Elements of Rock Physics and Their Application to Inversion and AVO Studies

The  ultimate aim of the oil exploration industry is to determine the  distribution of rock types and underground fluids. At this stage, we can  actually determine with a certain accuracy, the distribution of several  underground physical properties. The challenge for the rock physicist  is to translate those physical properties (P-Velocity, S-velocity,  density) into rock types and fluids (gas or oil or water bearing sand,  shale). If performed correctly, dry holes can be avoided and millions of  dollars can be saved. Ultimately, an integrated approach is required.  This book deals with a series of topics in rock physics, including  elasticity, pore pressure, incompressibility of rocks and the Gassmann  equation, fluid substitution, forward modeling and empirical equations,  rock physics applications to AVO studies and inversion studies, and the  Differential Effective Medium (DEM) method. It is generally addressed to  the practitioner (geophysicist, geologist), and in some instances  detailed instructions are furnished to perform a particular task. Some  chapters, on the other hand, are theoretical and more mathematical, and  are expected to be of interest to both practitioners and students alike.  Other chapters include innovative ideas, that could, for instance, be  tested by oil companies that have substantial amounts of data at their  disposal.

This book will serve as a useful guide to practitioners  (geologists, petrophysicists, geophysicists as well as reservoir  engineers) and students/academics.