Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt
August 7th, 2017
Three-dimensional (3D) reflection seismology is a powerful method for imaging subsurface volcanoes. By using industrial 3D seismological data from the Tarim Basin, we illustrate how to extract the sills and the conduits of subsurface volcanoes from seismic data cubes.
The overall goal of this procedure is to illustrate how to extract sills and conduits of subsurface volcanoes from seismic data cubes. This method can help answer key questions in volcanology, as the structure and the morphology of the plumbing systems can provide key information about eruption rate and the style of basaltic lava fields. The main advantage of this technique is that the 3D structure of subsurface volcanoes are extracted from industrial 3D reflection seismology images for overall exploration.
In this study, we process seismic data cubes from the Tarim Basin in China, to illustrate how to visualize sills and the conduce of subsurface volcanoes. To begin the calculation, first import the seismic acoustic data cube into an appropriate data processing program. Display the data in 2D and 3D, and adjust the data set appearances, as desired.
Then open the settings menu for the well of interest, and open the Time sub menu. Select Create new and name the time log. Use the velocity function DT data to create a one-way time log from the acoustic log.
Next, in the 3D data window, select TWT, to display the data in the two-way time domain. Set the newly-created one-way time log as the active time-depth relationship. Select the wired logs of interest to display their seismic profiles in the 3D window.
Then, use the Manipulate plane tool to adjust the profile, until it intersects the well. Next, in the Seismic tree, uncheck one plane. In the Well tops tree, select the corresponding well filter and set it to surface.
Enable annotations for the Well tops and verify that wired log domains are displayed with the seismic profile. Next, open the Seismic well tie menu. Set the study to Integrated seismic well tie and select the well of interest.
Set the TDR to the calibrated one-way time log. and select the seismic data cube. Select any log from the RC calculation method options and fill in the corresponding parameters.
Use the Wavelet tool box to create or edit a Ricker wavelet. Click OK to generate the synthetic seismogram. Repeat the process if the synthetic trace does not satisfactorily match the seismic data.
Then open the one-way time log created from the acoustic log. Identify a real continual seismic horizon that intersects the well of interest. Add a small increment of time to the Well Log, to adjust the depth of the synthetic trace.
Open the calculator tool. Compare the Well log and the seismic horizon. Continue adjusting the Well log in this way to maximize the overlap of the high amplitude reflectors in the synthetic and real traces.
The synthetic seismogram from the wired log we have force features. Because the log imaging does not perfectly fit with the burgherwalls. Regional geological information, and a vertical seismic profile are needed to correct and optimize the seismogram.
Open the Seismic interpretation menu, and select Insert a Horizon probe. In the individual probe settings, open the Horizons tab, and select two high amplitude surfaces encasing the sills of interest. Select the new probe to display a seismic cube in the 3D window.
Open the probe settings, and select the opacity tab. Use the seismic amplitude histogram, to decrease the opacity of low amplitude reflections, leaving only the basaltic sills of interest. Adjust the histogram repeatedly, until the desired shape of the interested geobody of igneous rocks, is achieved.
Next, open the Volume attributes menu. Set the category to Structural methods and the Attribute to variance. Set the seismic cube as the input.
Enable the Realize option to improve performance and run the process. Choose the variance cube, and select Insert time slice intersection. Use the Manipulate plane tool, in the 3D window, to move the slices to optimize the visualization of discontinuities, corresponding to vertical feeding conduits.
Repeat this process with the Seismic amplitude cube. Adjust the two-way time, and vary the slicing depths, to find the best visualization parameters for the data. A 3D seismic data cube, from the Northern Tarim Basin, was processed with this technique.
Separated lava lobes were observed in the extracted horizontal sills, suggesting that the lava flow, moves from the dome center to the rim of the dome. Time slices were obtained from the seismic cube, and from a variance data cube to visualize vertical volcanic conduits. Different slicing depths were required for the seismic and variance cubes to visualize the conduits.
While attempting this procedure, remember to obtain adequate knowledge of regional geology, the stratigraphic framework, and the characteristics of the marker horizons. After it's development, this technique paved the way for researchers in the field of volcanology, to investigate the 3D structures of the subsurface parts of ash in volcanoes. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to image subsurface volcanoes using our industrial, 3D seismological data cube.
