First Break - Volume 7, Issue 5, 1989

The development of geophysics in Germany has been carried out with enthusiasm and skill by a great many people. Their achievements have been recognized not only in their own country, but throughout the world. The names of the outstanding few mentioned here have the honour of representing the many.

In the North German Basin more than 3500 km of deep seismic lines have been collected by the petroleum industry. Analysis of the data has revealed characteristic types of crystalline reflectivity distribution in certain areas. Since the crystalline reflectivity strongly depends on the temperature background, it provides a way of estimating the tectono-thermal history of a province. From these observations, a preliminary correIation between crustal structure and the petrophysical parameters of the overlying sediments has been made.

In the earliest days of the industry exploration was confined to surface techniques and the following up of oil seeps. Since exploration moved into the subsurface, the technological content has risen steadily, generally with geophysics in the vanguard. Looking at the industry around us, I think geophysicists can be proud of their contribution.