Seismic Expression of Structural Styles: A Modeling Approach

We have used unmigrated and time-migrated synthetic seismic profiles to study the seismic expression of structural styles. The synthetic profiles, created with the twodimensional, ray-tracing modeling program AIMS, are seismic models of representative geologic cross sections through salt structures, fold and thrust belts, wrench faults, and continental rifts. Comparisons of the synthetic profiles with their corresponding geologic cross sections reveal the seismic characteristics and interpretational pitfalls of each structural style. The application of this knowledge, together with structural concepts, can improve the interpreter’s ability to recognize and delineate hydrocarbon traps on seismic data.