Synthetic seismic modelling of a large-scale geological cross-section from the Book Cliffs, Utah, USA

Synthetic seismic sections have been generated from a 125 km long, depositional dip orientated cross-section compiled from outcrop data from the Book Cliffs of Eastern Utah, USA. These data are used to define the earth filter for a synthetic seismic section. An outcrop-based dataset has been used in preference to well data (though well data have been incorporated into the study section) because of the high confidence in the lateral continuity of data. The regional cross-section is modelled at 20, 50 and 100 Hz seismic source frequencies. As resolution increases, more laterally discontinuous reflections relating to facies terminations are imaged. Particularly important is the increase in internal reflections within each of the stratigraphic members (particularly the Sunnyside Member). These low angle clinoform events are imaged in low-resolution data but constructively interfere to form a lower number of more continuous looking events.