Estimating seismic attenuation (Qp & Qs) from rock properties

Attenuation or Q is a significant factor in seismic wave propagation in the earth and in the processing and inter - pretation of seismic data. The relationship between seismic attenuation and rock properties is investigated in this paper using vertical seismic profile (VSP) data and well logs from the Ross Lake heavy oilfield, Saskatchewan. The results reveal that Qvalues of P- and S-waves correlate to P modulus, Vp/Vs, effective porosity, and shale volume. We estimate Q values as a function of rock properties using a multi-parameter, least-squares regression method. The results show better prediction quality of Qp (R 2 =0.65) than Qs (R 2 =0.48).