scholarly journals Unraveling the shallow geology of the western Wadden Sea using high resolution seismics

2012 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.F. Paap ◽  
C.W. Dubelaar ◽  
J.L. Gunnink ◽  
A.P. Oost
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Wadden Sea ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Middle Pleistocene ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Hydrogeological Model ◽  
Geological Interpretation ◽  
Shallow Subsurface

AbstractModelling of the shallow subsurface of the Dutch Wadden Sea is merely based on lithological information extracted from a limited amount of core samples. In order to improve the subsurface model and to provide a better basis for engineering purposes, seismic data have recently been acquired, processed and interpreted. This study focuses on the interpretation of seismic data in a pilot area in the southwestern part of the Dutch Wadden Sea near the Afsluitdijk. In order to acquire a maximum detail of subsurface information in a time-efficient way, multiple types of seismic systems were deployed simultaneously in a ‘one-sweep-survey’, providing information over depth ranges up to 60 m subsurface depth. Data from three seismic systems are presented; a chirp system, a boomer and sparker source in combination with hydrophone streamers. Geological interpretation of the seismic data was made by identifying seismic facies units and subsequently correlating them to geological cross-sections, running parallel to the Afsluitdijk. Geological cross-sections were derived from the existing geological and hydrogeological model and from relatively densely spaced borehole information. Six key reflectors were identified on the seismic data along the Dutch Afsluitdijk that make up four seismic facies units. Results of seismic profiles show good recognition of internal structures in especially Holocene sediments. A clay plug and a shallowing of a channel at the eastern side of the pilot area were interpreted as channel infills resulting from the rather sudden dominance by newer tidal channels to the west, probably coinciding with the opening of the Marsdiep channel. The channel wall deposits observed were interpreted as a turning of the drainage channel after closure of the IJsselmeer. Strong reflections of deeper levels (>15 m below Dutch vertical datum, i.e. N.A.P.) were interpreted as clay/sand interfaces in the Middle-Pleistocene Urk Formation and were more continuous than previously thought. It is concluded that high resolution seismics add valuable information yielding improved understanding of the sedimentary structure of the shallow subsurface, which in turn can be useful for near future engineering works along the Afsluitdijk.

3-D high‐resolution reflection seismic imaging of unconsolidated glacial and glaciolacustrine sediments: processing and interpretation

Geophysics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Büker ◽  
Alan G. Green ◽  
Heinrich Horstmeyer
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Guided Waves ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
High Amplitude ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Shallow Subsurface ◽  
Reflection Seismic ◽  
Reflecting Boundaries

Shallow 3-D seismic reflection techniques have been used to map glacial deposits in a Swiss mountain valley. A dense distribution of source and receiver positions resulted in a small subsurface sampling of 1.5 m × 1.5 m and a high fold of >40. Common processing operations that included pseudotrue amplitude scaling, deconvolution, and band‐pass filtering successfully enhanced shallow reflections relative to source‐generated noise. Careful top muting helped avoid erroneous stacking of direct and guided waves. Azimuth‐dependent velocity analyses proved to be unnecessary. Three‐dimensional (3-D) migration of the stacked data yielded the final high‐resolution images of the shallow subsurface (15–170 m). Because most reflections and diffractions were migrated to their correct subsurface locations, confident interpretations of 3-D structures were possible. Time slices and cross‐sections along arbitrary directions proved to be powerful analysis tools. Even small‐scale features (<20 m wide), such as subglacial channels and troughs, could be mapped. Five major lithologic units separated by four principal reflecting boundaries were distinguished on the basis of their characteristic seismic facies. The principal reflecting boundaries were semiautomatically tracked through the 3-D data volume. Borehole information allowed the uppermost boundary at 15–27 m to be identified as the top of a 68–80-m-thick sequence of basal and reworked tills characterized by high‐amplitude discontinuous to quasi‐continuous reflections. Low reflectivity of seismic units above and below the till units was associated with finely layered or massive glaciolacustrine clay/silt deposited during and after two principal phases of glaciation (Würm at 28 000 to 10 000 and Riss at 200 000 to 100 000 years before the present). Top of Tertiary Molasse basement was delineated by prominent east‐dipping reflections at variable depths of 85–170 m.

