Practical Seismic Data Processing

Duration: 5 Days
Target Audience: Junior Geophysicists, Data Processors, Geotechnical Engineers, Exploration Staff Involved in Seismic Interpretation
Delivery Mode: Classroom / Virtual with Software-Based Exercises
Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Course Overview

This hands-on training provides an end-to-end understanding of the seismic data processing workflow. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience with industry software to process raw seismic data into high-quality seismic images ready for interpretation. Emphasis is placed on quality control, parameter testing, and resolving common pitfalls.

Day-by-Day Outline

Day 1 – Seismic Data Acquisition and Fundamentals

Seismic wave propagation and reflection principles
2D vs. 3D survey design basics
Seismic data formats and SEG-Y structure
Key steps from field to processing center
Exercise: Load and visualize SEG-Y data

Day 2 – Initial Data Conditioning & Quality Control

Geometry assignment and verification
Trace edits and bad trace removal
Amplitude recovery and spherical divergence correction
De-noising techniques: random noise attenuation, swell noise suppression
Practical: QC geometry and perform initial trace edits

Day 3 – Velocity Analysis and Static Corrections

Concepts of normal moveout (NMO) and velocity picking
Stacking velocity vs. interval velocity
Refraction and residual statics
Application of statics corrections to land data
Workshop: Build velocity spectra and apply NMO corrections

Day 4 – Advanced Processing and Migration

Multiple attenuation and predictive deconvolution
Frequency filtering and spectral balancing
Migration concepts: time vs. depth migration
Kirchhoff migration fundamentals
Practical: Process stacked data through migration

Day 5 – Seismic Imaging, QC, and Final Products

Final stack and image enhancement
Seismic attributes and their applications
Quality control of final sections
Exporting processed seismic for interpretation
Capstone Project: End-to-end processing of a real dataset

Expected Learning Outcomes

Understand each step in the seismic data processing workflow
Apply basic processing techniques using standard software
Perform velocity analysis and apply statics corrections
QC seismic data at each processing stage
Produce high-quality seismic sections ready for interpretation

Customizable Add-ons
Tailored content for local geology
Lab visit or simulation hands-on demo
Integration with economics or production courses

Special Customization for Regional NOCs

- Includes legal and fiscal case examples from MENA & Africa
- Arabic-English bilingual delivery available
- Tailored licensing round simulation exercises
- Optional site visits to local oilfields or regulatory agencies

Trainer Profile

- Senior reservoir and exploration engineers from IOCs and NOCs
- Former advisors to government ministries
- Experts in petroleum contracts and economic modeling

Certification

Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and a performance report including assessment outcomes and instructor feedback.