Elements of Rock Physics and Their Application to Inversion and AVO Studies

The ultimate aim of the oil exploration industry is to determine the distribution of rock types and underground fluids. At this stage, we can actually determine the distribution of several underground physical properties with a certain accuracy. The challenge for the rock physicist is to translate those physical properties (P-velocity, S-velocity, density) into rock types and fluids (gas-, or oil-, or water-bearing sand, shale). If performed correctly, dry holes can be avoided and millions ...