To obtain maximum oil recovery from an oil field, an intimate appreciation is needed of the underlying reservoir and its geological structure. The data for picturing this subsurface geology comes from three-dimensional (3d) seismic surveys. However, these 3d seismic data are exceedingly complex, and an accurate comprehension of the data by the person interpreting it is absolutely essential. This new approach to understanding 3d seismic data will create three-dimensional appearing stereoscopic seismic displays. These novel displays are a powerful new tool for spatially visualizing in great detail the anatomy of a reservoir. The stereoscopic seismic displays are also well suited to imaging and monitoring changes taking place over time within a reservoir. Phase i consists of the following tasks: gather seismic-simulating, ground-penetrating radar data of suitable near-surface geology; image process and combine into stereoscopic displays; evaluate digital implementation of the process; and prepare preliminary economic and engineering analysis of real-time digital implementation of 3d displays of seismic data.
