Course description: This course presents the rock properties basis for seismic attribute interpretation and "sonic" log interpretation in both clastic and carbonate environments. Laboratory and well log data are used to develop relationships between "elastic" (compressional and shear) wave velocities in sedimentary rocks and lithology, porosity, pore fluids, effective stress and other factors. Realistic models are developed to better understand the relationships, gain confidence in their use and sometimes go beyond them to cases where data are difficult, sparse and/or missing. Includes discussion of: E&P seismic-to-well calibration; elasticity theory; acoustic properties of fluids, fluid mixtures and suspensions; velocity measurement methods; elastic properties of minerals and mineral mixtures via bounding techniques; mudrock forward and inverse modeling; Gassmann fluid substitution and mineral substitution; laminated media; and the rock properties basis of: pore pressure prediction, shear-wave and AVO interpretation, and net pay prediction. Lectures are supplemented with exercises and a team project involving critical discussion of the rock properties literature, aimed at developing geological and physical intuition. Suitable for geoscience students, oil company staff and interested petroleum engineering students.
Textbook Requirements: Professor Cohen has constructed a comprehensive course manual entitled "Rock Properties Basis for Seismic Attribute Interpretation" which will be available at the university bookstore. This is the required text and will be heavily used. It is also intended as a useful reference after the course is completed.
Grading: The intent of the class is to enhance the student's geological and physical intuition. Toward that goal, it is crucial that the student learns the material by applying it to solve practical, real-world problems. Grading will therefore be based on four components: (i) homework exercises, which can be solved in teams if desired; (ii) a team-based literature project; (iii) three open-book class tests, where the student will have some choice as to which problems to solve; and (iv) an open-book final exam with some choice.
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