Applications of rock physics to AVO analyses

The concept of reflection coefficient is introduced and its change in magnitude with the angle of incidence of rays, is discussed. The AVO technique identifies surfaces which separate media with different physical properties, which generate a reflection coefficient. If there is well information in the area, it is possible to apply several statistical techniques are to translate that change in physical properties into changes of lithology and fluids. These techniques are discussed in this chapter. Without knowledge of the lithology, the results of an AVO analysis are more limited, but still very useful to identify gas accumulations at relatively shallow depths.