A review about recent seismic techniques in shale-gas exploration

Shale-gas reservoirs are known for their large extension, low porosity, and permeability, as well as their high anisotropy, which distinguish them from conventional sands and carbonate reservoirs. As the later properties will inevitably influence these gas-saturated shales seismic responses, seismic data targeting shale formations must receive special care in acquisition, processing, and interpretation. This chapter aims to review some recent geophysical techniques that are being used in today’s industry. This includes some recent data-acquisition techniques, special data processing, interpretation, and characterization approaches. An example from the Barnett Shale play, South Texas, is presented.