Fluid Flow Property Estimation from Seismic Scattering Data

All geophysical methods detect fractures indirectly [e.g. NAS/NRC, 1996]. Typically several levels of interpretation follow the collection of raw geophysical data. Field measurements must first be interpreted (for example from travel time to velocities or identification of the origin of seismic scattering features in the coda). Then the fracture properties must be deduced using models (from seismic attributes to fracture geometry). Finally, the fracture physics of interest such as fluid flow properties must be interpreted (from fracture geometry to fluid permeability). The latter two steps may be approached by beginning with rock physics models that relate flow and transport to fracture geometry and that relate elasticity to fracture geometry.