Multi-Z Horizon Auto-Tracking in Seismic Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic interpretation tools are inefficient and time-consuming when dealing with complex geological structures like multi-Z horizons, requiring manual picking and patching of multiple overlapping horizons to represent a single structure, and any changes necessitate updates to each segment.
Innovation Solution
An automated system for tracking multi-Z horizons within a seismic volume using seed data to generate data hulls, which define tracking regions, allowing for the automatic extension and truncation of surfaces while adhering to geological boundary rules, thereby optimizing the interpretation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual picking and patching of multiple overlapping horizons is used to represent multi-Z structures, then the interpretation can capture complex geological features, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic horizon tracking where the software autonomously identifies and traces geological horizons through the seismic volume without requiring manual intervention at each step. The algorithm self-corrects and adjusts the horizon placement based on seismic reflection patterns, eliminating the need for continuous manual picking and patching operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated horizon detection and placement before any manual refinement is needed. By pre-processing the seismic data to identify potential horizon locations and generating initial horizon models, the system reduces the subsequent manual work required to achieve accurate geological representation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple overlapping horizons are manually picked and patched together to represent a single multi-Z structure, then the complex geometry can be captured, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple horizon tracking operations into a single unified automated process. Instead of requiring separate manual picking operations for each horizon segment that must then be patched together, the system combines these operations into one continuous automated tracking process that naturally handles multi-Z geometries as a cohesive whole
Solution Approach 2:
The automated horizon tracking system provides universal functionality that handles various complex geological structures (reverse faults, overturned beds, salt bodies, and other multi-Z features) through a single integrated algorithm, eliminating the need for multiple specialized manual interpretation techniques
3Ease of operation
If conventional interpretation tools are used for multi-Z horizons, then manual control is maintained, but productivity and efficiency are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the automated horizon tracking continuously monitors its own performance and adjusts its parameters based on the quality of the traced horizons. This feedback loop ensures that the automated process maintains high accuracy while operating at increased speeds, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing operational control
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatically tracking multi-Z horizons within seismic volumes are provided. A surface from a plurality of surfaces identified at different depths for a multi-Z horizon within a seismic volume is selected. A seed point corresponding to the selected surface is determined. The selected surface is tracked over new data points through the seismic volume. Tracking each new data point involves comparing a depth of the new data point with depths associated with other surfaces and determining whether the depth of the new data point honors a geological boundary rule for maintaining a relative depth position of each of the plurality of surfaces within the multi-Z horizon, based on the comparison. When the depth of the new data point honors the rule, the selected surface is extended to include the new data point and, when it does not, the new data point is discarded.