Integration of Multi-seismic Attributes with Well Data: The Cook Strait Basin, Offshore New Zealand

When we generate seismic attribute maps, we often find ourselves faced with the challenge of explaining to our managers what they mean. This is because attributes can yield non-unique responses, due to the remote nature of seismic data, which can present uncertainty in the interpretation of results. To reduce this interpretation uncertainty, integration of results with hard data, e.g. well information, is critical. In this paper, 450 km² 3D seismic, and one well (from the Cook Strait Basin, offshore New Zealand) have been used; with the aims of: (i) using similarity and spectral decomposition attributes to map and evaluate the spatio-temporal evolution of Miocene channels; (ii) using unsupervised seismic waveform classification to generate seismic facies; and (iii) integrating seismic facies with well data – to generate integrated facies maps. Similarity and spectral decomposition indicated channel systems that switched paleo-flow direction from north in the Early Miocene to west-north-west by Late Miocene. They also showed active slope failure and development of canyon and slope fans towards the end of Miocene. Integration of seismic waveform classification results with well data allowed for spectacular channel, slope fans, and shelfal reservoir facies to be predicted and delineated within the entire 3D seismic coverage.