--> ABSTRACT: Seismic Expressions of Structural and Facies Styles in Unconsolidated Coastal Plain Sediments as Observed from Shallow High-Resolution Seismic Data, by M. G. Waddell, D. E. Wyatt, T. J. Temples, J. F. Keith Jr.; #91020 (1995).

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Seismic Expressions of Structural and Facies Styles in Unconsolidated Coastal Plain Sediments as Observed from Shallow High-Resolution Seismic Data

M. G. Waddell, D. E. Wyatt, T. J. Temples, J. F. Keith Jr.

Studies of shallow high-resolution seismic data acquired in unconsolidated sediments of the coastal plain of South Carolina have identified a number of structural and stratigraphic features which could influence groundwater flow and contaminant migration. Petroleum-industry related techniques were utilized in acquisition and processing and resulted in high quality shallow data which allowed detailed structural and facies interpretations to be made.

Experience has indicated that a more extensive acquisition and processing sequence is needed to achieve the proper data resolution necessary for detailed environmental characterization. Proper field testing is mandatory to define target depth and objective, maximize frequency content, and optimize signal to noise ratio. During the processing phase, different techniques must be applied to determine the appropriate sequence to optimize data quality.

The data indicate a variety of structural styles ranging from normal syndepositional to rift-related extensional to transpressional. The appearance of these structures in shallow high-resolution data are similar in appearance to those found in the major petroleum producing basins of the world. By applying proven petroleum industry interpretation techniques in facies analysis and sequence stratigraphy, a detailed analysis of the subsurface can be acquired. Since analyses and interpretations are similar to analogs described in the literature, this approach is valid for hydrogeological and environmental site characterization.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91020©1995 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, May 5-8, 1995