Multicomponent 3D-3C Data Acquisition and Processing in the Bandurria Norte Concession, Neuquén Basin, Argentina

Summary Hydraulic well stimulation requires knowledge of rock mechanical parameters to reduce uncertainty attached to development of shale oil prospects. Multicomponent 3D-3C seismic data provide more reliable estimation of rock physical parameters needed for fracture stimulation in low permeability unconventional reservoirs. The design and processing of a special 3D-3C seismic survey in the Bandurria Norte concession is illustrated, whereby the Jurassic/Cretaceous Vaca Muerta Formation interval is the main target. Seismic characterization of unconventional reservoirs necessitates: 1) high resolution input data with a high trace-to-trace correlation, 2) high signal-to-noise ratio, 3) reliable amplitudes and 4) preserved post-migration azimuthal information. Multicomponent seismics make analysis of seismic anisotropy and shear wave splitting possible. The PP-PS joint inversion scheme generates more accurate elastic properties (e.g. Young’s modulus). For these reasons, a static cable-less acquisition spread of 600 three-component (3C) receivers was laid out during the standard P-wave seismic acquisition in the Bandurria Norte Block. The multicomponent data was successfully processed and interpreted. Estimation of shear wave splitting effects improves the velocities with a positive impact on the PreSTM imaging. Directional dependency of the seismic velocities is thought related to fracture distribution and local stress regime.