Impacts of seismic resolution on fault interpretation: Insights from seismic modelling

Seismic mapping of subsurface faults is hampered by factors such as seismic resolution, velocity control for depth conversion and human bias. Here, we explore the challenges pitfalls related to interpreting normal comparing objective subjective uncertainties. A panel 20 interpreters, with different geoscientific backgrounds, interpreted in modern conventional (dominant frequency 40 Hz) high-resolution P-Cable 150 3D data from Hoop area, SW Barents Sea. The interpretations created test-panel were sorted into 10 scenarios characterized fault geometries. These explored 2(3)D point-spread function based convolution modelling investigate potential image detailed architectures. results reveal that: (1) Statistical analysis shows considerable variations between manually picked faults. (2) Identifying location tips challenging smaller antithetic are rarely recognizable. (3) Uncertainties arise masking closely spaced segments even where displacement values large, showing distorted reflection signatures apparent extensional tip monoclines. distortion larger versus data. (4) In vertical resolution reflections small offset m 5 m, respectively. (5) utilisation data, combined modelling, add confidence interpretation same area. We conclude that requires insight uncertainties associated Automatic machine-learning void bias but still limitations. Further, a risking workflow acknowledgement transferred techniques juxtaposition analysis, quantitative seal stability analysis.