Quantifying fault interpretation uncertainties and their impact on fault seal and seismic hazard analysis
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Published version
Author(s)
Andrews, Billy J
Mildon, Zoe K
Jackson, Christopher AL
Bond, Clare E
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Fault-horizon cut-off data extracted from seismic reflection datasets are used to study normal fault geometry, displacement distribution, and growth history. We assess the influence of three seismic interpretation factors (repeatability, measurement obliquity, and fault cut-off type) on fault parameter uncertainty. Two repeat interpretations resulted in mean differences of 5–15% for throw, 11–42% for heave, 9–31% for displacement, and 7–27% for dip across faults. Measurement obliquity, where faults are interpreted using non-perpendicular transects to fault strike, show increasing uncertainty with increasing obliquity. Uncertainty in throw is 14–24% at obliquities >20° and 6–13% where obliquities <20°. Continuous cut-offs, including non-discrete deformation, generally exhibit greater uncertainties compared to discontinuous (discrete) cut-offs. We consider the effect of interpretation factors on fault parameters used in seismic hazard assessment (SHA) and fault seal, using the established Shale Gouge Ratio (SGR). Even modest measurement obliquities and repeatability errors can affect inputs for SHA, causing large differences in throw- or slip-rate and inferred fault length. Measurement obliquity and repeatability have a variable impact on SGR calculations, highlighting the additional importance of sedimentary layer thickness and distribution. Our findings raise questions about the optimum workflow used to interpret faults and how uncertainties in fault interpretation are constrained and reported.
Date Issued
2024-07
Date Acceptance
2024-05-14
Citation
Journal of Structural Geology, 2024, 184
ISSN
0191-8141
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Structural Geology
Volume
184
Copyright Statement
© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019181412400110X
Subjects
ACCUMULATION
Bias
CARNARVON BASIN
Displacement analysis
Faults
Geology
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
GROWTH
LOCALIZATION
MODEL
NORTH-WEST SHELF
Physical Sciences
Science & Technology
Seismic reflection
STRAIN
STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION
ZONES
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
105158
Date Publish Online
2024-05-17