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ARTICLE

An integrated approach to the analysis of amplitude variation with offset in Vertical Transversely Isotropic (VTI) media using inclusion-based rock physics modeling

HAMED GHANBARNEJAD-MOGHANLOO,  MOHAMMAD ALI RIAHI
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Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 14115-6466, Tehran, Iran,
JSE 2023, 32(1), 67–88;
Submitted: 9 June 2025 | Revised: 9 June 2025 | Accepted: 9 June 2025 | Published: 9 June 2025
© 2025 by the Authors. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
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Abstract

For accurate lithology and fluid content characterization from the amplitude with offset analysis in hydrocarbon fields, understanding the shale anisotropy effect on reflectivity is essential. Shale-rich sedimentary deposits are common components of sedimentary sequences with strong anisotropic properties. The main objective of this study is to perform anisotropic AVO analysis in vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) media at the top of a shale/gas sand interface, utilizing inclusion-based rock physics modeling in the Burgan formation in an Iranian oilfield. Results have shown that anisotropic AVO analysis shows Class I AVO which is indicative of the presence of hydrocarbon, whereas isotropic AVO analysis has shown no trend of any AVO classes. This study also investigates the application of a rock physics template in the shalegas- sand interface in the Burgan formation. Without rock physics modeling, gas-sand can not be detected using the P- to S-wave velocity ratio against an acoustic impedance cross- plot. After rock physics modeling, gas sand has been discriminated from shale with a low P- to S-wave velocity ratio, low acoustic impedance, and high effective porosity in this cross-plot.

Keywords
anisotropic AVO analysis
shale
inclusion-based rock physics
gas-sand
modeling
Vertical Transverse Isotropic (VTI) media
Burgan formation
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Journal of Seismic Exploration, Electronic ISSN: 0963-0651 Print ISSN: 0963-0651, Published by AccScience Publishing
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