Seismic imaging for seismic geomorphology beyond the seabed: potentials and challenges

Abstract A successful study of seismic geomorphology depends not only on knowledge of sedimentological, geomorphological principles and the local geological setting, but also on quality of the seismic geomorphological imaging. A thorough understanding of how seismic waves respond to geomorphology of depositional sequences and facies is essential prior to developing strategies and selecting tools for field seismic data interpretation. This is especially important in data that are of variable quality or lack marked amplitude anomalies. Studies presented in this paper show that it is more desirable to use stratal slices to display seismic information on geological time surfaces. Multi-slice or movie display of stratal slices is effective for the study of depositional process and is a good quality-control tool for avoiding seismic artifacts. Seismic wavelets adjusted to 90° phase help tie seismic traces to lithofacies with higher stratigraphic resolution. Seismic frequency bands of stratal slices should match the lithofacies thickness of interest for optimal facies imaging. Seismic facies analysis can be improved by automated geomorphological classification.