DESCRIPTION
Simply defined, seismic interpretation is the science (and art) of inferring the geology at some depth from the processed seismic record. While modern multichannel data have increased the quantity and quality of interpretable data, proper interpretation still requires that the interpreter draw upon his or her geological understanding to pick the most likely interpretation from the many “valid” interpretations that the data allow. The seismic record contains two basic elements for the interpreter to study. The first is the time of arrival of any reflection (or refraction) from a geological surface. The actual depth to this surface is a function of the thickness and velocity of overlying rock layers. The second is the shape of the reflection, which includes how strong the signal is, what frequencies it contains, and how the frequencies are distributed over the pulse. This information can often be used to support conclusions about the lithology and fluid content of the seismic reflector being evaluated.