NIGK21005U Geological Evolution Based on Interpretation and Integration of Reflection Seismic and Wireline Log Data

Volume 2024/2025
Education

MSc Geology-Geoscience

Content

In this course, the students learn how to understand sub-surface geology by integration and interpretation of digital reflection seismic and wireline log data using professional software at workstations. The seismic data is interpreted by the method “seismic stratigraphic interpretation” that can be used to interpret e.g. reflections seismic data, high resolution seismic (sparker and Chirp) and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) data. The wireline log data  (e.g. Gamma-ray, Sonic, Density, Porosity and Resistivity) are interpreted using principles of wireline log interpretation e.g. electrosequence analysis. The combination of the two methods allows for an understanding of the 3D sub-surface structures and the lithology

The course is based on interpretation of reflection seismic data, theoretical and practical aspects of reflection seismic interpretation and interpretation of wireline log, theoretical and practical aspects of wireline log interpretation leading to an integrated interpretation of digital seismic and wireline data in a geological basin.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

  • Theoretical and practical aspects of interpretation of digital reflection seismic data on workstation
  • Theoretical and practical aspects of interpretation of digital wireline log data on workstation-
  • Integrated interpretation of digital seismic and wireline log data


Skills:

  • Demonstrate an overview of the usage of reflection seismic interpretation and wireline log data to investigate the sub-surface geology
  • Demonstrate an overview of various geological structures e.g. saltstructures, erosion channels, faults, extension and compression tectonics, basalt e.g. plateau basalt  
  • Demonstrate integration of reflection seismic data and wireline log data in a joint interpretation
  • Interpret seismic profiles, construct depth- and thickness map and outline the geological evolution of a basin
  • Lithological interpretation of wireline logs based on electrosequence analysis, construction of cross-plots and histograms


Competences:

  • Understand and work with reflection seismic methods by usage of seismic stratigraphy
  • Interpretation of seismic surveys by loop interpretation, pitfalls in seismic interpretation, attribute analysis, and construction of depth and thickness maps
  • Understand the principles of interpreting standard wireline logs (Gamma-ray, Sonic, Density, Porosity, Resistivity and Caliper logs) by electrosequence analysis, lithology reconstruction from wireline logs, interpretation of cross-plots and histogram.
  • Demonstrate full understanding of the integration the two methods to describe the geological evolution of a study area
  • Have an overview of the potential of using reflection seismic and wireline log interpretation to studies of the sub-surface of the Earth at both near surface, shallow, intermediate and deep levels.

Please see Absalon course page.

BSc in Geology-Geoscience or equivalent is recommended.
The form of teaching is lectures combined with small exercises and an assignment based on a case study. For the teaching plan, please see Absalon
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 171
  • Exercises
  • 35
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Individual
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, During course
Oral examination, 20 minutes
Type of assessment details
The written assignment is prepared during the course and must be handed in prior to the exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.
Aid
Without aids

All aids allowed when working on the written assignment.

No aids allowed at the oral examination. The students can bring a copy of handed in report.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam

Re-submission of written assignment, 20 minutes oral examination. The written assignment must be handed in prior to the re-examination week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see learning outcome