THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2024/2025

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Postgraduate Courses (School of GeoSciences)

Postgraduate Course: Seismic Reflection Interpretation (PGGE11144)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThe course introduces the seismic reflection method, including land and marine data acquisition and processing, with emphasis on the geological interpretation of seismic reflection data. The following topics are covered: the role of the seismic reflection method in exploration; seismic velocities; seismic data acquisition; the seismic wavelet; seismic data processing; structural Interpretation; stratigraphic interpretation; seismic-to-well tie; the seismic report.

Practical exercises include the interpretation of a seismic reflection dataset using Petrel interpretation software.
Course description Week 1
Lecture 1 Introduction: the role of the seismic reflection method in exploration; echoes, sound propagation, the seismic reflection method and its applications, normal-incidence reflection and the seismic profile.
Practical: Introduction to Petrel.

Week 2
Lecture 2 Seismic velocities: P-waves and S-waves; solids and fluids; reflection coefficient; acoustic impedance; primaries and multiples; thin layers.
Practical: Practical seismic interpretation with Petrel.

Week 3
Lecture 3 Seismic Data Acquisition: land and marine sources; land and marine receivers; 2D and 3D acquisition.
Practical: Practical seismic interpretation with Petrel.

Week 4
Lecture 4 The seismic wavelet: frequency bandwidth; the seismic source signature; the zero-phase wavelet; time resolution, depth resolution, thin beds and the pinch-out, or wedge.
Practical: Practical seismic interpretation with Petrel.


Week 5
Lecture 5 Seismic data processing: data gathers signature deconvolution; near-surface effects and static corrections; common mid-point, normal moveout and stack; suppressing multiples and deconvolution; conversion from time to space and migration.
Practical: Practical seismic interpretation with Petrel.

Week 6
Lecture 6 Structural Interpretation: faults, folds, unconformities, diapirism and salt tectonics.
Practical: Practical seismic interpretation with Petrel.

Week 7
Lecture 7 Stratigraphic interpretation: hydrocarbon traps, evidence of pinch-outs, reefs and channels; seismic facies analysis.
Practical: Practical seismic interpretation with Petrel.

Week 8
Lecture 8 Seismic-to-well tie: sonic log; density log; check shots; reflection coefficient series; synthetic seismogram; vertical seismic profile.
Practical: Practical seismic interpretation with Petrel.

Week 9
Lecture 9 The seismic report; introduction to the assessment.
Practical: Practical seismic interpretation with Petrel.

Week 10
Revision lecture. Questions and answers
Practical: Seismic interpretation with Petrel.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  24
Course Start Semester 1
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Lecture Hours 24, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 74 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) The course assessment (100 %) is a report written about the interpretation of seismic profiles in the North Sea. Due in December

Feedback Every week the lecturer and demonstrator will be available to answer questions on the interpretation. The lecturer will be available to answer questions on what is expected in the report.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Understand the basic principles of the seismic reflection method
  2. Understand the relationship between time and depth and the effect of dip
  3. Understand the importance of well ties and knowing the seismic wavelet
  4. Carry out a geological interpretation of a seismic section and make maps of seismic horizons
  5. Write a seismic report
Reading List
Suggested reading

McQuillin, R. M., Bacon, M., and Barclay, W. An Introduction to Seismic Interpretation.
W. Graham & Trotman, 1984 - 287 pages.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserProf Anton Ziolkowski
Tel: (0131 6)50 8511
Email: anton.ziolkowski@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Sarah Jones
Tel:
Email: sarah.jones@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information