Reflection configuration patterns

	Exploring for Oil and Gas Traps
Series	Treatise in Petroleum Geology
Part	Predicting the occurrence of oil and gas traps
Chapter	Exploring for stratigraphic traps
Author	John C. Dolson, Mike S. Bahorich, Rick C. Tobin, Edward A. Beaumont, Louis J. Terlikoski, Michael L. Hendricks
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Groups of configuration patterns

Reflection configuration patterns can be divided into three groups:

Parallel—including subparallel and divergent
Discontinuous
Prograding—caused by lateral accretion of strata

Figure 1 Reflection configurations. From Mitchum et al.;^[1] courtesy AAPG.

Parallel reflector patterns

Parallel reflections include subparallel, wavy, and divergent. Parallel, subparallel, and wavy reflectors suggest uniform depositional rates on a uniformly subsiding surface, such as a shelf or basin plain. Divergent reflectors suggest lateral variations in depositional rates or progressive tilting of a depositional surface. Figure 1 shows reflection configurations for this group.

Figure 2 Five types of discontinuous reflector patterns that help interdepositional systems. After Mitchum, et al.^[1]

Discontinuous reflector patterns

Five types of discontinuous reflector patterns that help interdepositional systems are shown in Figure 2. Hummocky strata may be discontinuous point bars and crevasse splays. Chaotic reflectors suggest coarse-grained fluvial or turbidite channel fills. Contorted features may be shale-prone debris flows. Precise identification of depositional environments requires integration with other data.

Figure 3 Prograding reflectors and their possible depositional significance. After Mitchum et al.^[1]

Prograding reflector patterns

One of the most common depositional features observed in seismic sections are clinoforms manifested in a configuration pattern called offlap. Clinoforms are progradational strata that form through the progressive development of gently sloping surfaces. Paleowater depths can be interpreted from the height of prograding clinoforms. Figure 3 shows prograding reflectors and their possible depositional significance.

Figure 4 Fill patterns. From Mitchum et al.^[1]

Channel fill patterns

Channels are expressed in seismic sections as negative relief features truncating the underlying strata. Fill patterns are shown in Figure 4.

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 Mitchum, R., M., Vail, P., R., Sangree, J., B., 1977, Seismic stratigraphy and global changes in sea level, part 6: stratigraphic interpretations of seismic reflection patterns in depositional sequences, in Payton, C., E., ed., Seismic Stratigraphy and Applications to Hydrocarbon Exploration: AAPG Memoir 26, p. 117–133.

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Reflection configuration patterns

[ch21r31-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 Mitchum, R., M., Vail, P., R., Sangree, J., B., 1977, Seismic stratigraphy and global changes in sea level, part 6: stratigraphic interpretations of seismic reflection patterns in depositional sequences, in Payton, C., E., ed., Seismic Stratigraphy and Applications to Hydrocarbon Exploration: AAPG Memoir 26, p. 117–133.

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Reflection configuration patterns

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