To gain a full understanding of structures imaged by seismic.
To understand the formation and geometry of structures in different tectonic settings.
To be able to assess the impact of structures at all scales in exploration, appraisal and production settings.
To understand the growth and linkage of fault systems to provide the most accurate structural framework for reservoir modelling and development planning.
Understand the interaction of the structures with the depositional systems to improve prediction of reservoir occurrence and distribution.
To understand how seismic data are used in fault seal analysis.
To understand how seismic data are used to assess the geology of fractured reservoirs.
Course outcomes
Course participants should complete the course with a good appreciation of the above and be able to assess:
The workflows required for successful structural analysis and be able to apply the necessary techniques.
The data requirements for such studies.
Have an appreciation of the uncertainties involved.
Course outline
The intention is that the course is classroom based, using a mixture of lecture and practical sessions along with a discussion of software-based approaches for structural analysis. The course will include case studies and examples from all tectonic settings. The suggested course outline is:
Day 1
Introduction
Setting the scene
The importance of structural geology in seismic interpretation for exploration and production
Defining the structure
Techniques of structural analysis
Interpretation of seismic data: 2D, 3D & time-lapse
Limitations of seismic
Exercise: Alternative interpretations
Geomechanical analysis
Mechanisms of fault and fracture formation
Analysis of stress and strain and their applications
How can geomechanical concepts be used in seismic interpretation?
Exercise: Stress analysis and fault reactivation
Extensional tectonics 1
Fault geometry, growth & linkage
Interaction of faults
Exercise: Fault mapping and use of displacement analysis
Fault mapping and validation of interpretations
Restoration in extensional settings: 2D & 3D
Exercise: Fault geometry prediction
Case study: Fault mapping from North Sea, Algeria & NW Shelf Australia
Day 2
Extensional tectonics 2
Basin-scale faulting and uplift/subsidence analysis
Interpretation of basin-scale structure
Extension at continental margins
Case study: Restoration and forward modelling – North Sea & NW European margin
Relationship between seismic and sub-seismic scale deformation.
Case study: Fault population analysis from two oilfields
Folds and folding mechanisms
Fault-related folding
Mechanics of folding
Seismic interpretation of folds.
Analysis of curvature: applications and limitations.
Case study: Curvature on fold structures at subseismc and seismic scales