Estimation of stress induced azimuthal anisotropy - AVO modeling

Abstract

The analysis of rock anisotropy in terms of seismic velocities and within the context of rock-physics (Biot-Gassmann theory of poroelasticity) provides important information for the evaluation of the stress state (tensors) of rocks, detection of the directions of formation weaknesses, helps in the estimation of overall permeability and failure prediction. Understanding the influence of stress and pore pressure on seismic velocities is important for 4-D reflection seismic interpretation, AVO analysis and reservoir modeling. Laboratory measurements were carried out on spherical shale samples from the overburden under confining stress up to 400 MPa, by means of ultrasonic soundings in 132 independent directions. Such an approach enables the estimation of 3-D elastic anisotropy. Assuming VTI symmetry approximation, from the measured velocities the stiffness tensor was inverted. Since the sandstones were partly unconsolidated, it was not possible to take ultrasonic measurements . To overcome this, we developed a method for stress induced azimuthal anisotropy estimation using only cross-dipole logging data. These results give the possibility for anisotropic correction in AVO analysis.