Structural-formational interpretation tools for seismic stratigraphy

In the framework of a structural-and-formational interpretation (SFI) appro ach to seismic data processing and geological interpretation, specific soft ware/technology tools were created to facilitate sequence stratigraphy anal ysis and reservoir characterization. The most important tools are two types of time-frequency representation of seismic data: the first is spectrum-ti me analysis (STAN), which presents a seismic trace as a series of very narr ow frequency band traces, while the second tool converts an initial seismic section into a set of sections ranked with preselected frequency bands, na rrower than those of the initial section, but wider than those related to S TAN traces. Jointly, these two representations reflect both general trends and local temporal and spatial variations of seismic data frequency content . The use of these tools, developed in Russia in the 1980s, facilitates det ection of sedimentation cycles and their depositional environments, identif ication of hierarchies within faulting patterns, and delineation of geologi cal anomalies on seismic sections. This, in turn, provides reliable startin g points for palaeotectonic restoration and basin modelling. In many region s, these tools have helped to clarify obscure formation structures under st udy and to estimate the hydrocarbon potential of these formations.