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Seismic Detectability of Shallow Massive Sulphide Deposits
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, 75th EAGE Conference & Exhibition incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2013, Jun 2013, cp-348-00501
- ISBN: 978-90-73834-48-4
Abstract
In this research a 2D finite difference elastic wave field code and accurate petrophysical data are used to generate synthetic seismic data for a shallow carbonate-hosted massive sulphide lens. The density driven acoustic impedance contrast of the orebody and the surrounding carbonate rocks make it a viable target for seismic imaging. We investigate the seismic response from the orebody to identify the challenges associated with processing and imaging. The synthetic data show that the scattered wave field from the orebody is complex and is in close proximity to the source generated noise. Additionally, large offset reflections from the orebody are identified in the data and are considered when processing. We see that with favorable conditions it is possible to seismically detect the shallow (175m) orebody using a seismic source with central frequency of 75Hz, however the response is weak. Our modeled lens has a lateral dimension of 100m and a maximum thickness if 20m. Larger deposits may prove to be higher amplitude reflectors. The synthetic seismic data is used to tailor acquisition and processing procedures for such a geologic setting.