Course Description
This course will encompass all elements of quantitative seismic interpretation for participants who want to oversee and understand the whole process at a practical level in order to utilize QI products for integrated decision-making. Content includes assessing key data inputs (such as well information and pre-stack seismic data), covering key aspects of AVO, inversion and mathematical attributes, how machine learning provides ‘smart’ attributes, and, most importantly, how to combine all the elements into a coherent interpretation of geology. Participants will gain an understanding of why, how, when and to what extent QI should be used to add value in an exploration or development environment.
Topics covered include log and seismic data inputs and conditioning, rock physics modeling, AVO, inversion (all types), rock type classification, and, if time permits, an overview of advanced topics such as multicomponent data, time-lapse data, microseismic and VSP’s, all in the context of contributing to an effective QI workflow.
Biography
Laurie Weston’s career as a geophysicist in the oil and gas business has spanned over 30 years (so far). During that time, she has seen the science and the business from many different perspectives. She has been part of the evolution of exploration objectives and analysis techniques, both as an interested observer and an active contributor. Originally a Physics/Astronomy graduate from the University of Victoria in B.C., Laurie has enjoyed a variety of career challenges in Canada and internationally.
Laurie started her career with Shell Canada in Calgary doing seismic processing and interpretation in the central plains area of Alberta. Looking for adventure and travel, she took a position with LASMO plc in London, to work on various European, North African and Middle East projects. Upon her return to Canada, Laurie began a consulting contract with Nexen Canada Inc. where her main professional interest migrated to the Canadian oil sands. Based on that interest, she founded her own seismic consulting company in 2007 called Oil Sands Imaging, which was later re-branded as Sound QI and sold to Canadian Discovery in 2012. In early 2017, Laurie acquired the QI business from Canadian Discovery and re-started Sound QI.
Drawing on her experience as a seismic interpreter in many basins around the world, Laurie is well aware of the combination of hard data, imagination, creativity and collaboration that is necessary to be an effective and successful member of an exploration or development team, regardless of background. At the same time, Laurie's education in physics and astronomy, and her early career as a seismic processor have given her a respect (and healthy scepticism) of data and data analysis. The integration of all these aspects is her objective in her current role.
Laurie has taken on many volunteer roles, including as General Chair of the Geoconvention, AAPG Convention Technical Committee, Chair of the CSEG Symposium and Technical Coordinator for the Reservoir Characterization topic of the SEG Convention. She was CSEG Distinguished Lecturer for 2016/2017, presenting at more than 30 North American and Mexican venues.
