How do a geologist interpret seismic?

Dear Friends,
I wish to know how do the geolgist look at any seismic section. I do seimic processing. Do understand a few things about , but beyond ... well only an interpreter can tell systematically from basic to refined!

Probably good to go and have a look here:

geophysics-seismics-f22/seismic-interpretation-basics-t194.html

I think the processing is driven a lot on what the geologists want to image, eg. Subsalt, structure, high frequency. There is no single solution. In the end it's an iterative process when using PSDM to get from seismic to a geological model to a velocity model to a new seismic cube to a new geological model to a new velocity model.... etc...

Lyeo,

Good point indeed. If there's wells in the area they could be tied to distinctive markers creating a TDR (time depth relationship) this can be used to calculate velocities. If there's sonic logs, checkshots or VSPs than this is even better to figure out the velocities that can be used in PSDM.

It;s very difficult to explain how to interpret seismic on an online forum; you need to sit down with a geologist or geophysicist with their project. Good for you for trying to understand the concept

Clarkekm,

You made a good point there. Seismic interpretation requires apart from understanding of geophysics and geology just practice. Go out there and have a go at following markers, interpeting fault (and figuring out the structural style). Look at reflectors dimming, truncations and seismic character and try to find a geological story to support it. Remember that the seismic signal is just a representation of acoustic impedance contrast as recorded after the wave has traveled through hundreds of meters of unknown subsurface territory. A lot can happen along this path and processing can also add a lot of artifacts.

I believe most interpreters with a geology background try to explain any interesting feature they see to through geology, while hardcore geophysicist often try to explain it through processing or seismic acquisition artifacts. To get you started I think the quote "Consider everything to be geological until proven otherwise" is a safe way to go, but do familiarize yourself with the artifacts than can result from processing, acquisition and ray path refraction.

Thanks a lot
Things look more coherent now !
Good Day