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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 56 (2006), Pages 217-226

Theory and Methodology for Seismic Texture Analysis: Implications for Seismic Facies Visualization and Interpretation

Dengliang Gao

Abstract

"Texture" is a general term that has different definitions and implications in different areas of science. Basically, texture is defined by spatial variations and distribution patterns of constituents of a feature at a given scale in a specific domain. In seismic stratigraphy, seismic texture refers to lateral and vertical variations in reflection amplitude and waveform at a specific sample location in 3-D seismic domain. It is acoustic expression of lateral and vertical variations in rugosity, lithology, and thickness of beds and thin beds in 3-D stratigraphic domain. Physically, seismic texture is linked to stratigraphy via a wavelet convolution, and such a physical link holds the key and potential to characterize depositional facies from reflection seismic data.

To quantify seismic texture analysis, this study applies a texture model regression method that directly transforms a regular amplitude volume into a seismic texture classification volume. The algorithm first designs a seismic texture model using a full wavelength of trigonometric cosine function with a specific amplitude and frequency. Then it compares actual seismic texture at each sample location with the model by calculating regression gradient based on a linear least-squares regression analysis. To minimize the impact of phase of wiggle traces on facies visualization, the model is defined dynamically using adaptive phase as it moves from sample to sample along each trace throughout the regular amplitude volume, thereby creating a regression gradient volume with minimum phase interference. The regression gradient represents textural similarity relative to the model that is interpreted to be related to stratigraphy and suggestive of depositional facies. Case studies and comparative analysis indicate that the seismic texture theory and methodology have great potential for effective seismic facies discrimination, visualization, and interpretation.


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