Fault interpretation in high-resolution P-cable seismic data - Hoop Fault Complex

• Main Author: Bondevik, Lars Harstad
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: HFC P-cable High-resolution Barents Sea Best practise fault interpretation Fault modeling; Barents Sea
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10852/97690

This thesis explores parts of the Hoop area in the southwestern Barents Sea using the TGS16004 3D seismic volume provided by VBPR and TGS Nopec Geophysical Company ASA. The survey is captured using the P-cable surveying method. The resulting data set has a bin size of 3.12 m x 3.12 m and a vertical resolution estimated to range between 2.4 to 4.8 m in the sequences studied in this thesis, as opposed to conventional 3D seismic data, where typical vertical resolution is 15-25 m. The high-resolution dataset allows for highly detailed models and analysis, elevating knowledge surrounding fault processes and analysis. Best practice methodology for fault interpretation has been debated recently, but the related research does not incorporate the use of seismic data sets with resolutions resembling the TGS16004 survey. Therefore, this study assesses different fault interpretation strategies concerning drag-related folding and sampling intervals in high-resolution datasets. Additionally, this study investigates the quality and potential of the fault models and analysis when interpretations approach maximum horizontal resolution. Results herein demonstrate that the incorporation of drag folding introduces minima that interfere with analyses concerning fault segmentation and bulk fault growth. However, the incorporation of drag structures is relevant in smear studies and across fault sealing assessments. Further, the results of this study indicate that a sampling interval of 50 m is advantageous for resolutions resembling the TGS16004 survey when T-D profiles are used for fault growth studies. This interval was the only tested interval that identified all zones of fault linkage. The drop in vertical displacement corresponding to one of the linkage zones is likely not to be observed in seismic data with a poorer resolution, as the displacement drop is below the conventional vertical resolution. When interpretation approaches maximal horizontal resolution in the seismic survey, the resulting fault surface is highly irregular ...