𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 Horizon slices are a powerful tool in seismic interpretation, widely used in the oil and gas industry to analyze subsurface geological features. A horizon slice is essentially a horizontal cross-section through a 3D seismic volume, taken at a specific geological horizon of interest. These slices provide valuable insights into the stratigraphy, structure, and potential reservoir properties of the subsurface. How Horizon Slices Work To create a horizon slice, geoscientists first identify a continuous seismic reflector, known as a horizon, which corresponds to a specific geological layer. This horizon is then mapped across the 3D seismic volume. By extracting a slice along this mapped horizon, interpreters can visualize and analyze variations in seismic attributes, such as amplitude, phase, and frequency, across the horizontal plane of that layer. Applications of Horizon Slices 1. Reservoir Characterization: Horizon slices help in delineating reservoir boundaries, thickness, and lateral variations in rock properties, crucial for understanding reservoir heterogeneity and planning well locations. 2. Fault and Fracture Analysis: By examining horizon slices, geoscientists can identify faults and fractures that intersect the horizon, aiding in the assessment of structural traps and fluid flow pathways. 3. Stratigraphic Interpretation*l: Horizon slices reveal depositional patterns and facies changes, providing insights into the paleoenvironment and sedimentary processes that shaped the subsurface. 4. Attribute Analysis: Seismic attributes extracted along horizon slices, such as amplitude anomalies or coherence, can indicate the presence of hydrocarbons, lithology changes, or fluid contacts. Advantages of Horizon Slices 1. Enhanced Visualization: Horizon slices offer a clear, horizontal view of the subsurface, making it easier to identify and interpret geological features. 2. Detail and Resolution: They provide high-resolution images of specific geological layers, allowing for detailed analysis and reducing interpretation uncertainties. 3. Efficiency: Horizon slices streamline the interpretation process by focusing on key stratigraphic levels, saving time and resources.
In the case of structure like you have shown here it is better to apply structural restoration before going into any horizon slicing. Fault bend fold will obliterate the stratigraphic fabric. How do we know that footwall thinning is an unconformity, not a thrust wedge.
If you misinterpret horizon slices due to the quality of the seismic section, any geological feature, or velocity analyses, it can steer you away from potential well targets. This could lead to drilling in incorrect locations with incorrect well designs, which incurs high costs. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate the basin analysis and tectonic structures of the region when interpreting these horizons. Wishing everyone successful discoveries!
Thanks for this sharing 👏🏻 but it’s not a horizon slice, it’s a section with interpreted horizons.
I agree with previous comments... This is not a horizon slice. Being able to structurally restore this section (In 3 Dimensions) and perform a chronostratigraphic analysis is the best approach. Simply flattening on a horizon and extracting attributes is a lithostratigraphic exercise and does not support your post.
It’s unfortunate to see a seismic cross section shown in the figure while discussing the application and use of horizontal/time slices during interpretation 🤔
Useful tips.
Useful tips
Structural Geologist and Exploration specialist at Conjugate Geologic Services
2moMinor criticism, if you are having a discussion about time slices, would it not be better to show a time slice instead of a section?