<![CDATA[Accurate identification of hydrocarbon-bearing zones is essential for effective reservoir characterization, particularly when pre-stack seismic data required for conventional amplitude variation with offset (AVO) analysis are limited. This study aims to evaluate the application of amplitude variation with frequency (AVF) as a direct hydrocarbon indicator (DHI) using post-stack seismic data from the Volve Field, North Sea, Norway. The analysis was performed through spectral decomposition using the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) to generate frequency gathers, followed by amplitude–frequency analysis to derive Intercept and Gradient attributes. A frequency range of 5–28 Hz was selected based on the observed spectral response and used to construct the AVF product (Intercept × Gradient). The results show a high-frequency loss and a shift toward lower dominant frequencies within the hydrocarbon-bearing interval of the Hugin Formation. The AVF response is characterized by a positive Intercept and negative Gradient, resulting in negative AVF product anomalies. Validation at Wells 19-A and 19-S&SR shows that more negative AVF Product responses are associated with lower water saturation within the Hugin reservoir. Well 19-A exhibits an SW of approximately 0.203 and an AVF Product of −0.21, whereas Well 19-S&SR shows an SW of approximately 0.166 and a more negative AVF Product of −0.28. The spatial distribution of negative AVF anomalies around both validation wells further supports the delineation of hydrocarbon-prospective zones. These results indicate that AVF can provide a useful calibrated quick-look approach for hydrocarbon prospect delineation using post-stack seismic data, although integration with independent well and geological information remains essential.]]>
