Amplitude components analysis: Theory and application

Seismic data are rich in information about subsurface formations and their pore content. This information can be retrieved from the amplitude or frequencies of seismic signals. Spectral decomposition is a seismic interpretation technique that enables interpreters to decompose the broadband of seismic signals into constituent frequencies. Likewise, amplitude components analysis (ACA) is an approach proposed to compute amplitude constituent components as a function of offset. The approach uses amplitude-variation-with-offset approximations to extract amplitude components that compose the amplitudes in stacked sections. ACA can be used to screen seismic data for possible hidden anomalies that may be associated with hydrocarbons. ACA also helps predict seismic responses at angles where data are not recorded or are of poor quality. Because abnormal expressions associated with hydrocarbons can be observed in clastic and carbonate formations, the approach can look for the expressions in both types of reservoir rocks.