Intended for beginning interpreters, this book approaches seismic interpretation via synthesis of concepts and practical applications rather than through formal treatment of basic physics and geology. Based on the author's personal experience as a seismic interpreter, it is organised along the lines of notes from classes he designs and teaches.

This book is written for advanced earth science students, geologists, petroleum engineers and others who want to get quickly ‘up to speed’ on the interpretation of reflection seismic data. It is a development of material given to students on the MSc course in Petroleum Geology at Aberdeen University and takes the form of a course manual rather than a systematic textbook. It can be used as a self-contained course for individual study, or as the basis for a class programme. The book clarifies those aspects of the subject that students tend to find difficult, and provides insights through practical tutorials which aim to reinforce and deepen understanding of key topics and provide the reader with a measure of feedback on progress. Some tutorials may only involve drawing simple diagrams, but many are computer-aided (PC based) with graphics output to give insight into key steps in seismic data processing or into the seismic response of some common geological scenarios. Part I of the book covers basic ideas and it ends with two tutorials in 2-D structural interpretation. Part II concentrates on the current seismic reflection contribution to reservoir studies, based on 3-D data.

Includes discussions of fundamental concepts, explained using heuristic descriptions of seismic modelling, deconvolution, depth migration, and tomography; processing and contouring pitfalls; and developments in time-lapse seismology, borehole geophysics, multicomponent seismology, and integrated reservoir characterization.

3-D seismic technology is spreading out beyond the domain of the petroleum industry. The environmental and mining industries and academic groups are collecting and interpreting 3-D seismic data. Increasing numbers of geologists (often with little or no geophysical training) are being exposed to the technology, or results derived therefrom. Despite this interest, there are few opportunities for the practicing geologists (or engineer) to become acquainted with 3-D seismic technology at the appropriate level. This course is an attempt to fill that gap.

Interpreting Subsurface Seismic Data presents recent advances in methodologies for seismic imaging and interpretation across multiple applications in geophysics including exploration, marine geology, and hazards. It provides foundational information for context, as well as focussing on recent advances and future challenges. It offers detailed methodologies for interpreting the increasingly vast quantity of data extracted from seismic volumes. Organized into three parts covering foundational context, case studies, and future considerations, Interpreting Subsurface Seismic Data offers a holistic view of seismic data interpretation to ensure understanding while also applying cutting-edge technologies. This view makes the book valuable to researchers and students in a variety of geoscience disciplines, including geophysics, hydrocarbon exploration, applied geology, and hazards. Presents advanced seismic detection workflows utilized cutting-edge technologies Integrates geophysics and geology for a variety of applications, using detailed examples Provides an overview of recent advances in methodologies related to seismic imaging and interpretation