The Integration of Horizon Attributes with 3D Visualization

Craig S. Davis

3D Visualization has allowed the seismic interpreter to observe the spatial relationships of multiple horizons, fault planes, and well bores in a cubic display. This cube can be rotated on all axes to view the contents at any angle or orientation. Certain visualization tools allow the interpreter to also add well curves and selected seismic sections.

Each of the horizons displayed have a number of horizon attributes associated with it which can be derived mathematically. These attributes include dip, azimuth, gradient, laplacian (2nd order derivative), edge detection, and difference. By careful selection of color and display it is possible to use these horizon attributes to define minor faulting, subtle Iineations, and gross morphology.

Horizon attributes may be combined with 3D Visualization by "draping" the horizon attributes across the time horizon displayed in the cube. By rotating the cubic display with these draped horizon attributes it is possible to observe not only the subtle lineations of a single horizon with the larger faulting, but also the relationship of minor faulting and subtle lineations between multiple horizons within the same cube.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California