17 One Century of Oil and Gas in the Permian Basin

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Sunday, 19 October 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
HBGCC, 302A

3D Basin-Scale Seismic Rock Physics Modeling in the Midland Basin, West Texas.

Paper number: 17-5
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:10 AM – 9:25 AM

Authors

Abstract

Basin-wide models of velocity and density are crucial for seismic interpretation, depth conversion, and geomechanical analysis. However, such models are often lacking in many mature basins, including the Midland Basin. This study presents a workflow for constructing a basin-scale rock physics model of P-wave velocity (Vp), S-wave velocity (Vs), and bulk density (ρ) by integrating well log data with structural interpretations. We utilized data from 73 wells, which include compressional sonic, shear sonic, and density logs, scattered throughout the basin. We identified and correlated 14 formation tops, including the Yates, Seven Rivers, Queen, Grayburg, San Andres, Glorieta, Clearfork, Upper Spraberry, Lower Spraberry, Dean, Wolfcamp, Strawn, Mississippian, and Ellenburger formations. Following these interpretations, we constructed a 3D grid and upscaled the log properties. Vp and Vs were computed from the sonic logs and upscaled using the harmonic mean, while density was upscaled using the arithmetic mean. These upscaled properties were then interpolated across the 3D grid using a moving average method, resulting in continuous 3D models for Vp, Vs, and ρ throughout the basin. These 3D models provide a reliable framework for various subsurface analyses, including important energy-related applications. For example, they can be utilized to characterize reservoirs for both conventional oil and gas in the Spraberry Formation, as well as unconventional shale resources in the Wolfcamp play. Moreover, the models can assist in identifying suitable and safe geological formations for wastewater disposal, such as the shallower San Andres Formation and deeper disposal zones extending from the Wolfcamp D to the Ellenburger Formation. This information helps prevent over-pressurization and induced seismicity. This workflow applies to other mature basins and serves as a foundational dataset for sustainable resource development in the Midland Basin.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414311

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