Seismic anomaly reflection enhancement technology for fracture–vug reservoirs controlled by strike-slip faults

Abstract For strike-slip fault-controlled fracture–vug carbonate reservoirs in the Tarim Basin, accurate and reliable seismic reflection images are essential for the identification, characterization, and evaluation of these reservoirs and for the selection of optimal drilling targets. However, comprehensive comparisons between well data and production statistics reveal large discrepancies between the seismic reflection patterns observed on seismic profile and the actual reservoir sizes implied by production rates, and these discrepancies often lead to incorrect volumetric estimates and sub-optimal well placement. Starting from the intrinsic structural heterogeneity of fault-controlled fracture–vug systems, we present a seismic anomaly enhancement workflow specifically tailored to such reservoirs. (i) The original seismic image is decomposed into two components: one capturing the seismic signature of the fracture–vug reservoir and the other representing the surrounding host rock. (ii) The comparatively weak reservoir-related reflections are amplified by a purpose-designed mathematical operator that compensates for illumination deficits and tuning effects. (iii) The enhanced reservoir response is recombined with the unaltered host-rock image to produce a final section in which reservoir anomalies are rendered with heightened fidelity. This workflow markedly strengthens subtle seismic anomalies, otherwise obscured by multiple factors, thereby recovering a more faithful image of the geological target. As a result, the seismic expression of the reservoir aligns closely with its true dimensions, furnishing a robust foundation for volumetric assessment and optimal well placement.