28031 - Interpretation of Seismic and Balanced Geological Sections

Learning outcomes

The essential tools for interpreting the sesimic profiles and reconstructing balanced geological cross sections will be the main outcome of this course. Students will have the skill of: - defining the main tectonic and sedimentary feautures from 2D seismic profiles; - realizing geological cross-section from surface geology and weel data sets and sesismic profiles; - retrodeforming and validating gelogical cross sections.
A special emphasis will be given on utilizing computer softwares dedicated to: i)  management of 3D geological data set from multiple sources;  ii) visualization, manipulation and time-space conversion of sesismic profiles, iii) retrodeformation and validation of geological cross section in 2D and 3D.

Course contents

Concept of balanced geological cross sections. Construction, retrodeformation, forwarding modelling and validation. Geometry of tectonic structures and their association. Detailed analysis of the internal geometry in the main tectonic structures: 1) listric normal faults and associated folds, syn-rift sequences. 2) fault-related folds (fault-bend, fault-propagation, detachment folds), geometry of folding and deformation of beds, relationships between tectonics and sedimentation.
Examples from seismic profiles and surface geology.

Refraction and reflection seismic prospecting: basic principles, elements and methods of acquisition.
Seismic profiles, recording and processing: CMP, stacking, deconvolution, migration.
Well data reading and interpretation. Comparison between seismic data and well data. Conversion-time distances.
Interpretation of seismic profiles. Graphic reconstruction (line-drawing) and choice of reflectors. Identification of key beds and horizons. Recognition of unconformities and depositional sequences. Seismic stratigraphy. Reconstruction of tectonic structures.
Interpretation of seismic profiles through the software Move 2010: representation, conversion of seismic profiles, and their 2D and 3D viewing; management and representation in 2D and 3D of well data; overlay of data from wells on seismic profiles; interpretation.

Construction of balanced geological sections from surface data, data from well, and seismic profiles. Graphical procedures  and the software Move 2010. Construction of geological sections, kinematic and geometric constraints. Retrodeformation. Reiterative process of removal of errors, balancing and validation.

Readings/Bibliography

-- Woodward, N.B, Boyer, S.E. and Suppe, J. (1989) Balanced Geological Corss Sections. Short Course in Geology Volume 6. American Geophysical Union.
-- Corrao, M e Coco, G (2006) Geofisica Applicata. Dario Flaccovio Editore.
-- McQuillin, R., Bacon, M. e Barclay, W. (1979) An Introduction to Seismic Interpretation. Graham & Trotman Limited.
-- Suppe, J. (1985) Principles of Structural Geology. Prentice-Hall Inc

Teaching methods

Lectures, class exercises, computer exercises (laboratory).

Assessment methods

Written exhams: realization of balanced cross sections and interpretation of seismic profiles.

Teaching tools

Classroom and laboratory lessons will be supported by the dedicated software Move 2012-2013 Suite (under the Academic Software Initiative of  Midland Valley Exploration Ltd.)

Office hours

See the website of Luca Gasperini