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Coherence Seismic Attribute, A Better and Most Effective Attribute in Delineating Structural Trend in Bornu Basin
Subject area: Physical Sciences and Environment · Area of research: Geophysics
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722162
Abstract
Seismic interpretation plays a pivotal role in subsurface characterization, particularly in the identification of structural discontinuities such as faults, fractures, and stratigraphic boundaries. Among the numerous seismic attributes employed for structural interpretation, curvature has long been recognized for its ability to enhance subtle geological features by measuring changes in reflector geometry. However, curvature is highly sensitive to seismic noise, data quality, and processing artifacts, which can reduce its effectiveness in complex geological settings. This study investigates coherence as a more robust and effective seismic attribute for structural interpretation and evaluates its performance relative to curvature. Coherence measures the similarity of adjacent seismic traces, making it particularly effective in detecting discontinuities caused by faults, fractures, channels, and other geological features. Through comparative analysis of seismic datasets. The evaluation considers the clarity of fault imaging, continuity of seismic events, sensitivity to data quality, and overall interpretational reliability. The results demonstrate that coherence consistently provides sharper imaging of fault planes and structural discontinuities while exhibiting greater resistance to noise and acquisition-related artifacts than curvature. Although curvature remains valuable for highlighting subtle flexures and fold geometries, its susceptibility to noise often leads to ambiguous interpretations in structurally complex areas. In contrast, coherence offers clearer visualization of discontinuities and enhances interpreter confidence by preserving the integrity of geological features. The findings suggest that coherence is a more reliable seismic attribute for fault and fracture mapping. The coherence attribute analysis of Bornu Basin in Nigeria is carried out with the aim of identifying, analyzing and interpreting Structural Trends in the Bornu Basin Optimally. Firstly 3-D seismic data of the basin was integrated with well data. Hence lithostratigraphic interpretation, seismic structural analyses, seismic attributes analyses and prospects identification at the Basin were carried out using Schlumberger`s petrel 2017 interpretation software. The lithostratigraphic interpretation showed that the study area is characterized by sand- shale interbedding. Lithologic correlation carried out showed the presence of a basin and intra-reservoir seals. The Structural analysis revealed various types of faults such as normal faults, also fold such as the anticline where older rocks are formed, which also help in hydrocarbon trapping
How to cite this paper
@article{1722162,
author = {Umeghalu Christian Okechukwu, Prof. Egwuonwu G.N.},
title = {Coherence Seismic Attribute, A Better and Most Effective Attribute in Delineating Structural Trend in Bornu Basin},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {1446-1453},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722162.pdf},
abstract = {Seismic interpretation plays a pivotal role in subsurface characterization, particularly in the identification of structural discontinuities such as faults, fractures, and stratigraphic boundaries. Among the numerous seismic attributes employed for structural interpretation, curvature has long been recognized for its ability to enhance subtle geological features by measuring changes in reflector geometry. However, curvature is highly sensitive to seismic noise, data quality, and processing artifacts, which can reduce its effectiveness in complex geological settings. This study investigates coherence as a more robust and effective seismic attribute for structural interpretation and evaluates its performance relative to curvature. Coherence measures the similarity of adjacent seismic traces, making it particularly effective in detecting discontinuities caused by faults, fractures, channels, and other geological features. Through comparative analysis of seismic datasets. The evaluation considers the clarity of fault imaging, continuity of seismic events, sensitivity to data quality, and overall interpretational reliability. The results demonstrate that coherence consistently provides sharper imaging of fault planes and structural discontinuities while exhibiting greater resistance to noise and acquisition-related artifacts than curvature. Although curvature remains valuable for highlighting subtle flexures and fold geometries, its susceptibility to noise often leads to ambiguous interpretations in structurally complex areas. In contrast, coherence offers clearer visualization of discontinuities and enhances interpreter confidence by preserving the integrity of geological features. The findings suggest that coherence is a more reliable seismic attribute for fault and fracture mapping.
The coherence attribute analysis of Bornu Basin in Nigeria is carried out with the aim of identifying, analyzing and interpreting Structural Trends in the Bornu Basin Optimally. Firstly 3-D seismic data of the basin was integrated with well data. Hence lithostratigraphic interpretation, seismic structural analyses, seismic attributes analyses and prospects identification at the Basin were carried out using Schlumberger`s petrel 2017 interpretation software. The lithostratigraphic interpretation showed that the study area is characterized by sand- shale interbedding. Lithologic correlation carried out showed the presence of a basin and intra-reservoir seals. The Structural analysis revealed various types of faults such as normal faults, also fold such as the anticline where older rocks are formed, which also help in hydrocarbon trapping},
month = {August},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722162}
}