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AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

AAPG Bulletin, V. 89, No. 7 (July 2005), P. 839-848.

Copyright copy2005. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.

DOI:10.1306/01300504072

Structural analysis of seismically mapped horizons using the developable surface model

Richard J. Lisle,1 Juan Luis Fernaacutendez Martiacutenez2

1Departamento de Geologiacutea, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo 33005, Spain; present address: School of Earth, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3YE, United Kingdom; [email protected]
2Departamento de Matemaacuteticas, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo 3307, Spain; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

A new method for the analysis of folding of seismically mapped horizons is described. Based on a model of developable surfaces, the local geometrical properties are determined by analyzing the variation of dip and strike along linear strips on the surface. By considering strips in different directions, a plunge line (the approximation to the generatrix of a developable fold) is identified as the direction associated with the least variation of surface attitude. The map pattern obtained by analyzing the plunge and trend of plunge lines across an area allows the identification of domains where folding accords with a developable geometry. Such domains are recognized from straight plunge lines, defining convergent or parallel patterns. Deviations from these patterns correspond to regions of structural complexity associated with ductile or brittle straining of the horizon. We suggest that plunge-line analysis may offer a useful technique for automatic fault recognition.

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