Practical seismic processing

This course is available as single course.

The course will give a concise and practical treatment of the theoretical basis and philosophy for constructing each module in a typical seismic processing sequence, from loading the field data to the finished processed section. It provides a comprehensive overview of the steps that are commonly applied in seismic data processing and discusses their inherent assumptions, strengths and weaknesses. Through several practical exercises, participants will gain a working knowledge of the different processing methods and enable them to assess the quality of a processing result. The exercises will cover processing of a 2D seismic line, with documentation and reasoning for choosing processing parameters during the different steps.

Bachelor's degree in geology, or a similar degree following a program of study of at least three years, or similar education approved in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act section 3-4. In addition, specialization in geology worth the equivalent of at least 80 ECTS credits is required. Normally, an average mark of C or better is required at the bachelor's degree level or other program for basis of admission.

Application code: 9371.

Knowledge

The student has

• a basic theoretical understanding of signal analysis of time series.
• an understanding of the basic principles of seismic acquisition geometries that can be translated into the proper sorting and binning of the seismic data.
• a theoretical understanding of the basic seismic processing steps: amplitude corrections, static corrections, frequency filtering, deconvolution, velocity analysis, normal moveout and stack, and migration.
• the ability to identify random and coherent (e.g. multiple, ghost) noise in seismic data.
• an understanding of signal-noise ratio.
• an understanding of the role of processing, particularly seismic amplitude correction processes as pertains to subsequent interpretation.

Skills

The student can

• develop and apply a typical seismic processing sequence including the proper parameterization of the individual processing steps.
• identify acquisition artifacts as well as random and coherent noise in seismic data and devise a processing sequence to efficiently remove artifacts and improve signal-to-noise ratio.
• conduct a velocity analysis of multi-channel seismic data and distinguish between the different seismic velocities (RMS, stacking and interval) as pertaining to the processing.
• synthesize, explain and defend his/her seismic processing decisions through written and oral presentation and defense.

General competences

The student has

• the capability to carry out an independent processing of seismic data.
• overview of current research and new methods in seismic data processing.
• the ability to carry out the most important elements of geological research projects: penetrating literature, analyzing data, and communicating results in written and oral form to fellow students/scientists.
• the ability to work independently and/or in a team.

Anbefalte forkunnskaper

GEO-3138 Integrated Geological and Geophysical Interpretation

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

• GEO-8126 Practical Seismic Processing 5 ects

Language of instruction and examination

Schedule

This course is open to incoming exchange students.

Study Level: Master's

Prerequisites:
To take this course, you must first meet the requirements listed in the “Admission requirements” section above.

Important note for GEO courses:

If you come from a university that has a direct exchange agreement with the Department of Geosciences (GEO) at UiT, you may be allowed to take master’s-level GEO courses (course codes 3000–4000) even if you have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree or earned 180 ECTS credits.

For details on how to apply for exchange, course selection guidelines, or to contact the Incoming Admissions Team, please visit: Admissions for Student Exchange.

More info about the coursework requirements

Re-sit examination