Seismic models of a carbonate foreslope-to-basin transition, Picco di Vallandro, Dolomite Alps, northern Italy

Abstract

Research Article| May 01, 1989 Seismic models of a carbonate foreslope-to-basin transition, Picco di Vallandro, Dolomite Alps, northern Italy Kurt W. Rudolph; Kurt W. Rudolph 1Exxon Production Research Company, P.O. Box 2189, Houston, Texas 77252-2189 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Wolfgang Schlager; Wolfgang Schlager 2Vrije Universiteit, Postbus 7161, 1007 MC Amsterdam, The Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Kevin T. Biddle Kevin T. Biddle 3Exxon Company, International, P.O. Box 146, Houston, Texas 77001-0146 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Kurt W. Rudolph 1Exxon Production Research Company, P.O. Box 2189, Houston, Texas 77252-2189 Wolfgang Schlager 2Vrije Universiteit, Postbus 7161, 1007 MC Amsterdam, The Netherlands Kevin T. Biddle 3Exxon Company, International, P.O. Box 146, Houston, Texas 77001-0146 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1989) 17 (5): 453–456. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1989)017<0453:SMOACF>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Kurt W. Rudolph, Wolfgang Schlager, Kevin T. Biddle; Seismic models of a carbonate foreslope-to-basin transition, Picco di Vallandro, Dolomite Alps, northern Italy. Geology 1989;; 17 (5): 453–456. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1989)017<0453:SMOACF>2.3.CO;2 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 Detailed geologic cross sections, augmented by laboratory calibration of lithology and acoustic impedance, have been used to produce synthetic reflection seismic sections of a carbonate foreslope-to-basin transition. Two areas from the Picco di Vallandro region of the Dolomite Alps were modeled: a progradational section and a retrogradational (backstepping) section. The resulting models show how these complex areas of strata interfingering might be displayed on conventional reflection seismic lines. In the area of progradation, rapid stratigraphic thinning below seismic detectibility, coupled with abrupt impedance changes, produces a reflection discontinuity between steeply dipping reflections of the foreslope and gently dipping parallel reflections of the basin section. This apparent downlap surface marks the toe-of-slope for successive clinoforms but does not correspond to a discrete stratigraphic surface. In the backstepping example, similar stratigraphic thinning and impedance changes create an apparent onlap surface. Wavelet interference causes complications in both examples. These models indicate how stratigraphic complexity can be simplified by the seismic reflection process and suggest that caution should be exercised when using seismic data to construct general models in areas of complex depositional geometries and rapidly changing facies. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.