Elf North Sea Unconformity Data

Figure shows a 3D Elf North Sea data set. Marked by considerable folding and a sharp angular unconformity, this data presents a formidable flattening challenge.

The flattening result is shown in Figure . In order to preserve the continuity of the data, we used a smoothing parameter $\epsilon$ of 1.0 in equation (10). Thus, it is no surprise that the result is not completely flat. Had we used an $\epsilon$ of 0.0, the data would be flatter but would lose its continuity. Consequently, the trade-off between continuity and flatness emerges in cases of pinch-outs and unconformities. Notice that at the bottom of the section, there are some discontinuities introduced by the flattening process.

When it comes to overlaying the picks on the data, an $\epsilon$ of 0.0 is preferable. The results are shown in Figure . The time slice at the top shows the swaths of two different horizons. Overall, the picked horizons track up to and along the unconformity. The only significant errors occur where the data quality is questionable and, as a result, the estimated dip is inaccurate.

 

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Figure 7 Elf North Sea data. Observe the angular unconformity at 2425 meters. (a) The depth slice at depth=$2375\ m$. (b) An in-line section at y=$3960\ m$. (c) A cross-line section at x=$10660\ m$.

 

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Figure 8 The result of flattening of Figure . This image illustrates the trade-off between data continuity preservation and flatness. We used a smoothing parameter $\epsilon$ of 1.0 to make this figure. Had we used a smaller $\epsilon$, the output would be flatter but artifacts would be introduced into the data. (a) The horizon slice at depth=$2375\ m$. (b) An in-line section at y=$3960\ m$. (c) A cross-line section at x=$10660\ m$.

 

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Figure 9 The result of overlaying tracked horizons on the image in Figure . Because the smoothing parameter $\epsilon$ is 0.0, horizons that lead to the angular unconformity are tracked. (a) The depth slice at depth=$2375\ m$. (b) An in-line section at y=$3960\ m$. (c) A cross-line section at x=$10660\ m$.