What makes an expert effective at interpreting seismic images?

Abstract

Research Article| January 01, 2012 What makes an expert effective at interpreting seismic images? C. E. Bond; C. E. Bond * 1Midland Valley Exploration, 144 West George Street, Glasgow G2 2HG, UK *Current address: School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; E-mail: [e-mail]. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R.J. Lunn; R.J. Lunn 2Department of Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 ONG, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Z.K. Shipton; Z.K. Shipton 2Department of Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 ONG, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar A.D. Lunn A.D. Lunn 3Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TG, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2012) 40 (1): 75–78. https://doi.org/10.1130/G32375.1 Article history received: 20 Apr 2011 rev-recd: 19 Aug 2011 accepted: 30 Aug 2011 first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation C. E. Bond, R.J. Lunn, Z.K. Shipton, A.D. Lunn; What makes an expert effective at interpreting seismic images?. Geology 2012;; 40 (1): 75–78. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G32375.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Interpretation of uncertain data is the basis for understanding many Earth processes; in particular, uncertain data underpin much of the world's hydrocarbon exploration and future carbon minimization strategies (CO2 storage and radioactive waste disposal). It is therefore crucial to develop techniques and protocols that will improve geoscientists’ interpretational accuracy. We asked 184 academic and industry experts to interpret a typical oil-industry synthetic seismic reflection data set and found that just over one-third got the “right” answer. Using multivariate analyses we show that interpretational accuracy is significantly improved for experts educated to the level of a Master's degree and/or doctorate (Ph.D.) (regardless of years of experience). Furthermore, although only 18 of 184 experts validated their interpretation by checking geometric and evolutionary feasibility, these experts were almost three times more likely to produce the correct result than those that did not. These results would not have been apparent from traditional detailed expert elicitation studies, as their sample sizes are too small. Our findings strongly suggest that significant improvements in the reliability of interpretations of inherently uncertain geological data sets could be made by increasing the proportion of people recruited into industry and academia who have a Master's or Ph.D. degree, and by changes to industry workflows and quality assurance procedures to explicitly include validation techniques. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.