Very high resolution seismic investigation of the sedimentary infill of the Leucate lagoon (Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales – SE France)

2004 ◽  
Vol 175 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raphaël Certain ◽  
Bernadette Tessier ◽  
Thierry Courp ◽  
Jean-Paul Barusseauet ◽  
Henri Pauc
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Middle Pleistocene ◽  
Main Stage ◽  
Dense Sand ◽  
Radiocarbon Data ◽  
Seismic Investigation ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
Very High

Abstract A very high resolution seismic investigation has for the first time allowed the imaging of the sedimentary infill of a Mediterranean lagoon. The Leucate lagoon is part of a lagoon system located along the shore of the western Gulf of Lions, from the Rhone delta to the Spanish border. These lagoons are separated and protected from the sea by sandy barriers, also called lidos, which are the result of a process of shore regularization by waves. The seismic data, obtained by using a boomer-Seistec, coupled with lithological and radiocarbon data [Martin, 1978] previously collected from cores, have revealed three main sedimentary formations : The basal formation represents the substratum of the lagoon and the middle and upper formations its infill. The basal formation displays a very uniform seismic facies with reflectors almost constantly dipping towards the sea. It comprises conglomeratic sediments and is interpreted as a progradating fluvio-deltaïc formation. Its upper surface is erosional and is locally deeply incised. In the shallowest parts of the lagoon, where the basal formation almost emerges, its upper part is reworked by modern processes into multiple cut-and-fill structures. The middle formation overlaps the basal formation, and constitutes the main depositional unit of the lagoon fill (up to 20 ms twtt thick). The seismic facies are variable and correspond to sand and clay sediments deposited under fluvio-lagoonal to lagoonal and marine conditions. The upper formation represents the upper part of the infill. It rests above the middle formation through a conformable surface, locally slightly erosional, and overlaps the basal formation along the western rim and in the shallowest parts of the basin. The thickness of this upper formation does not exceed 3mst wtt. It mainly consists of clay sediments of lagoonal origin. The main characteristic of this upper formation is a thin sole of very dense sand at the base. This bed is also a remarkable seismic reflector, and is interpreted as resulting from the maximum marine flooding of the system. This occurs before the beginning of the barrier construction, and the progressive closure of the lagoon. Another remarkable aspect of the upper formation is the simultaneity of its basal part with the lido construction. In this upper unit, the seismic data allow the imaging of the lateral passing between the planar bedded sediments of the infill, with the sigmoidal beds representing washover fans that construct the lagoonal side of the lido. The uppermost part of the formation represents the final and present-day stage of the lagoonal infill since the final closure by the barrier. Dating, performed on cored sediments, allow the sediments of the basal formation to be assigned to the Middle Pleistocene (with no more precision). The erosion of the top of the basal formation is interpreted as fluvial incision during the last sea level fall. The lagoon infilling is of Holocene age and comprises two stages : the first and main stage corresponds to fluvio- to marino-lagoonal sedimentation, and occurred before 6,000 B.P. The second corresponds to the recent to modern infilling that began around 4,000 B.P. with the construction of the lido and the closure of the lagoon. The two stages are clearly separated by a period of maximum marine flooding. The thickness of the lagoon fill is relatively limited, probably no more than 20 m.

Shear margin moraine, mass transport deposits and soft beds revealed by high-resolution P-Cable three-dimensional seismic data in the Hoop area, Barents Sea

2018 ◽  
Vol 477 (1) ◽  
pp. 537-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Bellwald ◽  
Sverre Planke
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Mass Transport ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Slope Failure ◽  
Barents Sea ◽  
3D Seismic ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Shallow Subsurface ◽  
Mass Transport Deposits ◽  
Amplitude Reflection

