Carbonate Seismology Book

Although carbonates make up only 20% of the sedimentary rock record, they account for more than 50% of the world's proven oil reserves. Carbonates differ from siliclastics in generation, geomorphology, and diagenesis, all of which modify the mineralogy, porosity, and permeability so important to reservoir quality and 3-D seismic response. The first eight chapters establish the geologic framework and consist of state-of-the-art review papers written by recognized experts in carbonate generation, rock properties, sequence stratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, and structural deformation. The last 10 chapters illustrate the seismic expression of carbonate terranes through carefully chosen case studies drawn from the United States, Venezuela, Norway, China, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and the Bahamas, augmented by two careful studies of seismic signal-to-noise problems specific to carbonates. A recurring theme in each of these case studies is the importance of integrating seismic and petrophysical control with geologic models to better predict carbonate facies quality and distribution. This book is destined to become a well-worn reference volume that sits easily within reach of every geologist, geophysicist, and engineer involved in the exploration or exploitation of carbonate reservoirs.