Influences of workflow choices on 3D seismic interpretation

Seismic interpretation is inherently subjective, yet it underpins critical decisions concerning various uses of the subsurface—from the oil industry to the emerging challenges of the energy transition, including projects such as carbon storage and nuclear waste disposal. It serves as the fundamental building blocks (bricks) for constructing 3D models of the subsurface, shaping how it is visualised, modelled and understood. This study investigates how different interpreters, applying their own workflows to the same 3D seismic dataset, produce interpretations that diverge and converge and what these patterns reveal about the workflows. Two interpreters with similar levels of experience were independently tasked with generating a 3D interpretation of a salt body, selected horizons, and faults using the same seismic volume. Each interpreter's workflow was documented, including their use of tools, attribute analysis, and decision-making rationale.

The resulting interpretations will be compared using spatial juxtaposition, geospatial feature quantification, and heat maps. Preliminary results indicate that while some consistent interpretational patterns are emerging, notable variations are observed in fault positioning and the complexity of the salt body. These differences correlate with specific workflow choices such as sampling density preferences, attribute usage, and assumptions. Our findings demonstrate that interpretation outcomes are shaped not only by the data but also by the interpreter’s methodological framing.

By better understanding the sources and consequences of interpretation uncertainty, we can improve the reliability of 3D subsurface models, contributing to more robust and transparent geological assessments for critical subsurface applications.