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3 - Crustal Seismic Studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 November 2021

By
Jannis Makris  and
Keith Nunn
Edited by
Hamish Wilson ,
Keith Nunn  and
Matt Luheshi
Hamish Wilson
Affiliation:
BluEnergy Ltd
Keith Nunn
Affiliation:
Nunngeo Consulting Ltd
Matt Luheshi
Affiliation:
Leptis E&P Ltd
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Summary

A brief historical review of the development of crustal seismic studies is presented including the importance of the Mohorovičić (Moho) Discontinuity and the basic composition of the earth's crust. The essential elements of Wide-Aperture Reflection and Refraction Seismics (WARRS) using wide-angle reflection and refracted diving waves are discussed with an explanation of how they can provide both P and S wave velocity models of the crust.

A discussion of the instrumentation used for collecting crustal seismic data both on- and off-shore is followed by four case studies from different environments. These demonstrate how crustal seismic data can be used to provide a regional understanding of the physical properties of the crust and the regional geology of the basin and its importance in the early exploration stage of the exploration and production process. The importance of integrating the crustal seismic data with other geophysical data to obtain an optimum geophysical model is stressed. This leads to a better understanding of the key geological processes that assists the exploration strategy. A brief discussion of the costs involved in acquiring crustal seismic data is presented.

Keywords

continent/ocean boundary (COB)critical angleMohorovičić Discontinuity (Moho)ocean bottom seismograph (OBS)Vp/Vs ratioWide-Aperture Reflection and Refraction Seismics (WARRS)
Type
Chapter
Information
Integration of Geophysical Technologies in the Petroleum Industry , pp. 39 - 70
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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