Curvature attribute and seismic interpretation: Case study from Fort Worth Basin, Texas, USA

Abstract

Natural fractures and faults in the subsurface have an important role in fluid flow and accumulation. Therefore, identifying and mapping the distribution of fractures and faults systems is important to understand their geological significance and hydrodynamic control. Although such features are not identifiable using conventional 3D seismic, they can be highlighted using seismic attributes. Modern multi‐trace seismic attributes such as coherence and reflector curvature greatly facilitate this process by avoiding the need to interpret discrete horizons and enhancing subseismic lateral variations in reflectivity. In this paper, we will show the value of seismic curvature attributes in mapping faults and fractures in the Fort Worth Basin. Curvature allows us to see subtle faulting and fracturing that is below seismic resolution. We found the most negative and the most positive curvature attributes to delineate faults and fracture distribution in our area of study better than the other attributes.