1 What is a reflector? There are many reflectors on a seismic section. Major properties. There may • A seismic reflector is a boundary between beds with different changes in be a change of lithology or fluid fill from bed 1 to bed 2. properties usually produce strong, continuous • These property changes cause some sound waves to be reflected back towardsby reflectors as shown the surface. the arrow. • Major changes in properties usually produce strong, continuous reflectors as shown by the arrow energy source Bed 1 lower velocity higher velocity Bed 2 Inc om signal receiver ing ra y d te y ra c fle Re Ref ract ed r ay
2 Seismic acquisition onshore (1) • Seismic horizons represent changes in density and allow the subsurface geology to be interpreted. Lithology Change Lithology change Angular unconformity Lithology Change Lithology change
3 Time versus depth • Two way time (TWT) does not equate directly to depth • Depth of a specific reflector can be determined using boreholes • For example, 926 m depth = 0. 58 sec. TWT • Two Way Time (TWT) does not equate directly to depth • Depth of a reflector is determined by boreholes 0. 58 sec 288 926 1865 m 926 m
4 Well Logs Versus Seismic Well logs • Great vertical resolution • Delimit bounding surfaces • Establish lithology of sediments penetrated • Seismic • Great lateral continuity and resolution • Define gross sediment geometry •
5 Seismic Data Interpretation is more than picking Seismic Interpretation Understanding the geology of the subsurface
6 Seismic Data Interpretation is a Data Analysis Problem trees houses church lake vineyard Village in the mountains High Level Understanding the system Building the geological model Explaining the system. Identifying information Giving geological meaning to the features Picking the features Giving a meaning to objects Finding information Low Level Segmenting information into objects