The character and amplitude of 'discontinuous' bottom-simulating reflections in marine seismic data

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Hillman J. I. T., Cook A. E., Sawyer D. E., Kucuk H. M., Goldberg D. S.

EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS, vol.459, pp.157-169, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 459
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.epsl.2016.10.058
  • Journal Name: EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.157-169
  • Keywords: BSR, gas hydrate, seismic, frequency content, resolution, HYDRATE STABILITY ZONE, GAS-HYDRATE, METHANE HYDRATE, BASIN, SEA, EVOLUTION, SEDIMENTS, MARGIN, CANYON
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Bottom-simulating reflections (BSRs) identified in seismic data are well documented; and are commonly interpreted to indicate the presence of gas hydrates along continental margins, as well as to estimate regional volumes of gas hydrate. A BSR is defined as a reflection that sub-parallels the seafloor but is opposite in polarity and cross-cuts dipping sedimentary strata. BSRs form as a result of a strong negative acoustic impedance contrast. BSRs, however, are a diverse seismic phenomena that manifest in strikingly contrasting ways in different geological settings, and in different seismic data types.