Case Histories: Synthetic Seismograms
Plenty of synthetic seismograms have been published in the geophysical literature. Here are a few to illustrate the variety.

  Wabamun Salt
This example is taken from "Geophysical Aspects of Wabamun Salt Distribution in Southern Alberta", by N.L. Anderson, R.J. Brown, and R.C.Hinds, CSEG Journal, Dec 1988. The example shows sonic logs for two wells, one with Wabamun and Cairn salt beds, the other without. Both sonic logs have noise and spikes which should have been edited.

                                  Wabamun example - raw logs

The synthetic (top) shows a model with two salt layers based on sonic data only. Adding the density data increases the amplitude of the reflections. Comparison of the models make it relatively easy to itemize the characteristics of salt and salt free cases. Notice that the wavelet frequency is critical to identification of the formation tops.

Synthetic with salt layer - sonic only (top), density added (bottom)

 Wabamun example - no salt case

The model below portrays a synthetic seismic section based on interpolation of the sonic logs between the salt and salt free cases. The model would be improved by use of density data augmenting the sonic.

Wabamun example - synthetic seismic section

Swan Hills/Beaverhill Lake (D-3) Reef
This model shows the capability of a particular commercially available seismic modeling package (GMA). The system takes edited and modeled well log data as its basic input. The stratigraphic cross section is digitized, along with the log data, or is derived from well history data in the data base.

Correlated stratigraphic depth cross section

In this example, the reef was edited to a geologically believable shape. The acoustic impedance cross section is then computed and displayed. This cross section uses raw sonic log data that has been interpolated between well control. The sonic logs may need editing for bad hole, casing, rock alteration, or gas effects. If gas or carbonates are present, the model should incorporate density information as well.

Edited correlations and hypothetical reef

Acoustic impedance cross section

A synthetic seismic section is calculated by creating reflection coefficients from impedance and convolving a wavelet with each modeled trace.

Synthetic seismic section

This is the usual form of synthetic modeling, but this example used logs which received no editing or correction for invasion. If the reef contained gas or had higher porosity than the platform rock, the synthetic section would be wrong because the modeled velocity and density would be wrong.

Thus a number of different formation models could be created. The seismic response of the models can be compared to each other and to field data using discriminant analysis or frequency analysis techniques or, more commonly, by visual inspection. If sufficient discrimination between various models can be detected, then the comparison of these models with field data should provide a valuable interpretation aid.

Another form of modeling is ray path tracing, a time consuming computer solution. The ray paths to each key horizon are computed from the laws of refraction, and a synthetic section is prepared using the noise free reflection coefficients at each layer modeled. Both normal (perpendicular) and vertical incidence sections are displayed in this example. These are used to judge the quality of the reflections to be expected from the steeply dipping beds.

Ray path tracing on reef model

Synthetic seismic section from ray path tracing - normal incidence

Synthetic seismic section from ray path tracing - vertical incidence

 Keg River (Granite Wash) Sand
This example is taken from "Seismic Perspective on Panny and Trout Fields of North Central Alberta", by N.L. Anderson, R.J.Brown, and R.C.Hinds, CSEG Journal, Dec 1989. This example  show sonic log models for a thinning lower anhydrite contrasted with a thinning lower clastic. These models help interpreters determine which case might be more likely on a seismic section.

 Keg River model - thinning anhydrite

 Keg River example - thinning sand

A typical synthetic seismogram is given below as well as a geologic cross section from logs. The seismic model, synthetic section, and real seismic section follows. The basement high and surrounding basal sand are the key elements in this model. Note that there is no significant reflection from the bald high because the evaporites above mask the event. The model would be more realistic if density data were incorporated.

Keg River synthetic seismograms and log cross section

Keg River synthetic section and real seismic

More Sophisticated Models
Seismic modeling programs can generate the diffraction patterns from steep events, so that their interfering effects can be assessed. This example shows such a case. Here the diffractions might be mistaken for reflection on an anticline instead of the structural low that really exists.

Modeling refractions from steeply dipping beds

Stratigraphic traps, such as channels, beaches, and bars can also be modeled by using adequately modeled log data.

Stratigraphic trap model