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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 56 (2006), Pages 511-511

Abstract: Subsalt Previous HitInterpretationNext Hit and Visualization Techniques: Alaminos Canyon, Deep-Water Gulf of Mexico

Frank R. Love1

Abstract

Subsalt Previous HitseismicNext Hit Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit is a demanding task even with modern depthmigrated Previous HitdataNext Hit. Subsalt Previous HitseismicNext Hit Previous HitdataNext Hit are commonly contaminated with dipping noise, and large areas are poorly illuminated resulting in shadow zones with little coherent Previous HitdataNext Hit. Structures below salt represent the new deep-water frontier and significant effort is being made to map these features and to improve Previous HitseismicNext Hit imaging through better velocity models.

Variable subsalt images are best interpreted with 3-D volume Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit techniques. By visualizing Previous HitseismicNext Hit Previous HitdataNext Hit with volume tools, areas which have been imaged can be tied together to produce a geologically-sound Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit. Classical Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit utilizes only a single 2-D line from 3-D Previous HitdataNext Hit. Volume Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit takes full advantage of the 3-D Previous HitdataNext Hit by integrating X, Y and Z dimensions. In addition, new volume Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit tools permit co-visualization of multiple attributes, and opacity can be used better to visualize faulted surfaces. Modern volume Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit tools also tessellate surfaces as they are interpreted. By rendering faults or base salt surfaces as they are produced, the explorationist can produce an Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit that is geometrically consistent with previous event picks.

Deep-water Alaminos Canyon provides an opportunity to apply these techniques and compare both outboard and subsalt structures. Multi-attribute visualization of reflection Previous HitseismicNext Hit and coherency Previous HitdataNext Hit is shown to enhance subsalt images of crestal faulting and reduce the impact of dipping noise. Top and base salt Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit is also improved through multi-Z event Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit with progressive surface rendering to produce geologically consistent surfaces. Better definition of top and base salt is key to producing quality depth migration, which will ultimately unlock new areas for exploration. Furthermore, by understanding areas with similar structural styles such as the inboard and subsalt Alaminos Canyon, volume Previous HitinterpretationTop practices can be refined for application in new areas.


 

Acknowledgments and Associated Footnotes

1 Shell International Exploration and Production

Copyright © 2007 by The Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies