Petrel Seismic Interpretation for Beginners from Udemy

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and Syllabus

Learn how to Check out Modules, Launch the Application, and create a new Project

Import Training Data, Check out Modules, Launch Petrel, and Introduction to Petrel Interface

Import SEGY, Convert to ZGY, Manipulate Data, and Basic Interpretation Object Types

Import SEGY data, convert to ZGY, and Create Basic Interpretation Objects.

Additional Material: Seismic volume Types in Petrel

Create a new Petrel Project and Load/Convert Seismic Data

Learn how to customize the seismic display and derive structural attributes to aid in interpretation.

Learn some handy methods to modify the color and appearance of your seismic amplitude data. Also learn some useful attribute work you can do to make horizon and fault interpretation easier.

Learn how to use the seismic volume calculator to mathematically combine two volumes into an enhanced volume for structural interpretation.

Enhancing Seismic - Seismic Parameters and Structural Attribute Derivation

Learn how to activate and use basic seismic interpretation tools; learn related hotkey shortcuts; learn how to use the seismic interpretation tools

Introduction to seismic interpretation tools and a basic fault and horizon interpretation and editing methods.

Interpret a 3D Fault Network

Learn an alternate method of interpreting faults that can save a lot of time and energy in complex areas.

Create 3D Fault Interpretations

A more in-depth look at basic horizon interpretation techniques in 2D and 3D windows.

Learn about the basic autotracker horizon attributes.

Create 3D Horizon Interpretations

Learn how to generate different types of output surface objects from Petrel fault and horizon interpretations

Basic techniques for creating accurate gridded surface objects from Petrel fault and horizon interpretations.

Creating Fault and Horizon Surface Grids

Reference: Complete End-to-End Workflow Steps

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Petrel Seismic Interpretation for Beginners with these activities:

Review Seismic Data Fundamentals

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of seismic data acquisition, processing, and basic interpretation principles before diving into Petrel-specific workflows. This will help you better understand the underlying data you'll be manipulating.

Show steps

Review basic concepts of seismic waves and reflection.
Study different types of seismic data (2D, 3D).
Familiarize yourself with common seismic attributes.

Read 'Seismic Interpretation' by Sheriff and Geldart

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of seismic interpretation principles and techniques to enhance your Petrel skills. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the subject.

View Problems in Exploration Seismology and Their... on Amazon

Show steps

Read chapters related to fault and horizon interpretation.
Study examples of different geological structures in seismic data.
Take notes on key concepts and techniques.

Practice Fault Interpretation on Public Datasets

Show steps

Sharpen your fault interpretation skills by practicing on publicly available seismic datasets. This will help you become more proficient in identifying and interpreting faults in Petrel.

Show steps

Download public seismic datasets from online repositories.
Load the data into Petrel (or similar software).
Practice interpreting faults using different interpretation tools.
Compare your interpretations with published interpretations (if available).

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Document Your Petrel Workflow

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of Petrel workflows by documenting each step you take during the course. This will help you remember the process and troubleshoot issues later.

Show steps

Create a document (e.g., Word, Google Docs) to record your workflow.
For each step in the course, write down the actions you take in Petrel.
Include screenshots to illustrate each step.
Add notes on any challenges you encountered and how you resolved them.

Seismic Interpretation Project on a Small Dataset

Show steps

Apply your newly acquired Petrel skills to a small seismic dataset and complete a full interpretation project. This will give you hands-on experience and solidify your understanding of the entire workflow.

Show steps

Select a small seismic dataset with interesting geological features.
Import the data into Petrel and condition it for interpretation.
Interpret faults and horizons using the techniques learned in the course.
Create surface objects from your interpretations.
Write a short report summarizing your interpretation and findings.

Read '3-D Seismic Interpretation' by Bicking

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of 3D seismic interpretation techniques and best practices. This book provides practical guidance and real-world examples.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Focus on chapters related to advanced interpretation techniques.
Study the case studies and examples provided in the book.
Compare the techniques described in the book with those taught in the course.

Explore Advanced Petrel Modules

Show steps

Deepen your Petrel expertise by exploring advanced modules and functionalities beyond the scope of the beginner's course. This will help you become a more versatile and proficient Petrel user.

