The role of the seismic time model in the verification of depth modelling approaches in the North German Basin (TUNB Velo 2.0)

As part of the TUNB Velo 2.0 project, a new seismic model in the time domain was developed for the northeastern part of the North German Basin – as a supplement to the existing depth model of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Obst et al. 2024). The time model is based on interpreted and reinterpreted 2D seismic profiles from the 1960s to 1990s and opens up new possibilities for identifying structural features that were less pronounced at depth due to the inhomogeneity of the velocity field as well as the presence of salt bodies and fault zones with potentially anomalous velocities.

Since existing archive data was mainly used to build both models, primary data that was not available for deep modelling could also be taken into account for time modelling in some areas. The subsequent comparison and mutual conversion between time and depth models based on a harmonized 3D velocity field enabled us to check and to refine the existing depth model.

The time model therefore proved to be not only an intermediate step in the modelling process, but also an independent instrument for validation and regional analysis that significantly improves the reliability of geological reconstructions in the basin. In addition, this methodological approach can also serve as a practical tool for quality assurance of geological models in other regions with heterogeneous data.

Ref.:

Obst, K., Brandes, J., Matting, S., Wojatschke, J. & Deutschmann, A. (2024): Das 3D-Untergrundmodell des Landes Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Datengrundlagen, Modellierungsergebnisse und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten. – SDGG 100: 59-92. DOI: 10.1127/sdgg/100/2024/59