Horizon picking in 3D seismic images

Abstract

In this paper, we present an automatic horizon picking algorithm, based on a surface detection technique, to detect horizons in 3D seismic data. The surface detection technique, and the use of 6-connectivity, allows us to detect fragments of horizons which are afterwards combined to form full horizons. The criteria of combining the fragments are similarity of orientation of the fragments, as expressed by their normal vectors, and proximity using 18-connectivity. The identified horizons are interrupted at faults, as required by the experts. © Springer-Verlag 2003.