Analysis of Low-Frequency Passive Seismic Attributes in Maroun Oil Field, Iran

Authors

1 M.Sc., Department of Seismology, Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Seismology, Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran, Iran

3 M.Sc., R&D Geophysicist in NIOCEXP, National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Nowadays, viable and cost-effective methods play a vital role in hydrocarbon exploration up to the point that geoscientists cannot rule out the importance of the passive seismic method (PSM) in oil exploration operations. This method is based on seismic energy, which has a natural source. This study focuses on seismic energy anomaly of 1-6 Hz. Some researches show that spectral and polarization analysis in low-frequency of seismic noises can be used in determining the location of hydrocarbon reservoir. In this paper, these methods were used in Maroun oil field. Using the seismic data recorded by five seismometers, Vertical-to-Horizontal spectral ratio (V/H), Power Spectral Density (PSD) and polarization analysis were studied in the mentioned area. Based on the results, these microtremors can be used as a hydrocarbon indicator. In this study, transient and artificial noises are removed from raw data with various techniques. Afterward, the vertical-to-horizontal spectral ratio method was used and the results were analyzed and compared. Subsequently, the PSD method was investigated and its results were compared with each other at different stations. Following this, polarization analysis was considered that was normally followed by parameters such as strength, dip, rectilinearity and azimuth in particular. Results showed that MAR5 Station was placed over an area with hydrocarbon potential and there are medium to low hydrocarbon potentials at other stations. There is also a positive correlation between passive seismic analysis and the result of seismic reflection surveys carried out in the earlier studies. 

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References

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Journal of the Earth and Space Physics
Volume 43, Issue 4
January 2018
Pages 11-26

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