In heterogeneous natural gas reservoirs, gas is generally present as small patch-like pockets embedded in the water-saturated host matrix. This type of heterogeneity, alsocalled ＂patchy saturation＂, causes significant seismic velocity dispersion and attenuation. Toestablish the relation between seismic response and type of fluids, we designed a rock physicsmodel for carbonates. First, we performed CT scanning and analysis of the fluid distributionin the partially saturated rocks. Then, we predicted the quantitative relation between the waveresponse at different frequency ranges and the basic lithological properties and pore fluids.A rock physics template was constructed based on thin section analysis of pore structuresand seismic inversion. This approach was applied to the limestone gas reservoirs of the rightbank block of the Amu Darya River. Based on poststack wave impedance and prestack elasticparameter inversions, the seismic data were used to estimate rock porosity and gas saturation.The model results were in ~ood a^reement with the production regime of the wells.
