Modeling reflections from the Austin Chalk
- a practical application
of azimuthal anisotropy

Martin Karrenbach, Dave Nichols & Francis Muir

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ABSTRACT

If a rock has elastic properties that vary with azimuth, then reflections from such a rock will likewise. We examine a simple situation where a homogeneous model material - representing a shale - overlies another homogeneous model material which simulates an isotropic chalk matrix and a set of vertical fractures with constant azimuth. Our modeling illustrates the small variability in azimuthal reflectivity as the amount of fracturing is increased, and also how reflection strength is affected by the nature of the fluid inclusion - gas or liquid.