3D seismic data can play a vital role in hydrocarbon exploration and development especially with regard to mitigating risk associated with the presence/absence of reservoir, source and seal facies. Such data can afford direct imaging of depositional elements, which can then be analyzed by applying seismic stratigraphic and seismic geomorphologic principles to yield predictions of lithologic distribution, insights to compartmentalization and identification of stratigraphic trapping possibilities. Benefits can be direct, whereby depositional elements at exploration depths can be identified and interpreted, or they can be indirect, whereby shallow-buried depositional systems can be clearly imaged and provide analogs to deeper exploration or development targets. Examples of imaged depositional elements from both shallowly and deeply buried sections are presented. Deep-water deposits, in particular, have benefited greatly from analyses of 3D seismic data. The understanding of the stratigraphic and geomorphologic evolution of these deposits has increased by orders of magnitude since the advent of 3D seismic-based analyses. In high-cost deep-water exploration settings, insights derived from such analyses are critical to reduce risk with regard to reservoir presence and reservoir compartmentalization to ensure economic success. Depositional elements in settings such as shoreface, shelf, estuarine and fluvial, as well as in carbonate environments, also benefit greatly from 3D seismic analyses. Common techniques for geologic visualization include 1) visualizing and illuminating stratigraphic horizons, 2) time slicing and flattened time slicing, 3) interval attribute analysis (including seismic waveform analysis), 4) voxbody interpretation and mapping, 5) 3D perspective rendering and 6) opacity rendering. The key to successful application of this approach lies in the correct interpretation of geologically significant patterns revealed by these techniques. Workflows in conjunction with numerous examples from a variety of geologic settings will be shown.

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