Advertisement

Marine Geophysical Research

, Volume 40, Issue 4, pp 635–641 | Cite as

A comparative analysis of time–depth relationships derived from scientific ocean drilling expeditions

  • Isabel Sauermilch
  • Zenon Richard P. MateoEmail author
  • Jacopo Boaga
Original Research Paper
First Online:
  • 56 Downloads

Abstract

Time–depth relationships (TDR) are required for correlating geological information from drill sites with seismic reflection profiles. Conventional time–depth domain conversion is implemented using P-wave velocity data, derived from downhole sonic logs, calibrated with vertical seismic check-shots. During scientific ocean drilling expeditions, immediate seismic correlation is carried out using laboratory velocities measured on recovered core material. As these three velocity measurements vary significantly in signal frequency, resolution and acoustic pathways, they carry potential for substantial TDR differences and consequent miscorrelation to seismic profiles. Our analytical work uses the comprehensive scientific ocean drilling dataset to quantify these differences in core-seismic integration. TDRs are calculated and compared at sites where check-shot, sonic log, and laboratory velocity measurements cover the same depth segments of the drill hole. We find that the maximum differences between the TDRs (TDR \(diff_{max}\)) reach up to 55%, which can cause fundamental errors in the seismic correlation. No direct relationship to porosity and bulk density of the cored material is observed. Instead, higher TDR variability is found at sites with carbonate content > 70%, particularly with coarser grain texture. Sites containing primarily igneous and siliciclastic sequences show less than 10% TDR \(diff_{max}\). This semi-quantitative criterion indicates that downhole logging should be conducted during drilling expeditions, especially at sites with carbonate sequences, or low core recovery, to ensure accurate core-seismic integrations.

Keywords

Time–depth relationship Scientific ocean drilling P-wave velocity measurement Seismic check-shot Downhole sonic log 
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Notes

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Kelvin S. Rodolfo and Joanne Whittaker for proof reading the article, and to Katharina Hochmuth for the constructive and helpful comments. We thank the reviewers for their constructive comments and suggestions. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. I.S. was supported under Australian Research Council’s Special Research Initiative for Antarctic Gateway Partnership (Project ID SR140300001).

Supplementary material

11001_2019_9393_MOESM1_ESM.docx (668 kb)
Supplementary material 1 (DOCX 667 kb)