AbstractHigh-resolution seismic data are powerful tools that can help the offshore industries to better understand the nature of the shallow subsurface and plan the development of vulnerable infrastructure. Submarine mass movements and shallow gas are among the most significant geohazards in petroleum prospecting areas. A variety of high-resolution geophysical datasets collected in the Barents Sea have significantly improved our knowledge of the shallow subsurface in recent decades. Here we use a c. 200 km2 high-resolution P-Cable 3D seismic cube from the Hoop area, SW Barents Sea, to study a 20–65 m thick glacial package between the seabed and the Upper Regional Unconformity (URU) horizons. Intra-glacial reflections, not visible in conventional seismic reflection data, are well imaged. These reflections have been mapped in detail to better understand the glacial deposits and to assess their impact on seabed installations. A shear margin moraine, mass transport deposits and thin soft beds are examples of distinct units only resolvable in the P-Cable 3D seismic data. The top of the shear margin moraine is characterized by a positive amplitude reflection incised by glacial ploughmarks. Sedimentary slide wedges and shear bands are characteristic sedimentary features of the moraine. A soft reflection locally draping the URU is interpreted as a coarser grained turbidite bed related to slope failure along the moraine. The bed is possibly filled with gas. Alternatively, this negative amplitude reflection represents a thin, soft bed above the URU. This study shows that P-Cable 3D data can be used successfully to identify and map the external and internal structures of ice stream shear margin moraines and that this knowledge is useful for site-survey investigations.

scholarly journals THE PALEO-ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF SEPETIBA BAY, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, IN THE LATE PLEISTOCENE: INTERPRETATIONS FROM HIGH-RESOLUTION SEISMIC STRATIGRAPHY

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heloisa Vargas Borges ◽  
Charles A. Nittrouer
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Seismic Stratigraphy ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Sepetiba Bay ◽  
Environmental Setting ◽  
Geological Evolution

ABSTRACT. Single-channel high-resolution seismic profiles in Sepetiba Bay, Brazil, were collected to describe the recent geological evolution of this area. The seismic data showed... RESUMO. Perfis sísmicos de alta resolução da Baía de Sepetiba, Brasil, foram coletados com o objetivo de descrever a evolução geológica recente desta área. Os dados sísmicos...

scholarly journals Reflexně seismický výzkum pozdně kenozoické zlomové tektoniky na vybraných lokalitách hornomoravského úvalu

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ondřej Bábek ◽  
Zuzana Lenďáková ◽  
Tamás Tóth ◽  
Daniel Šimíček ◽  
Ondřej Koukal
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Gravity Gradients ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Shallow Subsurface ◽  
Static Correction ◽  
Reflection Seismic ◽  
Weight Drop ◽  
Siliciclastic Sediments

We measured shallow reflection seismic profiles across the assumed faults in the Late Cenozoic (Pliocene – Holocene) Upper Morava Basin (UMB). The faults in the UMB are indicated by horst-and-graben morphology, differential thickness of Pliocene and Quaternary siliciclastic sediments, considerable gravity gradients a present-day seismicity. Four seismic lines, 380 to 860 m long (fixed geophone spread) were designed to cross the assumed faults at three sites, Mezice, Drahlov and Výšovice. The data were acquired by 24-channel ABEM Terraloc Mk-8 seismic system with PEG-40 accelerated weight drop source and processed by Sandmaier ReflexW and Halliburton Landmark ProMax® seismic processing software. The processing included application of filters (DC shift, scaled windowgain, bandpass frequency and muting), stacking using normal moveout constant velocity stack, additional application of subtrack-mean (dewow) filter, topographic correction and low velocity layer static correction. Distinct reflectors were detected up to 400 ms TWT, which corresponds to maximum depth of 280 and 350 m at 1400 and 1750 km.s-1 velocities, respectively. The observed reflection patterns were classified into three seismic facies, which were interpreted as crystalline rocks (Brunovistulicum) and/or well consolidated Paleozoic sedimentary rocks (SF1), unconsolidated Quaternary siliciclastic sediments (SF2) and semi-consolidated Neogene clays (SF3) based on the cores drilled in their close vicinity. Distinct faults were observed at the Drahlov and Výšovice 2 profile, which coincided with the observed topographic steps between the horsts and grabens. Presence of the fault at the Drahlov profile separating the Hněvotín Horst from the Lutín Graben was demonstrated by independent electrical resistivity tomography profile. On the other hand, another topographic step at the Mezice profile, between the Hněvotín Horst and Olomouc Graben, does not correspond to any seismic indication of a fault. The reflection seismic proved to be useful and relatively low-cost method to visualize the shallow subsurface geology in the Upper Morava Basin.

