1

What is a reflector? There are many

reflectors on a seismic
section.properties.
• A seismic reflector is a boundary between beds with different Major changes
There mayin
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 reflectors as towards
reflected back shown bythe
surface. the arrow.
• Major changes in properties usually produce strong, continuous reflectors as shown
by the arrow
energy signal
source receiver

Inc y
om ra
Bed 1 ing te
d
c
ra fle
lower velocity y Re
higher velocity Ref
ract
ed
ra y
Bed 2
 2

Seismic acquisition onshore (1)

• Seismic horizons represent changes in density and allow the
subsurface geology to be interpreted.

Lithology
Lithology change
Change

Angularunconformity
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
288
• Depth of a reflector is
determined by boreholes
926
0.58 sec 926m

1865

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

High Level Village in the mountains

Understanding the system

Building the geological model Explaining the system.

Giving geological meaning to the features Identifying information

Giving a meaning to objects

Picking the features Finding information

Segmenting information into objects
Low Level