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Format: Virtual Webinar. 45 min. presentation followed by 15 min. Q&A

Please note that two sessions will be given at different dates listed below.

Session 1, Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 11 am to 12 pm US Central Time

Session 2, Thursday, May 20, 2021, 9 am to 10 am London Time

Abstract

Understanding the sub-surface is important for many reasons, including resource management and hazard detection. Geophysicists can deploy a range of tools to probe the earth, measuring properties from velocity and density to resistivity and magnetization. However, often these diverse datasets are analyzed in isolation, or only combined in a qualitative, or semi-quantitative way. The goal of a multi-physics analysis approach is to quantitatively combine diverse datasets, utilizing the strengths in some to compensate for weaknesses in another, thereby improving the robustness with which sub-surface structure and properties can be constrained.

Recent advances in the multi-physics analysis have been focused on two main classes of challenge. The first concerns the determination of structure: seismic, whilst providing high-resolution images of structure and stratigraphy, in many situations, can struggle in areas of complex geology, such as around salt bodies, or beneath highly heterogeneous basalt layers. In this case, incorporating electromagnetic or gravity data, either in cooperative or joint inversion schemes, has proven extremely valuable in improving the image that is obtained.

In the second class of challenge, the goal is to understand sub-surface properties. Quantitative seismic reservoir characterization workflows can struggle to resolve fluid saturations, which are key to understanding prospectivity. Rock physics-driven multi-physics workflows incorporating electromagnetic data can resolve ambiguities inherent in a seismic-only analysis.

This presentation will provide an overview of multi-physics approaches and applications, illustrated using case studies.