Use of Geophysical Data
in the Determination of Reserve Classifications

It is important for planning and reporting that corporations have a clear assessment of the volumetric quantities of hydrocarbons as both OGIP/STOOIP and recoverable resource/reserves. Recently developed and approved by the SPE, AAPG, and World Petroleum Congress is the  “Resource Classification System” adopted by numerous oil and gas companies.  Geophysical technology and their application often referred to as “seismic considerations” can have significant impact to reserve/resource classification and available bookings under this system.  The purpose of this talk is to stimulate discussion and recommend a set of clear yet stringent guidelines for the proper application of such geophysical technology when classifying resources/reserves.  Some examples will be shown for how geophysical tools such as optical stacks, rock property analysis, fluid substitution, seismic synthetics, and 3D amplitude extractions can be integrated with well log data to aid reserve/resource classification. This pertains specifically to extrapolation away from the well bore(s) as well as both below the LKH (lowest know hydrocarbon) and above the HKH (highest known hydrocarbon). An appropriate level of sophistication and redundancy is suggested as necessary to meet SEC guidelines of “reasonable certainty” to book proved resources/reserves using seismic.