3D seismic technology: the geological ‘Hubble’

TLDR

Three‑dimensional seismic technology, often called the geological Hubble, provides high‑resolution 3‑D mapping of structures and stratigraphy over thousands of square kilometres, enabling researchers to uncover surprising geological features and driving long‑term research. This paper reviews recent advances in basin analysis achieved with 3‑D seismic data. The review focuses on structural and sedimentary geology, fluid–rock interactions, and igneous geology. The enhanced resolution of 3‑D seismic has led to the discovery of new structures such as mud diapir feeders, gas blow‑out pipes, pockmarks, sandstone intrusions, diagenetic front variability, and the UK’s first impact crater, and it promises further breakthroughs.

Abstract

Abstract The proliferation of three‐dimensional (3D) seismic technology is one of the most exciting developments in the Earth Sciences over the past century. 3D reflection seismic data provide interpreters with the ability to map structures and stratigraphic features in 3D detail to a resolution of a few tens of metres over thousands of square kilometres. It is a geological ‘Hubble’, whose resolving power has already yielded some fascinating (and surprising) insights and will continue to provide a major stimulus for research into geological processes and products for many decades to come. Academic and other research institutions have a major role to play in the use of this data by exploiting the enormous volume of geological information contained in 3D seismic surveys. This paper reviews some of the recent advances in basin analysis made using the medium of 3D seismic data, focusing on the fields of structural and sedimentary geology, fluid–rock interactions and igneous geology. It is noted that the increased resolution of the 3D seismic method provided the essential catalyst necessary to stimulate novel observations and discover new geological structures such as mud diapir feeders, km‐long gas blow‐out pipes, giant pockmarks and sandstone intrusions, and to capture the spatial variability of diagenetic fronts. The UKs first impact crater was also discovered using 3D seismic data. The potential for future developments in this field of geophysical interpretation is considerable, and we anticipate that new discoveries will be made in many years to come.