the Norne field we have shown
that the SimPLI approach, where PSDM seismic amplitudes
that include 2D / 3D illumination and resolution effects
are used, is superior to a 1D approach where illumination
and resolution constraints are ignored. What is more, the
methodology behind SimPLI and the implementation of the
technology means that the rapid evaluation of different
survey configurations can be easily achieved. The workflow
presented here has shown that more realistic 4D signals
are obtained from the PSDM simulator compared to the
1D approximation. This is so even in the Norne case with
its geologically simple overburden. It is right to assume
that as the overburden increases in complexity, the
value of a survey and overburden consistent modelling
technique also increases. As the SimPLI method includes
the resolution and illumination of the overburden it can
provide more accurate seismic simulations thus leading
to the generation of a better history match within the
reservoir model.

Helping the next
generation of
geophysicists
In 2008 NORSAR Innovation
increased its cooperation with
academic institutions in Norway
by donating software licenses
and courses worth about Euro 4
Mil. to universities in Norway.
“It is important for a Norwegian
research institute to have a
close and fruitful cooperation
with academia, as we are in
between academia and the
industry” - Principal Researcher.
“The oil industry, a main
employer of new students in
geophysics, will benefit from this
in the end. It is surprising to see
that while we are strengthening
our support of education and
research, major oil companies
operating in Norway have cut
back on their financial support
of research in the Norwegian
institute sector” - Anders Dahle
Next Generation Oil and Gas
magazine ask NORSAR about the
future of Seismic Modelling
“The ambition behind this project was
to use our seismic modelling expertise to
improve on the standard 1D convolution
technique”.
Q. How are companies using 3D
seismic data to improve reservoir
modelling techniques?
AD. In recent years, increased
emphasis has been placed on the
use of sophisticated 3D Earth models
in the decision process of the E&P
cycle. However, the generation of
such models relies heavily on well
data which will always be limited by
its inherent lack of spatial coverage.
Therefore, the integration of 3D
seismic data into the model to obtain
a more accurate representation of the
reservoir properties between the wells
will remain a key challenge.
The development and application of
geostatistical methods in this area has
improved the interpolation of reservoir
properties between the wells but the
need to QC the model through the
simulation of synthetic seismic will
remain a key aspect of the quality
assurance process. It is therefore
vital that the simulation of synthetic
seismic from the reservoir model is as
realistic as possible as in the majority
of scenarios this simulated seismic
data is compared directly with the
acquired surface seismic. Improving
the accuracy of the seismic simulation
therefore has direct results on
improving the validity of your model.
Q. 3D seismic data gathering and
modelling can be expensive. How
can intelligent analysis make sure
that you get the most out of this
resource?
AD. The current cost of seismic
acquisition certainly justifies the
expense of routinely using seismic
modelling to ensure the quality of the
end product. Using seismic modelling
to assess how the source and receiver
configuration, azimuth contribution and
known overburden is going to affect
the overall quality of the seismic image,
can help optimize the survey and
avoid poor illumination issues and the
additional expenses of re-shooting with
revised survey parameters or indeed
making poor decisions on incomplete
data.