References

  1. Amante C, Eakins BW (2009) ETOPO1 1 arc-minute global relief model: procedures, data sources and analysis. http://www.ngdcnoaagov/mgg/global/globalhtml.  https://doi.org/10.7289/v5c8276m
  2. Ballard MS, Lee K (2017) The acoustics of marine sediments. Acoust Today 13:11–18Google Scholar
  3. Bartel DC, Busby M, Nealon J, Zaske J (2006) Time to depth conversion and uncertainty assessment using average velocity modeling. In: SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2006. Society of Exploration Geophysicists, pp 2166–2170.  https://doi.org/10.1190/1.2369965
  4. Biot MA (1956a) Theory of propagation of elastic waves in a fluid-saturated porous solid. I. Low-frequency range. J Acoust Soc Am 28:168–178.  https://doi.org/10.1121/1.1908239 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  5. Biot MA (1956b) Theory of propagation of elastic waves in a fluid-saturated porous solid. II. Higher frequency range. J Acoust Soc Am 28:179–191.  https://doi.org/10.1121/1.1908241 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  6. Blum P (1997) Physical properties handbook: a guide to the shipboard measurement of physical properties of deep-sea cores. ODP Tech, College StationCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  7. Carlson R, Gangi A, Snow K (1986) Empirical reflection travel time versus depth and velocity versus depth functions for the deep-sea sediment column. J Geophys Res 91:8249–8266.  https://doi.org/10.1029/JB091iB08p08249 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  8. Del Grosso VA (1974) New equation for the speed of sound in natural waters (with comparisons to other equations). J Acoust Soc Am 56:1084–1091.  https://doi.org/10.1121/1.1903388 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  9. Dunham RJ (1962) Classification of carbonate rocks according to depositional textures. In: Ham WE (ed) Classification of carbonate rocks. AAPG, Tulsa, pp 108–121Google Scholar
  10. Dushaw BD, Worcester PF, Cornuelle BD, Howe BM (1993) On equations for the speed of sound in seawater. J Acoust Soc Am 93:255–275CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  11. Eberli GP et al (1997) Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, initial reports; Bahamas Transect, covering Leg 166 of the cruises of the Drilling Vessel JOIDES Resolution, San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Balboa Harbor, Panama, sites 1003–1009, 17 Feb–10 Apr 1996. Texas A & M University, Ocean Drilling Program, College Station, TX, USA.  https://doi.org/10.2973/odp.proc.ir.166.1997
  12. Eberli GP, Baechle GT, Anselmetti FS, Incze ML (2003) Factors controlling elastic properties in carbonate sediments and rocks. Lead Edge 22:654–660.  https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1599691 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  13. Feary DA, Hine AC, James NP, Malone MJ (2004) Leg 182 synthesis: exposed secrets of the Great Australian Bight. In: Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, pp 1–30.  https://doi.org/10.2973/odp.proc.ir.182.2000
  14. Fulthorpe CS, Schlanger SO, Jarrard RD (1989) In situ acoustic properties of pelagic carbonate sediments on the Ontong Java Plateau. J Geophys Res 94:4025–4032.  https://doi.org/10.1029/JB094iB04p04025 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  15. Goetz J, Dupal L, Bowler J (1979) An investigation into discrepancies between sonic log and seismic check spot velocities. APPEA J 19:131–141.  https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ78014 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  16. Hamilton EL (1976) Shear-wave velocity versus depth in marine sediments: a review. Geophysics 41:985–996.  https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1440676 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  17. Hamilton EL (1980) Geoacoustic modeling of the sea floor. J Acoust Soc Am 68:1313–1340.  https://doi.org/10.1121/1.385100 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  18. Harvey PK, Lovell MA (1998) Core-log integration controls (Special Publications). Geological Society, London, p 136Google Scholar
  19. IODP International Ocean Discovery Program Database. http://iodp.org/resources/access-data-and-samples. Accessed 2017–2018
  20. Isern A, Anselmetti F, Blum P (2002) Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program. Initial Reports Leg 194. College Station, TX (Ocean Drilling Program).  https://doi.org/10.2973/odp.proc.ir.194.2002
  21. Lowrie W (1997) Fundamental of geophysics. Cambridge University Press, CambridgeGoogle Scholar
  22. Maturi E, Sapper J, Harris A, Mittaz J (2014) GHRSST level 4 OSPO global foundation sea surface temperature analysis (GDS version 2). National Oceanographic Data Center, NOAA, Dataset.  https://doi.org/10.7289/v5sq8xfh. Accessed 2017–2018
  23. Moore CH, Wade WJ (2013) Carbonate reservoirs: porosity and diagenesis in a sequence stratigraphic framework, vol 67. Elsevier, AmsterdamGoogle Scholar
  24. Mutter J, Balch A (1988) Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) and the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP): Report of a Workshop. Joint Oceanogr. Inst./US Science Advisory Comm.Google Scholar
  25. NASA (2015) Aquarius Official Release Level 3 Sea Surface Salinity Standard Mapped Image Monthly Data V4.0., 4.0. edn.  https://doi.org/10.5067/aqr40-3smcs
  26. Neto IdAL, Misságia RM (2012) Estimate of elastic properties including pore geometry effect on carbonates: a case study of Glorieta-Paddock reservoir at Vacuum field, New Mexico. Revista Brasileira de Geofísica 30:519–532CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  27. Pälike H, Lyle M, Nishi H, Raffi I, Gamage K, Klaus A (2010) The expedition 320/321 scientists. In: Proceedings of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, p 321.  https://doi.org/10.2204/iodp.proc.320321.2010
  28. Pedley HM, Carannante G (2006) Cool-water carbonates: depositional systems and palaeoenvironmental. Geological Society of London, LondonGoogle Scholar
  29. Pike J, Beiboer F (1993) A comparison between algorithms for the speed of sound in seawater, Special Publication No. 34. Hydrographic SocietyGoogle Scholar
  30. Stewart RR, Huddleston PD, Kan TK (1984) Seismic versus sonic velocities: a vertical seismic profiling study. Geophysics 49:1153–1168.  https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1441745 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  31. Stoll RD (1977) Acoustic waves in ocean sediments. Geophysics 42:715–725.  https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1440741 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  32. Stoll RD (1989) Sediment acousticsGoogle Scholar
  33. Strick E (1971) An explanation of observed time discrepancies between continuous and conventional well velocity surveys. Geophysics 36:285–295.  https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1440169 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  34. Thomas D (1978) Seismic applications of sonic logs. The Log Analyst 19. Document ID: SPWLA-1978-vXIXn1a3Google Scholar
  35. Urmos J, Wilkens RH (1993) In situ velocities in pelagic carbonates: new insights from Ocean Drilling Program Leg 130, Ontong Java Plateau. J Geophys Res 98:7903–7920.  https://doi.org/10.1029/93JB00013 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  36. Ward R, Hewitt M (1977) Monofrequency borehole traveltime survey. Geophysics 42:1137–1145.  https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1440779 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  37. Weill P, Mouazé D, Tessier B (2013) Internal architecture and evolution of bioclastic beach ridges in a megatidal chenier plain: field data and wave flume experiment. Sedimentology 60:1213–1230.  https://doi.org/10.1111/sed.12027 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  38. Wilson J (1998) Global Temperature-Salinity Profile Programme (GTSPP)—overview and future. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Technical Series. UNESCO, Paris, p 49Google Scholar
  39. Winkler KW (1986) Estimates of velocity dispersion between seismic and ultrasonic frequencies. Geophysics 51:183–189.  https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1442031 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  40. Wright V (1992) A revised classification of limestones. Sediment Geol 76:177–185.  https://doi.org/10.1016/0037-0738(92)90082-3 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  41. Zachos J, Kroon D, Blum P, Bowles J, Gaillot P, Hasegawa T, Hathorne E (2004) Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Initial Reports, Volume 208. College Station, TX (Ocean Drilling Program).  https://doi.org/10.2973/odp.proc.ir.208.2004

Copyright information

© Springer Nature B.V. 2019

Authors and Affiliations

  • Isabel Sauermilch
    • 1
  • Zenon Richard P. Mateo
    • 2
    Email author
  • Jacopo Boaga
    • 3
  1. 1.Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)University of TasmaniaHobartAustralia
  2. 2.International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP)Texas A&M UniversityCollege StationUSA
  3. 3.Dipartimento di GeoscienzeUniversità degli Studi di PadovaPaduaItaly

Personalised recommendations

Cite article

Buy options