Processing and preliminary interpretation of multicomponent seismic data from Lousana, Alberta

Susan L. M. Miller, Mark Paul Harrison, Ken J. Szata, Robert R. Stewart

Two orthogonal three-component seismic lines were shot by Unocal in January, 1987, over the Nisku Lousana Field in central Alberta. The purpose of the survey was to calibrate a Nisku patch reef thought to be separated from the Nisku shelf to the east by an anhydrite basin. A study is underway within the CREWES Project to improve the quality of the existing processed products by reprocessing the data using ITA and CREWES software, and to use these products to evaluate the incremental benefit of multicomponent versus conventional recording for this type of exploration target. Preliminary interpretation of vertical and radial component products show time interval and amplitude variations in the zone of interest. Further processing, modeling, and interpretation will be undertaken to assess the quality of primary events at or near the Nisku level and to determine if, and with what degree of certainty, lithological predictions can be made. A secondary objective of the project is to use the radial and transverse data from both lines to understand any local anisotropy that might affect the quality of the predictions. This interim report describes work to date and future plans.