247: From Pitfalls to Potential - Making the Most of Seismic Attributes

"Seismic attributes are not just colorful pictures; they’re meaningful tools that can guide geoscientists to more accurate interpretations." In this episode, Andrew Geary sits down with Satinder Chopra and Kurt Marfurt, authors of Essentials of Seismic Attributes and Impedance Inversion, to discuss their comprehensive guide to understanding and applying seismic attributes in geophysics. They explore the power of attributes for interpreting seismic data, their practical applications, and common pitfalls to avoid. If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of seismic attributes and their real-world impact, this conversation is packed with expert insights. KEY TAKEAWAYS > The Value of Attributes: Learn how seismic attributes unlock insights into stratigraphy, tectonics, and depositional systems beyond what amplitudes alone can reveal. > Practical Advice for Geoscientists: Discover tips on avoiding common pitfalls, from using preconditioned data to optimizing parameters and algorithms. > Integrated Interpretations: Explore how combining geology and seismic attributes leads to more accurate interpretations and successful outcomes. NEXT STEP Dive deeper into seismic attributes by reading the Front Matter for free at https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/1.9781560804062.fm. This book is a must-have resource for geoscientists looking to maximize the value of their data. TEXT A FRIEND Satinder and Kurt share workflows to get the most out of seismic data - worth listening to! https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-247-from-pitfalls-to-potential-making-the-most-of-seismic-attributes/ GUEST BIOS Satinder Chopra is the founder and President of SamiGeo Consulting Ltd., located in Calgary. With 40 years of experience as a geophysicist, he specializes in processing, special processing, and the interactive interpretation of seismic data for reservoir characterization. His research interests focus on techniques for reservoir characterization. Kurt J. Marfurt earned his Ph.D. in applied geophysics in 1978 from Columbia University's Henry Krumb School of Mines, New York. With the petroleum industry's movement to shale resource plays, Marfurt moved to the University of Oklahoma in 2007. There, he held the Frank and Henrietta Schultz professorship of geophysics at the ConocoPhillips School of Geology and Geophysics, where he is currently an Emeritus Professor. In recognition of his lifelong contributions to geoscience technology, Marfurt received the AAPG Robert Berg Award for Research in 2019 and SEG’s Maurice Ewing Medal in 2023. LINKS * Buy the Print Book at https://seg.org/shop/product/?id=1ad0380a-5291-ef11-ac20-7c1e521bcb23 * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-247-from-pitfalls-to-potential-making-the-most-of-seismic-attributes/ for the full guest bios and show notes. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS Technical Program Chairs Yingcai Zheng and Molly Turko invite you to submit your best work. This year, we're fostering deeper collaboration between SEG, AAPG, and SEPM. Focus on regional challenges and how integrated geoscience can unlock solutions. Submit short or expanded abstracts for oral and poster presentations. The Call for Abstracts is open and closes on 15 March at 5:00 PM CT. Don't miss this opportunity to share your research and connect with the broader geoscience community at https://www.imageevent.org/call-for-abstracts. SHOW CREDITS Andrew Geary at TreasureMint hosted, edited, and produced this episode. The SEG podcast team comprises Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis. If you have episode ideas or feedback for the show or want to sponsor a future episode, email the show at podcast@seg.org.