Imaging and characterization of a carbonate hydrocarbon reservoir analogue using GPR attributes

We adapt and test seismic attributes techniques on a 2-D and 3-D multi-frequency GPR dataset recorded in an abandoned limestone quarry, analogous to a specific set of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Our main objective was to image the vertical and lateral lithological variations, the network of stratigraphic joints and fractures and to characterize the rock mass based on the radar response. We apply semi-automatic horizon mapping techniques using manually picked seeds (control points) on selected attributes, and automatic extrapolation both on in-line and cross-line, starting from seed positions. We also apply Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis on group data with similar multi-attribute response to reduce the total number of calculated attributes by minimizing the interpreter's bias. We compare and validate the results with direct outcrop measures, imaging a hydrocarbon reservoir analogue in 3-D to over 10 m beneath the topographic surface.

► We calculated GPR attributes, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. ► We adapted and tested seismic attributes on a 2-D and 3-D multi frequency GPR dataset. ► We imaged main tectonic and stratigraphic structures locating karstic levels. ► The geophysical results are critically compared and validated with outcrop measures.