Automated Fault Extraction
Advanced image processing technology and heuristics based on structural geology automatically extract fault surfaces from 3-D discontinuity volumes. Applied as a process at the beginning of interpretation, major fault surfaces can be automatically extracted from the volume. These surfaces, embedded in the original seismic volume, improve the results of automatic horizon tracking algorithms and geobody segmentation algorithms by eliminating cycle skips and miscorrelation across faults.
Background
Interpreting faults in 3-D seismic data is still one of the most time-consuming and tedious aspects of seismic interpretation. In the late 1990's, ARCO's research lab developed a new patented process to extract 3-D fault surfaces from discontinuity volumes. This process uses a combination of advanced image processing techniques and heuristics based on structural geology to automatically generate an initial interpretation of the 3-D fault surfaces in the volume.
Building on the work done at ARCO, this patented technology is being further developed by TerraSpark Geosciences as a key component of Insight Earth. Insight Earth was released to market in 2008, and since that time has provided customers with dramatic improvements in interpretation speed and accuracy.
Software Features and Benefits
This application is intended for use at both the beginning of the 3-D interpretation cycle, and as an interactive tool during the interpretation process. Using a discontinuity volume as a starting point, the interpreter interactively defines a set of control parameters. These parameters can be defined for the entire 3-D volume or for a sub-volume. The process can then be applied as a batch process to the volume or interactively to sub-volumes. The interpreter can view and control the results of each step of the process.
Automated Fault Extraction™ Video
Testimonials
“Other fault extraction programs are more work than they’re worth. Insight Earth’s Automated Fault Extraction is accurate, clean and dead easy."GIVC Client
