Course Description:
Multichannel seismic data interpretation is the standard tool for
imaging the earth's interior with applications in oil and natural-gas
exploration, gas hydrates, environmental imaging, sedimentary basin
research, and crustal structure for tectonophysics research. The audience
for this course includes those interested in exploration, those looking
to more fully understand multichannel data analysis (e.g., radar, cross-well
tomography, large-array earthquake datasets, etc.), as well as those
interested in the detection and characterization of fluids in the subsurface.
This course will cover the basics of seismic energy propagation in
the earth; modern multichannel land- and marine seismic data acquisition
terminology and field-methods; data processing including deconvolution,
filtering, stacking, and time- and depth-migration; interpretation of
the shot-records, the stacked sections, and the migrated sections. The
interpretation component will include an introduction to mapping and
visualization along with the resolution of seismic data; structural
(extensional, salt-dome, etc) and stratigraphic interpretation.
This class will take a problem-based approach by requiring the students
to process data as part of the associated lab. We will go from raw field
data to an interpreted section over the course of the semester. The
sequence of "data acquisition'' through "interpretation'' will be
taught with emphasis on standard exploration-industry techniques. Many
academic programs use exploration-industry contractors and techniques
for their research goals so these techniques are widely applicable.
Example datasets will be provided and each student (or group of students)
must process and interpret the "prospect'' as a final project.
A key part of the class is the strong integration of the associated
computer lab where the data will be processed and interpreted
using Landmark software (Promax and Seisworks).
Outline:
Aquisition overview
Physics of seismic energy propogation
Mathematics - time, freq, sampling, convolution
Aquisition geometries, noise cancellation
Processing - preprocess, filtering - velocity analysis, stacking - migration
Rock Impedance Relationships - lithology, fluids, and porosity
Well Logs and Seismics
Stratigraphic Interpretation - 2D - mapping sequences and depositional
systems
Structural and Stratigraphic Interpretation - 3D data examples
Text and Readings:
Required Text: None (handouts and notes)
Other Text: RE Sheriff and LP Geldart, 1995, Exploration Seismology,
2nd Ed, Cambridge Univ Press, Cambridge, ISBN 0-521-46826-4
Helpful Information:
"New Geoscience Class Prepares Students
for Oil Industry Careers"
Information on 2D Processing
