Cross-matching with interpreted warping of 3D streamer and 3D ocean-bottom-cable data at Valhall for time-lapse assessment

Legacy streamer data and newer 3D ocean‐bottom‐cable data are cross‐matched and analysed for time‐lapse analysis of geomechanical changes due to production in the Valhall Field. The issues relating to time‐lapse analysis using two such distinctly different data sets are addressed to provide an optimal cross‐matching workflow that includes 3D warping. Additionally an assessment of the differences between the imaging using single‐azimuth streamer and multi‐azimuth ocean‐bottom‐cable data is provided. The 3D warping utilized in the cross‐matching procedure is sensitive to acquisition and processing differences but is also found to provide valuable insight into the geometrical changes that occur in the subsurface due to production. As such, this work also provides a demonstration of the use of high‐resolution 3D interpreted warping to resolve the 3D heterogeneity of the compaction and subsidence. This is an important tool for Valhall, and possibly other fields, where compaction and subsidence (and monitoring thereof) are key factors in the reservoir management since the predominant observed production‐induced changes are compaction of the soft, high‐porosity chalk reservoir, due to pore‐pressure reduction, and the resultant overburden subsidence. Such reservoir compaction could have significant implications for production by changing permeabilities and production rates. Furthermore the subsidence effects could impact upon subsea installations and well‐bore stability. Geomechanical studies that have previously been used to model such subsidence and compaction are only constrained by observed surface displacements and measured reservoir pressure changes, with the geological overburden being largely neglected. The approaches suggested herein provide the potential for monitoring and assessment in three dimensions, including the probable heterogeneity and shearing, that is needed for full understanding of reservoir compaction and the resultant effects on the overburden to, for example, mitigate well‐bore failures.