Question

You are working with your geologist to calculate the lateral position error for an unmigrated reflection point to determine the level of risk associated with the placement of a new exploration well. You are working with only vintage 2D seismic, as no 3D data yet exists for this area. Case: Based on a risk assessment by your geologist, if the migration distance is calculated to be less than 1,150 ft, due to the location of a major fault in the area, she can recommend drilling this location. Answer the following questions: 1. What is the horizontal migration distance? 2. Will your geologist be able to recommend this location for drilling?

Answer 1

Without specific seismic data, we cannot determine the horizontal migration distance. With 2D seismic data, if the horizontal migration is less than 1,150 ft, the geologist can recommend the location for drilling.

Step-by-step explanation:

To answer the student's question regarding the horizontal migration distance of an unmigrated reflection point, we first need to understand what this term means. In seismic exploration, the migration distance is the measured distance that a seismic reflection has moved from its original position due to inconsistencies in subsurface velocities. In this case, obtaining the exact migration distance would require precise calculations based on seismic data and a predefined velocity model. Without specific seismic data and results, we cannot accurately determine the horizontal migration distance. However, if 2D seismic data is available and has been analyzed, the calculated horizontal migration distance can be compared against the geologist's risk assessment criteria.

For the second part of the question regarding the geologist's recommendation on drilling, we know that if the calculated migration distance is less than 1,150 ft, the geologist can recommend the location for drilling. If the student or geologist has conducted an analysis of the 2D seismic data and found the horizontal migration distance to be less than 1,150 ft, the location can be considered for drilling. However, without the calculated value, we cannot make a recommendation.