Sub-Volcanic 3D Modelling - North Atlantic Margin

Sub-volcanic imaging is challenging because seismic wave-fields reflected from sub-volcanic structures are significantly disrupted through attenuation, scattering, and other mechanisms as they travel both down and up through the subsurface (Maresh, J. et al., 2006). New methods in seismic acquisition have enhanced the quality of this reflected signal, often through the generation and preservation of lower frequencies and wider azimuth survey geometries (van der Baan et al., 2007). In addition to seismic data, electromagnetic methods have been used to define volcanic geometries and locate conductive sediments below resistive volcanic layers Unfortunately, it is often prohibitively expensive to properly test these new methods in the field. As an aid to overcome this restriction, we construct a suitably realistic 3D model of the subsurface based on our latest understanding of the volcanic geology of the North Atlantic Margin study area. This model can then be used to evaluate the quality of various seismic acquisition methods, while also testing the importance of electromagnetic data in obtaining a sub-volcanic image by utilizing realistic super-volcanic, volcanic, and sub-volcanic rock properties.