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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 66 (1982)

Issue: 10. (October)

First Page: 1689

Last Page: 1689

Title: Offset Panel Aids Processor and Interpreter: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Thomas K. Fulton, K. Michele Darr

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

A novel Previous HitdisplayNext Hit of common-offset profiles is found to be a powerful analytical tool for Previous HitseismicNext Hit Previous HitdataNext Hit. The offset panel displays six sets of common-offset, single-channel Previous HitdataNext Hit taken from a conventional marine Previous HitseismicNext Hit survey. The single-channel profiles are displayed below one another and arranged vertically by offset and horizontally by common depth point. This arrangement causes effects due to near-surface geologic changes to generate geometric patterns that are different from patterns due to changes in Previous HitseismicNext Hit source or receiver. Both reflection and refraction Previous HitdataNext Hit are used in the Previous HitdisplayNext Hit. Reflection Previous HitdataNext Hit of the near trace or offset are at the top of the Previous HitdisplayNext Hit and indicate the presence of acoustic boundaries. Refractions observed on distant traces are sensitive to chan es in the near surface. They allow properties of acoustic layers to be determined through their alteration of transit times and amplitudes.

This Previous HitdisplayNext Hit takes advantage of the exchangeability of Previous HitseismicNext Hit source and receiver to relate variations in refraction arrival time and amplitude at different offsets. Previous HitDataNext Hit commonly muted by the processor allow the detection of near-surface velocity anomalies from the simple geometric patterns they generate. The geometric patterns are symmetrical around the anomaly. A variation in refraction arrival due to change in source or receiver lacks symmetry and may be distinguished from a velocity anomaly.

Refraction arrivals penetrate to a depth of perhaps one-fifth the source to receiver distance, dependent on velocity distribution. A velocity anomaly anywhere in the path can be identified if one can compare refraction arrivals with and without the anomaly in the path. The offset panel arranges the Previous HitdataNext Hit so that a comparison can be made.

The simple symmetry of the Previous HitdataNext Hit in such a Previous HitdisplayNext Hit renders it useful in many areas of analysis. For the Previous HitdataNext Hit processor, the most important functions of the offset panel are to (1) verify field recording geometry, (2) monitor the Previous HitseismicNext Hit source, and (3) determine processing parameters. For the interpreter, the Previous HitdisplayNext Hit serves to: (1) detect anomalous velocity zones in the near surface and allow for their correlation with deep structure, (2) locate and identify shallow, high-amplitude reflections, and (3) indicate shallow geologic changes.

Geotechnical and drilling engineers can use the Previous HitdisplayNext Hit to: (1) locate zones of unstable sediments on the seafloor, and (2) locate and evaluate shallow drilling hazards.

Refraction Previous HitdataNext Hit recorded by the conventional Previous HitseismicTop spread are found to be very important in resolving problems associated with the near surface. They are most useful in the direct detection of shallow drilling hazards.

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