Show steps

Identify advanced Petrel modules relevant to your interests (e.g., reservoir modeling, geostatistics).
Search for online tutorials and documentation for these modules.
Follow the tutorials and experiment with the functionalities.
Document your learning and any challenges you encounter.

Career center

Learners who complete Petrel Seismic Interpretation for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Seismic Interpreter

The role of a Seismic Interpreter is critical in the oil and gas industry, involving the analysis of seismic data to understand subsurface geological structures. A Seismic Interpreter identifies potential hydrocarbon reservoirs. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing hands-on experience with Petrel software, a standard tool in the industry, enabling you to import, condition, and interpret seismic data, a core skill for any interpreter. The course's focus on interpreting faults and horizons and creating surface objects directly translates to the daily tasks of a Seismic Interpreter, allowing you to begin maximizing your effectiveness right away. Learning how to interpret faults and horizons and create surface objects from interpretations is key to being a successful interpreter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Seismic Interpreter

Subsurface Modeler

A Subsurface Modeler creates three-dimensional models of subsurface geological structures. These models are used for reservoir simulation and resource estimation. This course enhances a Subsurface Modeler's understanding of how seismic data informs the creation of subsurface models. The course's focus on interpreting faults and horizons and generating surface objects in Petrel directly supports the modeler's ability to accurately represent subsurface features in their models. The Subsurface Modeler benefits from seismic interpretation to create more accurate models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Subsurface Modeler

Geological Technician

A Geological Technician assists geologists and geophysicists in collecting, processing, and analyzing geological data. A Geological Technician often prepares maps, logs, and reports. This course helps Geological Technicians become proficient in using Petrel for seismic interpretation. The course's focus on importing and conditioning seismic data, interpreting faults and horizons, and generating surface objects directly supports the technician's role in preparing and analyzing subsurface data. Learning these skills enhances their ability to contribute to exploration and production projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geological Technician

Geosteering

Geosteering Operators guide the drilling of oil and gas wells in real-time to maximize reservoir contact. Geosteering Operators analyze geological data to optimize well trajectories. This course enhances the skills of Geosteering Operators by providing a deeper understanding of seismic interpretation. The course's emphasis on interpreting faults and horizons in Petrel helps operators better visualize subsurface structures and make more informed decisions about well placement and trajectory adjustments. The Geosteering Operator benefits from the ability to better understand the subsurface.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geosteering

Geophysicist

A Geophysicist studies the physical properties of the Earth, using data from various sources, including seismic surveys. A Geophysicist applies these insights to resource exploration, hazard assessment, and environmental studies. This course may be useful to a Geophysicist by providing focused training in seismic interpretation using Petrel. The course's emphasis on importing and conditioning seismic data, as well as interpreting faults and horizons, directly supports a geophysicist's ability to analyze subsurface structures and identify potential areas of interest. Acquiring skills in Petrel is invaluable, especially the use of the seismic volume calculator to mathematically combine two volumes into an enhanced volume for structural interpretation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

Petrophysicist

A Petrophysicist analyzes the physical and chemical properties of rocks to understand reservoir characteristics. Petrophysicists use well logs and core data to estimate porosity and permeability. This course helps Petrophysicists integrate seismic data into their reservoir characterization workflows. The course's focus on interpreting faults and horizons and generating surface objects in Petrel provides valuable context for understanding how seismic data complements petrophysical data in building comprehensive reservoir models. The Petrophysicist uses this input to create accurate models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petrophysicist

Exploration Geologist

An Exploration Geologist seeks to discover new hydrocarbon reserves. Exploration Geologists analyze geological data to identify promising areas for drilling. This course is particularly relevant, as it offers practical experience in using Petrel to interpret seismic data, which is crucial for identifying subsurface structures indicative of oil and gas deposits. Learning how to interpret faults and horizons and generate surface objects from interpretations, as covered in the course, is directly applicable to the work of an Exploration Geologist. This course may be useful for Exploration Geologists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Exploration Geologist

Production Geologist

A Production Geologist monitors and optimizes oil and gas production from existing fields. The Production Geologist analyzes geological data to identify opportunities for enhanced recovery. This course provides Production Geologists with a better understanding of seismic interpretation techniques. The course's focus on interpreting faults and horizons and generating surface objects in Petrel helps geologists identify bypassed pay zones and optimize well placement to improve production rates. Ultimately, a Production Geologist wishes to maximize production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Production Geologist