Planning a drilling campaign in a petroleum province using high resolution 3D seismic data – IODP proposal 909

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Cox ◽  
Andrew M. W. Newton ◽  
Paul C. Knutz ◽  
Mads Huuse
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Greenland Ice Sheet ◽  
Hydrocarbon Exploration ◽  
3D Seismic ◽  
Free Gas ◽  
Shallow Subsurface ◽  
3D Seismic Data

&lt;p&gt;A drilling hazard assessment has been completed for a large area of the NW Greenland-Baffin Bay continental shelf. This assessment was in relation to International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) proposal 909 that aims to drill several sites across the shelf in an attempt to better understand the evolution and variability of the northern Greenland Ice Sheet. The assessment utilised high quality and extensive 3D seismic data that were acquired during recent hydrocarbon exploration interest in the area &amp;#8211; a fact that highlights the risk of drilling in a petroleum province and therefore, the importance of this assessment with regards to safety.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Scattered seismic anomalies are observed within the Cenozoic sedimentary succession covering the rift basins of the Melville Bay region. These features, potentially representing the presence of free gas or gas-rich fluids, vary in nature from isolated anomalies, fault flags, stacked fluid flow features and canyons; all of which pose a significant drilling risk and were actively avoided during site selection. In areas above the Melville Bay Ridge &amp;#8211; a feature that dominates the structure of this area &amp;#8211; free gas is also observed trapped beneath extensive gas hydrate deposits, identified via a spectacularly imaged bottom simulating reflector marking the base of the gas hydrate stability zone. The location of the hydrate deposits, and the free gas beneath, are likely controlled by a complicated migration history, due to large scale rift-related faulting and migration along sandy aquifer horizons. In other areas, gas is interpreted to have reached the shallow subsurface due to secondary leakage from a deeper gas reservoir on the ridge crest.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is clear that hydrocarbon related hazards within this area are varied and abundant, making it a more challenging location to select sites for an IODP drilling campaign. However, due to the extensive coverage and high resolution (up to 11 m vertical resolution (45 Hz at 2.0 km/s velocity) of the 3D seismic data available, as well as the use of recently acquired ultra-high resolution site survey lines, these features can be accurately imaged and confidently mapped. This allowed for the development of a detailed understanding of the character and distribution of fluids within the shallow subsurface, and the use of this knowledge to select site localities that maximise the potential for drilling to be completed safely and successfully if proposal 909 were to be executed.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Seismic architecture of the tip of the Hel Peninsula, Poland

Baltica ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rucińska-Zjadacz ◽  
Stanisław Rudowski ◽  
Radosław Wróblewski
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Geological Structure ◽  
Glacial Till ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Marine Origin ◽  
The Core ◽  
Geological Features ◽  
Underwater Slope

The article presents results of a pioneering research on the main geological features of the Hel Peninsula based on the analysis of seismic profiles and their comparison with geological cross-sections made on the basis of drillings. The following three parts of the tip structure have been identified: barrier basement (1), barrier core (2) and barrier upper part(3). Seismic facies distinguished therein were subsequently geologically interpreted as follows: Cretaceous marl and limestone (1.1), glacial till and diamicton (1.2), silt and clay of limnoglacial/limnic/marine origin (1.3), barrier sand of the core (2), and sand and peat of the barrier upper part(3). Geological cross-sections covering the geological structure of the tip of the Hel Peninsula underwater slope and the surrounding seabed. The slope base and the distal sand colluvium extent on the seafloor were determined. This paper is the first to present a crosswise section in this part of the Hel Peninsula.

scholarly journals Tertiary development of the Faeroe-Rockall Plateau based on reflection seismic data

1994 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 162-180
Author(s):  
L O. Baldreel ◽  
M.S. Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Early Eocene ◽  
Ne Atlantic ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Norwegian Sea ◽  
Reflection Seismic ◽  
The North ◽  
Rockall Trough ◽  
Ne Atlantic Ocean

