--> Abstract: Interactive Interpretation of a Sequence of Horizons and Nonvertical Faults from Well Data, by W. Riehl and S. Zoraster; #91004 (1991)

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Interactive Interpretation of a Sequence of Horizons and Nonvertical Faults from Well Data

RIEHL, WILLIAM, and STEVE ZORASTER, ZYCOR, Inc., Austin, TX

Incorporating nonvertical faults into high-quality interpretations of a sequence of horizons has been a significant problem for a geologist or geophysicist who wants to create horizon models on a computer. Today, the final fault interpretation for each horizon is usually done by hand, because suitable software and machines with sufficient speed to support interactive fault interpretation have not been available. Therefore, there is a strong bias toward completing the entire interpretation process manually, and then creating the desired horizon models by gridding from digitized versions of the hand-drawn contours.

In this paper, we describe how interactive software and state-of-the-art workstations can be used to interpret efficiently both a sequence of horizons and the faults cutting those horizons. This technique uses logic analogous to the thought processes and mechanics that the pencil-and-paper geologist uses. Geological features, such as listric/depositional faults and rollover anticlines, can be interpreted and introduced into horizon models in a straightforward manner. This technique produces geologically reasonable, useful, attractive and accurate maps faster than they can be created with pencil and paper. The power of this technique comes from combining the interactive software and the speed of the modern computer with the interpretive skills of the geoscientist.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91004 © 1991 AAPG Annual Convention Dallas, Texas, April 7-10, 1991 (2009)