Module manager: Charlotte Botter
Email: c.d.botter@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
SOEE5171M
This module is not approved as an Elective
Seismic data is one of the main ways to investigate the ground beneath our feet and, combined with well data and conceptual models, it enables 3D representations of subsurface geology and its properties. This process can provide crucial insights that are highly-valued in many industrial and research sectors, for example geological storage, energy generation, and resource development. This module aims to teach the principles behind successful seismic interpretation of geological faults and horizons, and their interaction with fluids; building a toolkit using structural geology, sequence stratigraphy, and fluid characterisation indicators. Students will gain knowledge of critiquing 2D and 3D seismic data and how to construct a sound interpretation that respects the geophysical data and the underlying geology. By completing the interpretation of 2D seismic lines and 3D cubes, students will be able to manage ambiguity, uncertainty and risk to produce 3D geological models. These models will be understood through the generation of subsurface maps, and appraised in terms of their accuracy both to the source data and current scientific knowledge
The Seismic Data Interpretation module aims to provide a 3D interpretation of the subsurface using seismic data.
The module will first investigate the basics of seismic interpretation using 2D lines and will explore principles of seismic sequence stratigraphy. Students will be introduced to conceptual models and how they are used to guide seismic interpretation. Later in the module, students will build 3D interpretations by creating maps and cross sections. They will apply all their learning through a comprehensive industry-standard workflow, taking 3D seismic data through well-to-seismic tie to depth conversion of their interpreted horizons.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO1. Identify geological and petrophysical features, such as horizons, faults, and fluids from seismic reflection data
LO2. Create 3D geological models using seismic data
LO3. Develop an industry-level subsurface interpretation workflow to produce geological models
LO4. Appraise conceptual geological models based on seismic data interpretation, considering concepts of sequence stratigraphy and structural geology
LO5. Communicate 3D seismic interpretation through sketches, figures, videos and oral description
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1. Communication and presentation: the ability to convey outcomes of interpretation and 3D data clearly, accurately and appropriately using a variety of digital support (work ready, digital and sustainable skills)
SKLO2. Time management, planning and organising your own coursework load to be able to produce an accurate interpretation and deliverable within the timeframe of the project (work ready)
SKLO3. Problem solving and analytical skills (work ready, sustainable skill)
SKLO4. Decision-making (work ready)
SKLO5. Self-confidence, initiative and perseverance (enterprise)
SKLO6. Managing Uncertainty, Ambiguity and Risk when it comes to provide a deliverable and consequence it can have on the subsurface interpretation workflow (enterprise)
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Practical | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Practical | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Practical | 7 | 2 | 14 |
| Private study hours | 112 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 38 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
General formative feedback will be given during practical hours. Individual formative feedback will also be given during the non-summative coursework that will feed directly to the final assessed coursework.
The formative coursework allows individual, peer-to-peer and class-wide feedback during workshops on 3D mapping and contouring. This exercise and feedback allows students to better understand the application and limitation of software-based contouring algorithms.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 40 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 29/04/2025
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