ATLAS OF SEISMIC STRATIGRAPHY
SHELL OIL COMPANY
INTRODUCTION BASIN FILL ANALYSIS
COVERAGE GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS The third section combines the techniques illustrated in the first two
sections and sets forth a generalized procedure for making a regional
This “Atlas of Seismic Stratigraphy” is taken from a 1979 Shell Oil stratigraphic interpretation and basin fill analysis. Each step of a basin fill
Company publication that was designed and produced for use in Shell Oil The atlas presented here consists of three parts: The first section defines depositional sequences and illustrates various
analysis is demonstrated using the Taranaki basin as an example. The
Company’s Exploration Training program. Its purpose was and still is to 1. Geometric Analysis of Depositional Sequences types of bounding unconformities exposed at the surface, in subsurface
completed basin analysis includes seismic profiles with depositional
demonstrate a basic geologic/geophysical approach to the study of 2. Facies Analysis of Depositional Sequences data, and on seismic profiles. Depositional sequences and the relationship of
sequences, environmental and lithologic interpretations, chronostratigraphic
stratigraphy as interpreted from seismic data. Depositional sequences and 3. Basin Fill Analysis strata to sequence boundaries are shown on seismic profiles and on well log
charts of seismic sequences, time-stratigraphic correlation charts with
lithologies are defined by geometric analysis of seismic reflectors sections. Seismic well log data are integrated to interpret a series of
lithofacies, and finally, seismic facies maps and paleogeographic maps for
complemented by well and outcrop data, although the outcrop data of the depositional sequences.
In a general sense, this order of presentation reflects the steps involved each seismic sequence.
original text (except for illustrations of unconformities) are not included in
in a typical seismic stratigraphic investigation. Depositional sequences are
this volume. This atlas expands upon and illustrates many of the concepts
identified on the basis of reflection terminations. These are calibrated with
presented in AAPG Memoir 26. Since the Shell atlas originally was not FACIES ANALYSIS
well data, including age and lithologic information. Where possible, outcrop
planned for publication or public distribution, conventional references or
data may be projected into the line of section. Once the depositional
comments, such as “modified from” are not shown. Citations listed in the
sequences are identified, seismic facies may be interpreted on the basis of
bibliography recognize the key published work, but not the unpublished Once sequences are defined, environment and lithofacies within each
internal configuration types and seismic reflection characteristics, i.e.,
Shell work. sequence are interpreted through seismic facies analysis. Internal reflection
frequency, amplitude, and continuity. These facies should, if possible, be
calibrated to lithology and depositional facies interpretations derived from configurations within a seismic sequence are divided into Parallel and
well data. The chronostratigraphic significance of depositional sequences Clinoform reflection types. The various external reflection configurations of
ACKNOWLEDGMENT may be tested by constructing a time-stratigraphic chart. A complete seismic seismic sequences are defined from both two- and three-dimensional
stratigraphic analysis requires mapping depositional sequences and seismic analyses of forms. Paleo-environmental and lithofacies implications are
facies in three dimensions. From these maps, paleo-environmental interpreted on the basis of external and internal reflection configuration and
The Shell “Atlas of Seismic Stratigraphy” was prepared by W.O. interpretations and lithology predictions may be made. seismic character.
Abbott, then in Shell’s Head Office Exploration group under the direction
of A.W. Bally. The Atlas was sponsored by Shell’s Exploration Training
Department G.D. O’Brien, Manager. D.L. Brason assisted in preparing the
atlas, and prepared the graphics. Staff in Shell Oil Company and its
subsidiaries, Pecten International, Shell Offshore Inc., Shell Western E&P
Inc., Shell Western Exploration and Production Inc., and Shell Development
Company, contributed data, discussion, and suggestions; J.K. Arbenz, U.S.
Allan, M.B. Long, D.G. Nussmann, and C.A. Wood were particularly
helpful.
Shell Oil Company Atlas of seismic stratigraphy 15
