Seismic Geomorphology: Imaging Elements of Depositional Systems from Shelf to Deep Basin Using 3D Seismic Data: Implications for Exploration and Development

Abstract 3D seismic data can play a vital role in hydrocarbon exploration and development especially with regard to mitigating risk associated with presence of reservoir, source, and seal facies. Such data can afford direct imaging of depositional elements, which can then be analyzed using seismic stratigraphy and seismic geomorphology to yield predictions of lithologic distribution, insights to compartmentalization. and identification of stratigraphic trapping possibilities. Benefits can be direct, whereby depositional elements at exploration depths can be identified and interpreted, or they can be indirect, whereby shallow-buried depositional systems can be clearly imaged and provide analogues to deeper exploration or development targets. Examples of imaged depositional elements from both shallow and deep sections are presented.