Internal velocity model showing complex salt surfaces as shown in GOCAD Velocity Modeling

Seismic data provides critical information in exploration and development fields that may be used to define reservoir structure and position. Whether the seismic data is imaged in time or depth, geoscientists often rely on a well log-to-seismic-velocity-calibrated model for final depthing, depth map generating and geologic targeting. This is a prerequisite for defining drilling targets as millions of dollars are at stake to cover drilling costs and facility sizing. Often, a significant amount of time can be spent to carry out this depth conversion in a precise way in order to accurately represent the structure, which can be a challenging problem with complex velocity distributions like those encountered with salt.

Powerful, yet easy-to-use

Paradigm™ GOCAD® Velocity Modeling provides a wide range of powerful yet easy-to-use velocity modeling methods that enable accurate time-to-depth conversion, efficiently and productively. It provides a user-friendly depth conversion workflow and the tools to interpolate velocities along a structural surface within a 3D cube, which increases positioning accuracy in the depth domain. Unlike other solutions where structural complexity is quickly a limiting factor and where the approach is really 2D based, only GOCAD Velocity Modeling enables accurate time to depth conversion in salt and structurally complex environments.

Unmatched functionality for better accuracy

GOCAD Velocity Modeling includes time-to-depth conversion functionality, capabilities, and usability not available in competing software, including the ability to model any kind of salt structure. All time and depth domain objects are loaded into the same project and can be simultaneously displayed in the 3D Viewer. Modeling tools with automatic compartment sealing using fault networks allows for different velocities in different fault blocks, resulting in better representation of the truth. And users can easily create several velocity models in the same study and see the impact on depth conversion.

Complex salt structure shown with correndering of the velocity model against the seismic amplitude within GOCAD Velocity Modeling

Achieve fast and accurate time-to-depth conversion

• Gain accurate time-to-depth conversion in salt and other structurally complex environments
• Easily handle large time to depth or depth to time conversions
• Build velocity model in conjunction with seismic imaging process
• Leverage advanced tools to import and stratigraphically, interpolate along a structural surface within a 3D cube, all available velocity information
• Integrate complex structure such as salt, reverse-faults and overthrust
• Load time and depth domain objects into the same project and display simultaneously in the 3D Viewer
• Use different types of data and uses of depth marker to calibrate time velocity
• Easily place the imprint of the salt into a sediment velocity model
• Never have to simplify the model

Improve consistency and increase quality

• Merge relevant surveys and velocities to achieve a single consistent model
• Create several velocity models in the same study and see the impact on depth conversion
• Calibrate and correct seismic derived velocity volumes to the well markers to assure better depth to time conversion
• Work with different velocities in different fault blocks for greater accuracy
• Automatically update with new data using workflows

Minimize Uncertainties

• Build velocity descriptions that make use of all available supporting data
• Analytically remove noise from seismic velocities and identify and exploit trends in these velocities during calibration
• Increase positioning accuracy in the depth domain
• Easily correct the model directly from migrated depth to true depth
• Gain more realistic answers