ANALYSIS OF THICKNESS VARIATIONS OF THE AUX VASES FORMATION IN WHITE COUNTY, ILLINOIS THROUGH APPLICATION OF GEOPHYSICAL WELL LOGS AND 3-D SEISMIC REFLECTION ATTRIBUTES

Author

Richard Lee Smith Jr, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

8-1-2015

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geology

First Advisor

Sexton, John

Abstract

A two square mile (5.2 square kilometer) 3-D seismic reflection survey was completed in northeastern White County, Illinois for petroleum exploration in January of 2008. Well log data was made available from Royal Drilling and Producing, who contracted the seismic survey, and additional data was retrieved from the ILOIL database. Raster (TIFF format) images that were available for nearly every well location in the study area were calibrated for depth and stratigraphic tops picked. The purpose of this study is to analyze the Aux Vases formation using 3-D seismic reflection data and attribute analysis by comparing this data to well log information that is greatly available in the study area. Synthetic seismograms were calculated to calibrate seismic reflection data time to actual geological depth to a formation. The synthetic seismograms were calculated using wavelets extracted from the 3-D seismic data and edited, digital (LAS format) sonic and density logs measured in three wells. Geophysical log data from wells in the area were used to interpret formation top and bottoms. With the Aux Vases and Ste. Genevieve top information, an isopach was generated. Horizons were handpicked in all 318 seismic lines and isochron maps were generated to compare time thickness to actual thickness of the isopach maps. Attribute analysis was performed on horizon and volume cubes to interpret the Aux Vases formation in the study area. These attributes included instantaneous phase, instantaneous amplitude, and instantaneous frequency. Additionally, multiple spectral decomposition cubes (from four SEG-Y volumes) were generated for 520-580 ms intervals and interpreted at 550 ms. The combination of this data lead to identification of two larger stratigraphic bodies and several smaller ones in the study area. Thickness comparison between these attributes and isopach maps was completed and found similarities that can be used to determine potential thickness. A thickness estimate was completed at Well B using the frequency from spectral decomposition. A channel was mapped in the western edge of the survey using spectral decomposition and other attributes. Finally, a fault was identified in the southeastern portion of the survey area.