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Evaluating Oil and Gas Industry Two-Dimensional Multichannel Seismic Data for Use in Near-Surface Assessment of Geologic Framework and Potential Marine Minerals Resources

Techniques and Methods 2-E4
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/tm2E4

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Abstract

Marine seismic reflection data acquired across the Gulf of Mexico during oil and gas exploration are available to the public through an online database archive. The data are archived as two-dimensional multichannel seismic data in two digital formats. The formats include image files in portable document format (PDF), and binary files in industry standard Society for Exploration Geophysicists revision Y (SEG-Y) format. Also included in the database are navigation files and acquisition information associated with the collection of the data.

This study examines the data acquired within two geographic areas in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Although the seismic reflection data are acquired for oil and gas exploration many kilometers below the seafloor, this study focuses on the feasibility of using the data for near-surface geologic and seafloor morphologic studies (<100 meters below the seafloor). The report outlines the methodologies used to recover and process the data, including computer processing steps to convert the PDF imagery into SEG-Y format. The report includes two-dimensional profiles of the data to demonstrate the efficacy of the data in near-surface geologic studies. The study found that, for the two areas of interest, the seafloor reflectors in most of the available data are not resolvable. Although the data are readily available and computer processing can adequately image the uppermost reflectors of the seismic profiles, the resolution of the data in most cases are not suitable for near-surface geologic evaluations.

Suggested Citation

Flocks, J., Forde, A., and Bosse, S., 2023, Evaluating oil and gas industry two-dimensional multichannel seismic data for use in near-surface assessment of geologic framework and potential marine minerals resources: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 2, chap. E4, 25 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm2E4.

ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Area of Analysis
  • Oil and Gas 2D Multichannel Seismic Data
  • Data and Methods
  • Data Evaluation
  • Summary and Conclusions
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Processing Scripts and File Structure
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Evaluating oil and gas industry two-dimensional multichannel seismic data for use in near-surface assessment of geologic framework and potential marine minerals resources
Series title Techniques and Methods
Series number 2-E4
Subseries Book 2, Collection of Environmental Data
DOI 10.3133/tm2E4
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description Report: viii, 25 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas
Other Geospatial northern Gulf of Mexico
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details