Practical Geostatistics--An Armchair Overview for Petroleum Reservoir Engineers

Jeffrey M. Yarus and Richard L. Chambers, Quantitative Geosciences LLP

Abstract

Some engineers are skeptical of statistical, let alone geostatistical, methods. Geostatistical analysis in reservoir characterization necessitates an understanding of a new and often unintuitive vocabulary. Statistical approaches for measuring uncertainty in reservoirs is indeed a rapidly growing part of the best-practice set of methodologies for many companies. For those already familiar with the basic concepts of geostatistics, it is hoped that this overview will be a useful refresher and perhaps clarify some concepts. For others, this overview is intended to provide a basic understanding and a new level of comfort with a technology that may be useful to them in the very near future.

Distinguished Author Series - SPE 103357

Jeffrey M. Yarus, SPE, is a principal of Quantitative Geosciences LLP and a specialist in applied geostatistics. He earned a PhD degree in geology from the University of South Carolina. Yarus has worked for oil companies and vendors. Richard L. Chambers, SPE, is a principal of Quantitative Geosciences LLP and specializes in applied geostatistics. He earned a PhD degree in geology from Michigan State University. Chambers has worked for oil companies and government agencies.