Really it is a way of accurately
determining the value of the seismic
survey before it is shot and is an
effective way of reducing risk.
Q. What are the on-going challenges
for creating 3D modelling? How can
technology solve these problems?
AD. The development and integration of
rock physics has gone a long way towards
representing data in the formats required
to move from the geological domain
through the elastic domain and into
the reflectivity domain. However,
to date, the seismic simulators
used at the end of this process
are limiting the effectiveness of the
3D Earth models in the E&P cycle
because they are based around 1D
convolution methods which do not
take into consideration the effects
of illumination and resolution caused
by the survey and overburden.
At NORSAR we believe that the inclusion
of 3D illumination and resolution effects
in synthetic seismic is vital for the
accurate understanding of the reservoir.
To achieve this we have developed a
seismic simulator which is able to rapidly
simulate local prestack depth migrated
data that incorporates the 3D effect
of overburden illumination as well as
lateral and vertical resolution. This new
technology is called SimPLI (simulated
prestack local imaging) and has been
built into a new software program,
SeisRoX, which integrates this with
comprehensive rock physics modelling.
Q. How are your products and services
assisting clients to create accurate
and reliable models?
AD. NORSAR is renowned for its Ray
Tracing software. This has been primarily
used for seismic modelling such as
survey design, calculation of travel
times and the generation of synthetic
seismograms. However, with the launch
of our new seismic simulator we are in
an ideal place to bridge the gap between
seismic and the reservoir. The ambition
behind this project was to use our
seismic modelling expertise to improve on
the standard 1D convolution technique.
While 1D convolution ignores survey and
overburden effects and hence assumes
perfect illumination at the reservoir level,
NORSAR software takes into account
the overburden and survey effects which
affect the seismic energy while it travels
to and from the reservoir. As a result,
we can accurately reproduce the lateral
and vertical resolution effects seen in
the acquired seismic. What is more, it
“...we believe that the
inclusion of 3D illumination
and resolution effects in
synthetic seismic is vital for
the accurate understanding of
the reservoir.”.
is truly 3D giving a much better match
to the real seismic data.
Our technology provides a rapid,
integrated modelling solution which
allows the reservoir modeller to better
simulate synthetic seismic from their
model and thus improve the accuracy
and reliability of that model. Not only
does this impact decisions on the validity
of the model but through the integration
of the survey and overburden, the
modeler can determine the value of
future seismic surveys.
About Anders Dahle
Anders Dahle has been involved
with NORSAR since he joined as a
research assistant in 1972 as part
of his MSc thesis. In 1975 he left to
work for AS Geoteam but returned
in 1985 and has been at NORSAR
ever since. Appointed as Managing
Director of the research institute in
1999, Anders has over 37 years of
experience in the seismic industry.
A New Director
On the 1st Jan 2009,
Anders Dahle stepped
down as Managing Director
of NORSAR Innovation
AS to be replaced by
Åsmund Drottning.
Anders was integral to the
commercialization of NORSAR
software during his role as
NORSAR Managing Director.
It was under his tenure that
the commercial daughter
company, NORSAR Innovation
AS (NIAS), was established in
2005.
When asked about his
successor Anders was full of
praise.
“I feel Åsmund brings a
great deal to the role of
Managing Director of NIAS.
He has a wide background
in both seismic modelling
research and applied seismic
modelling. In addition, he is
a specialist in rock physics
modelling which is important
for the development of
NORSAR seismic modelling
software.
His experience in running
both research and service
projects and his knowledge
of the oil and gas industry
mark him out as a natural
successor and I am sure
that with these qualities the
continued success of NIAS
will be assured.”
Anders moves on to become
CEO of NORSAR and will
continue to be involved with
the commercial operations
through his role as Chairman
of the NIAS board.

User Meeting
Your feedback counts.
We pride ourselves on our
research and development. We
think it is important to keep our
software dynamic such that it
continues to evolve to meet the
ever changing demands of our
industry. We achieve this through
our internationally recognized
research department, input
from our commercial services
department and most importantly,
feedback from the largest user
group, our clients.
We are incredibly proud of the
strong, personal relationships
that we have developed over the
years and the innovative software
solutions that this has lead to.
This coming fall we will be holding
a user meeting at our main office
in Kjeller, Norway. We see this as
an opportunity for our clients to
learn how other users are applying
the software, find out what will be
released in the short term and
influence the direction the software
will take in the mid to long term. If
you would like to be involved please
get in touch for details of dates
and venue.
sales@norsar.com
www.norsar.com
Training and Development
These courses are suitable for both the new user and users with moderate
experience who are looking to broaden their understanding and improve the
efficiency of their current usage. The courses are held in Oslo or Houston.
Introductory courses
Practical training in NORSAR-2D,NORSAR-3D and
SeisRoX.
The courses are designed to give attendees a practical understanding of
the functionality of the software. In addition emphasis is placed on practical
exercises and problem solving with help and guidance from our experts.
Private Courses
If you are more than 4 in a group or if you prefer to attend a course at your
own facilities ask for private onsite training courses tailored to your needs.
Intermediate and Modular Courses
This course is an extension of the NORSAR-3D introductory course. The main
motivation for developing this course was...
• to provide a way to repeat some key tasks
• to bridge the gap between a controlled training situation with nicely
prepared data and the advanced requirements for a real-life project
• to gain in-depth understanding of pre-processing and modelling parameters
and to learn how to tune them
• to learn about potential pitfalls and possible workarounds
It is for users who wish to have better control of work flows or attendees of the
introductory course who want to rise rapidly to a commercial project standard.
On the Road
Held in our new,
state of the art
training facility.
We will continue be present at the major exhibitions across the world. Join us
to find out about new releases as well as what is in the research pipeline. In
addition, join us for case study presentations and one to one trouble shooting
sessions.
Join us at:
• SBGf 2009 Salvador 24th - 28th August
• SEG 2009 Houston 25th - 30th October
• EAGE Subsalt Imaging Workshop Cairo 15th - 18th November
• GEO2010 Bahrain 7th - 10th March
• EAGE 2010 Barcelona 14th - 17th June
• SEG 2010 Denver 17th - 22nd October
• PETEX 2010 London 23rd - 25th November