Houken: EAGE Publications, 2013. — 496 p. — ISBN 978-90-73834-43-9.The Seismic Stratigraphy and Depositional Facies Models textbook by Paul C.H. Veeken and Bruno van Moerkerken, provides a systematic approach for the description and evaluation of subsurface reservoirs. The authors have an extended career as geoscience consultants, having spent over 25 years working in the oil and gas industry. Their experience has contributed to provide a clear and detailed description of the ‘hot topics’ relating to seismic interpretation and modelling techniques, supplying advanced tools for the recognition of sedimentary facies.
The book represents a reference guide for geologists, geophysicists and engineers working on hydrocarbon exploration. It is subdivided into four main sections full of clarifying figures, diagrams and field examples, following step by step the recipe for a correct and accurate interpretation of depositional sequences and sedimentary environments from seismic profile data.
The textbook provides an introduction to seismic methods, focusing on the basic principles of seismic reflection and the behaviour of seismic waves as they travel through the Earth´s interior. It pays particular attention to seismic stratigraphic techniques and the expression of sedimentary units through seismic profiles. To familiarise the reader with the geophysical background, the authors often use visual examples and realworld case studies to describe complex concepts and clarify jargon. The nature of sedimentary units, for instance, is described using case examples and field photographs, including basic rules for the interpretation of potential reservoirs within the different units.
Aiming to reconcile the formation of hydrocarbon reservoirs with major events occurred in our planet, the authors also present parallel issues related to interesting aspects about the origin of life and major events in the geologic history of Earth. These final notes aim to help the reader understand the importance of facies recognition on the evolution and characterisation of oil and gas reservoirs.
The textbook strengths lie in the easy way the authors present key concepts and explanatory notes, establishing useful links between cause- and- effect relationships in seismic interpretation. However, the book lacks a more detailed description of the reservoir characterisation modelling techniques. It limits itself to offering a general overview of the processing techniques and the analysis of seismic markers that may help junior professionals with seismic interpretation.
All in all, the book successfully integrates seismic interpretation techniques and stratigraphic criteria aiming to evaluate, from a practical point of view, the characterisation of potential reservoirs. It includes a large amount of data that is successfully condensed into a useful and easy-to-read book.