The Faeroe-Rockall Plateau is located in the NE Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Scotland and is characterized by a late Paleocene-early Eocene basalt cover, which was extruded in association with the incipient opening of the NE Atlantic. The Faeroe-Rockall Plateau is separated from the NW European continental shelf by the Rockall Trough and the Faeroe­Shetland Channel, whose nature and age is still debated. Reflector configuration within the basalt allows volcanic seismic facies inteipretation to be carried out. The thickness of the basalt cover is estimated from reflection seismic data. Subbasalt geological structures are identified below subaerially extruded basalt on recently acquired as well as reprocessed seismic profiles. Overlying the basalt are early Eocene and younger Sediments. The distribution of these sedi- . ments is largely controlled by 1) the topography after the cessation of the volcanism, 2) the post volcanic subsidence of the area which is estimated from the depth to the breakpoints located on prim¥)' volcanic escaipments, 3) the Eocene-Miocene compressional tectonics which formed ridge& and minor basins, and 4) bottom currents of Norwegian Sea Deep Water (NSDW) which in the Neogene flowed into the North Atlantic south of the Greenland-Iceland-Faeroe-Scotland Ridg,e. A considerable part of the NSDW flows east and south of th

Geological interpretation of a high resolution reflection seismic survey at the Buchans mine, Newfoundland

1992 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 2022-2037 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. G. Thurlow ◽  
C. P. Spencer ◽  
D. E. Boerner ◽  
L. E. Reed ◽  
J. A. Wright
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Seismic Survey ◽  
Geological Interpretation ◽  
Reflection Seismic ◽  
Underground Workings ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Drill Holes ◽  
Structural Base

Sixteen kilometres of high resolution Vibroseis reflection seismic data have been acquired in the vicinity of the former Buchans mine. Direct identification of the cause of several reflectors is possible because the geology is tightly constrained by underground workings and drill holes both of which locally exceed 1 km depth. Many of the mine-scale thrust faults are imaged as reflectors but conformable and intrusive contacts generally responded poorly. A significant shallow-dipping thrust, the Powerline Fault, is recognized below the orebodies and traced throughout the Buchans area, primarily as a result of the seismic survey. It truncates ore stratigraphy and forms the floor thrust of a large duplex–stack, which hosts all the orebodies. Its presence has negative implications for exploration in the immediate mine area. Several lines of evidence suggest that this fault has a significant component of out-of-sequence movement. A strong reflector 4.5 km below Buchans is correlated with the surface expression of the Victoria River Delta Fault, an important regional structure, newly recognized southeast of Red Indian Lake. This shallow, north-dipping sole thrust forms the structural base of the Buchans Group and brings it above a younger fossiliferous Llanvirn volcanic sequence. This fault is not itself the Red Indian Line but is one of a series of faults that collectively effect substantial geological contrasts in central Newfoundland. The seismic survey was a cost-efficient means of gaining knowledge of Buchans structure, which might otherwise have been acquired at much higher cost and over a longer period of time.

scholarly journals Correction of water column height variation on 2D grid high-resolution seismic data using dGPS based methodology

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayobami Abegunrin ◽  
Daniel A. Hepp ◽  
Tobias Mörz
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Column Height ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Shallow Marine ◽  
Sea Floor ◽  
The North ◽  
Water Column Height

Abstract Variations in the physical properties of water column usually impede exact water column height correction on high-resolution seismic data, especially when the data are collected in shallow marine environments. Changes in water column properties can be attributed to variation in tides and currents, wind-generated swells, long and short amplitude wave-fronts, or variation in salinity and water temperature. Likewise, the proper motion of the vessel complicates the determinability of the water column height. This study provides a less time-consuming and precise differential Global Positioning System based methodology that can be applied to most types of high-resolution seismic data in order to significantly improve the tracking and quality of deduced geological interpretations on smaller depth scales. The methodology was tested on geophysical profiles obtained from the German sector of the North Sea. The focus here was to identify, distinguish and classify various sub-surface sedimentary structures in a stratigraphically highly complex shallow marine environment on decimeter small-scale. After applying the correction to the profiles, the sea floor, in general, occurs 1.1 to 3.4 m (mean of 2.2 m) deeper than the uncorrected profiles and is consistent with the sea floor from published tide corrected bathymetry data. The corrected seismic profiles were used in plotting the depth of the base of Holocene channel structures and to define their gradients. The applied correction methodology was also crucial in glacial and post-glacial valley features distinction, across profile correlation and establishing structural and stratigraphic framework of the study area.

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