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Overview
This study demonstrates the use of three-dimensional reflection seismology to extract sills and conduits of subsurface volcanoes from seismic data cubes. By analyzing data from the Tarim Basin, key insights into volcanic structures and eruption dynamics are provided.
Key Study Components
Area of Science
- Volcanology
- Geophysics
- Seismology
Background
- Understanding subsurface volcanic structures is crucial for predicting eruptions.
- Seismic data provides a non-invasive method to visualize these structures.
- The Tarim Basin offers a rich dataset for studying volcanic activity.
- 3D imaging enhances the interpretation of complex geological formations.
Purpose of Study
- To illustrate the extraction of volcanic sills and conduits from seismic data.
- To enhance understanding of the morphology of volcanic plumbing systems.
- To provide a methodology for analyzing industrial seismic data.
Methods Used
- Importing seismic acoustic data cubes into a processing program.
- Displaying data in both 2D and 3D formats.
- Adjusting dataset appearances for better visualization.
- Analyzing the extracted structures for geological insights.
Main Results
- Successful visualization of sills and conduits from seismic data.
- Identification of key features related to volcanic activity.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of 3D reflection seismology in volcanology.
- Provided a framework for future studies using similar methodologies.
Conclusions
- The study confirms the utility of 3D reflection seismology in understanding subsurface volcanoes.
- Insights gained can inform eruption prediction and volcanic risk assessment.
- This method can be applied to other geological settings for similar investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Executive Industry Relevance
Advanced 3D seismic imaging and data processing enable precise visualization of subsurface volcanic structures, supporting hypothesis-driven exploration in geoscience and energy sectors. The ability to extract and interpret sills and conduits from seismic data cubes enhances predictive confidence in subsurface modeling and informs risk-adjusted decision-making for resource exploration. These capabilities are directly relevant to workflows requiring high-resolution structural mapping and mechanistic de-risking in complex geological environments.
Strategic Applications in Biopharma R&D
Early Discovery & Target Validation
- Supports hypothesis testing by enabling detailed mapping of subsurface features analogous to biological pathway elucidation.
- Facilitates mechanistic de-risking through quantitative visualization of geological structures.
- Enables portfolio triage by providing high-confidence data for prioritizing exploration targets.
Screening & Assay Development
- Prepares validated 3D geological models for downstream analytical workflows.
- Standardizes data processing steps to ensure reproducibility and comparability across studies.
- Generates quantitative outputs that support robust screening of subsurface features.
Translational & Preclinical Research
- Aligns geological imaging outputs with broader resource assessment and risk evaluation strategies.
- Ensures continuity from initial discovery through to pre-development modeling phases.
- Provides predictive de-risking value by clarifying subsurface morphology and flow pathways.
Pipeline & Workflow Integration
This seismic data processing method integrates into the exploration continuum from early discovery through to advanced modeling and risk assessment.
- Discovery Biology: Enables hypothesis testing and structural clarification of subsurface systems.
- Screening: Delivers reproducible, quantitative 3D models for comparative analysis.
- Analytics: Provides high-resolution measurements and visualizations to support data-driven decisions.
- Translational Research: Bridges discovery insights with pre-development resource evaluation.
- Enterprise Reuse: Establishes a reusable workflow for future seismic data analyses in diverse geological settings.
Operational & Enterprise Impact
- Scientific Value: Increases predictive confidence and reduces ambiguity in subsurface modeling.
- Operational Value: Standardizes and scales data processing for consistent outputs.
- Strategic Value: Improves go/no-go decisions and capital allocation in exploration portfolios.
- Portfolio Impact: Enables risk-adjusted prioritization of exploration and development projects.
Implementation Considerations
- Requires expertise in seismic data interpretation and regional geology.
- Demands access to advanced data processing software and visualization infrastructure.
- Necessitates cross-team standardization of data handling and analysis protocols.
- Must be adapted to the specific stratigraphic and structural context of each study area.
- Dependent on the quality and resolution of available seismic datasets.
