Use of Wave-Equation-Based AVO Seismic Inversion, Rock Physics and Mechanical Earth Modeling for Reservoir and Geomechanical Parameter Characterization in a Dutch Geothermal Play

Subsurface characterization of porosity and permeability has always been of paramount importance in the exploration and exploitation of any kind of subsurface fluid reservoir, along with optimization of well locations and drilling safety. We are developing an approach that integrates wave-equation-based AVO inversion results from 2D seismic data, along with rock physics and mechanical earth modeling, to obtain key reservoir and geomechanical parameters for a geothermal project in the central Netherlands. The purpose is to obtain a seismically driven yet well-log constrained reservoir porosity, reservoir permeability and geomechanical input for a stress model on a set of 2D seismic lines in the area of a geothermal project to provide spatially denser porosity and permeability input for the subsurface reservoir models as well as provide a seismically derived geomechanical properties. This would allow better ranking of drilling areas, by indicating the best zones of reservoir porosity and permeability, the identification of possible drilling hazards, such as pockets of natural gas, the reduction of P10-P90 power output ranges and being able to provide 2D geomechanical properties for better understanding of localized stress at proposed well locations. This data framework would be of more value for a geothermal exploration and drilling project than a model created from only interpolation of log data from various wells and regional horizons.