Reservoir Engineer

Reservoir Engineers manage oil and gas reservoirs to optimize production. Reservoir Engineers use geological data and simulations to predict reservoir performance. This course helps you understand how seismic data is interpreted to create reservoir models. The skills gained in this course can help you communicate more effectively with geoscientists and make better-informed decisions about reservoir management. Moreover, understanding how surface grids are created from fault and horizon interpretations, as taught in the course, provides valuable context for reservoir modeling workflows. Reservoir Engineers use interpreted data to optimize production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Reservoir Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design and oversee the drilling and production of oil and gas wells. A Petroleum Engineer often works with subsurface data. This course will be useful to Petroleum Engineers as it gives them insight into the seismic interpretation process, which informs decisions about well placement and reservoir characterization. The course’s focus on using Petrel to interpret faults and horizons, and generate surface objects, provides valuable background knowledge for understanding how subsurface models are created and used in petroleum engineering workflows. This insight can lead to improved collaboration and more effective decision-making in field development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Data Manager

Data Managers are responsible for organizing, storing, and maintaining geological and geophysical data. Efficient data management ensures data quality and accessibility for analysis. This course provides Data Managers with a solid understanding of the types of seismic data used in the oil and gas industry and how it is processed and interpreted in Petrel. This knowledge enhances their ability to effectively manage seismic datasets and support the workflows of geoscientists. The Data Manager benefits from understanding the seismic lifecycle.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Manager

Well Logging Analyst

Well Logging Analysts evaluate subsurface formations using data acquired from wellbores. The Well Logging Analyst interprets data to determine geological properties. This course helps Well Logging Analysts understand the context of seismic data in relation to well logs. The ability to integrate seismic interpretations with well log data improves the accuracy and reliability of subsurface models. The course's focus on interpreting faults and horizons and generating surface objects provides valuable knowledge for understanding how seismic data complements well log data in reservoir characterization. The end-to-end workflow steps are also invaluable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Well Logging Analyst

GIS Analyst

A Geographic Information Systems Analyst uses GIS software to analyze spatial data and create maps. A GIS Analyst visualizes geographic information. This course may be useful to GIS Analysts who work with geological data. The course's focus on creating surface objects from seismic interpretations can be applied to creating geological maps and visualizations in GIS. Furthermore, understanding how seismic data is processed and interpreted in Petrel provides valuable context for working with subsurface spatial data. The skills learned can improve their ability to integrate geological data into GIS projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the impact of human activities on the environment. Environmental Scientists often assess geological hazards and groundwater resources. While not directly focused on environmental applications, this course may be useful to Environmental Scientists who need to understand subsurface geological structures. The course’s emphasis on interpreting faults and horizons in Petrel could be applied to assessing geological risks or mapping groundwater aquifers. However, the connection is indirect, as the course primarily targets oil and gas exploration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes large datasets to extract insights and inform decision-making. A Data Scientist builds predictive models. This course may be useful to Data Scientists who work with geological data. The course's focus on seismic interpretation in Petrel provides a foundation for understanding the types of data and analyses used in the oil and gas industry. Furthermore, the skills learned in data manipulation and visualization could be applied to other geological datasets. However, the connection is indirect, as the course primarily focuses on Petrel software rather than general data science techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Petrel Seismic Interpretation for Beginners.

Problems in Exploration Seismology and Their...

Save

Comprehensive guide to seismic interpretation, covering a wide range of topics from basic principles to advanced techniques. It provides a strong foundation for understanding seismic data and its applications in subsurface exploration. It is commonly used as a textbook in geophysics courses and valuable reference for practicing interpreters. Reading this book will add depth to the course.

Problems in Exploration Seismology and Their...

Hardcover

$$$$

Putting Knowledge to Work

Save

Focuses on the practical aspects of 3D seismic interpretation, providing real-world examples and case studies. It covers advanced techniques for interpreting complex geological structures and valuable resource for experienced interpreters. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It adds more breadth to the existing course.

Putting Knowledge to Work

Paperback

Check price

Putting Knowledge to Work

Kindle Edition

Check price

Petrel Seismic Interpretation for Beginners

What's inside

Syllabus

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses