Training Course: AVO Analysis Using Prestack and Poststack Seismic Data

Introduction

This specialized training program titled “AVO Analysis Using Prestack and Poststack Seismic Data” is designed by Global Horizon Training Center to equip geophysicists, seismic interpreters, and exploration professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) analysis. AVO has become a critical tool in reservoir characterization, hydrocarbon prediction, and reducing exploration risk. The course focuses on understanding seismic amplitude behavior with offset and its interpretation using both prestack and poststack seismic data.

Participants will be introduced to theoretical foundations, practical workflows, and modern applications of AVO techniques to identify lithology, fluid content, and pore pressure variations in subsurface formations. The program combines theory with real-world examples and hands-on exercises for maximum learning impact.

Objectives

By the end of this training program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the physical principles behind AVO behavior in seismic data.

• Distinguish between prestack and poststack data and their AVO applications.

• Apply AVO analysis to predict reservoir properties and reduce exploration risks.

• Utilize AVO classification and interpretation techniques.

• Integrate AVO attributes with rock physics models.

• Assess limitations, uncertainties, and common pitfalls in AVO analysis.

Course Methodology

• Expert-led Lectures to explain theoretical and applied concepts.

• Interactive Workshops using real seismic datasets.

• Hands-on Exercises with AVO analysis software tools.

• Case Studies based on actual exploration and production projects.

• Group Discussions and knowledge sharing.

Organizational Impact

Organizations sending participants to this training can expect:

• Enhanced technical capabilities in geophysical and seismic interpretation teams.

• Better-informed exploration decisions with reduced uncertainty.

• Improved reservoir characterization and prospect evaluation.

• Cost savings by identifying viable drilling targets through advanced AVO analysis.

• Strengthening of in-house geophysical expertise for long-term project planning.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

• Exploration Geophysicists

• Seismic Interpreters

• Geoscientists and Reservoir Engineers

• Data Analysts working in oil & gas exploration

• Technical Managers and Supervisors in subsurface teams

• Anyone involved in seismic data interpretation and reservoir evaluation

 Outlines:

Day 1: Fundamentals of AVO and Seismic Reflection Theory

• Introduction to AVO concepts and history

• Fundamentals of seismic reflection and wave propagation

• Reflection coefficients and offset dependency

• Contrast between prestack and poststack data

• Introduction to Zoeppritz equations

Day 2: Prestack Seismic Data and AVO Attributes

• Overview of prestack data conditioning

• Gather analysis and amplitude corrections

• Prestack inversion basics

• Extraction and interpretation of AVO attributes

• AVO intercept and gradient: physical meaning and use

Day 3: Poststack AVO Interpretation Techniques

• Poststack attribute analysis

• AVO crossplots and classification (Classes I-IV)

• Fluid and lithology prediction using AVO

• Integration with well logs and rock physics

• Real-world poststack AVO examples

Day 4: Advanced AVO Analysis and Modeling

• AVO modeling and synthetic gather generation

• Rock physics modeling: linking elastic properties to AVO

• AVO feasibility and uncertainty analysis

• Case study: AVO analysis of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs

• Introduction to inversion methods (optional overview)

Day 5: Applications, Pitfalls, and Integration

• Limitations and pitfalls in AVO interpretation

• QC of AVO data and anomaly validation

• Integration of AVO with other geophysical data

• Group exercise: full AVO workflow application

• Summary, Q&A, and final assessment.