Use of 3D Seismic Data for Hazards and Site Assessments, Pipeline Route Planning, and Preliminary Engineering Design

摘要

The advantages of 3D seismic data over conventional 2Drngeophysical data include: high-density data coverage,rnimproved spatial delimitation of geologic and stratigraphicrnfeatures, and the ability to visualize geologic, stratigraphic,rnand structural features in ways not possible with 2D seismicrnprofiles. The widespread availability of 3D explorationrnseismic data has ushered in a new approach to deepwaterrnhazards and site assessments as well as regional developmentrnstudies. With the advent of high-powered desktop computers,rnnew software packages, and advanced analysis techniques,rnthese data are now being used for more than the exploration ofrnhydrocarbons, particularly in water depths greater than aboutrn200 m.rnExploration 3D data are routinely used to identify andrnavoid unfavorable drillsites and pipeline routes, thus reducingrnoverall costs. Whereas exploration 3D seismic data generallyrnhave sufficient resolution to identify significant drillingrnhazards and for preliminary pipeline route planning, these datarnare not adequate for final structure, site or pipeline routernselection or for detailed stratigraphic characterization neededrnfor design. In these cases, high-resolution site- andrnroute-specific surveys are still required.rnThe advantages of 3D data are now also available in highresolutionrngeophysical surveys. These data reduce the needrnfor repeated surveying of the same area and provide detailsrnunseen on conventional exploration data. A singlernhigh-resolution 3D data set can be used for multiplernapplications throughout the exploration, production, andrndevelopment process. These data are used for shallow andrnintermediate exploration, analyses of seabed topography,rngeohazards assessments, understanding of complex structuralrnand stratigraphic conditions, well planning, and fieldrndevelopment. When integrated with geotechnical soil boringrndata, high-resolution 3D data provide a detailed understandingrnof stratigraphic variability necessary for final structure sitingrnand design.