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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Abstract
Abstract: Expression of Seeps and Seep-Related
Features on High-Resolution
Seismic
and
Other Imaging Systems
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Most high-resolution geophysical survey systems were developed by the petroleum industry and by the military as remote-sensing techniques for measuring seafloor morphologic and shallow geologic conditions in the marine environment. These systems have evolved over the past 20 years and now provide a wide range of capabilities and potential applications. However, they are primarily being used to provide detailed geologic information for offshore drilling-hazards surveys and production facility-siting studies.
High-resolution geophysical data
will augment geochemical
exploration programs when they are used to
target locations with the highest potential for sampling
success. In addition, they will fill the "gap in resolution"
between conventional
seismic
data
and surface geochemical
data
. The collection of high resolution geophysical
data
is
completely field-compatible with geochemical exploration
programs and very beneficial to overall program success.
Several examples of anomalous acoustic responses on
high-resolution marine seismic
profiles are presented here.
Many of these anomalies correlate the presence of gaseous
hydrocarbons in the shallow sediments and in the water
column. It is also very common to falsely associate some
"anomalies" with the presence of gas. A complete understanding
of the geological environment is critical to proper
interpretation
.
Simultaneous operation of up to five different high-resolution systems is now possible. This process allows some qualification of the subtle variations in each system's response to shallow acoustic anomalies. It also confirms their relative capacity to resolve various geologic features.
When data
are properly collected and interpreted,
high-resolution systems can be used to delineate relatively
small concentrations of gas and zones of gassy sediments in
the shallow geologic section. These systems can also be
used to locate and identify surface features such as seep
mounds, gas craters, carbonate build-ups, water-column
anomalies, and seafloor fractures. All of these features,
associated with hydrocarbon migration to the seafloor,
provide ideal targets for successful geochemical exploration
programs.
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