Multicomponent-seismic characterization of the Utica Shale

Abstract

Recent development of gas shales in North America yield worldwide interest in gas production from shale formations. The methodology used in this thesis was to demonstrate multicomponent seismic technology for the characterization of shale-gas systems. The study area covers the Utica Shale across the Appalachian Basin in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Concepts documented in this thesis can be used for other shale-gas systems. Unlike most shale-gas system studies, S-wave modes were used in addition to P-wave data in this study to better characterize the Utica Shale. Fast S-converted shear (P-SV1) and slow S-converted-shear (P-SV2) volumes provide new seismic imaging options for shale-gas studies and enable expanded seismic attributes that can be used to characterize shale-gas systems.