
Tuesday, 9 September 2025 09:00 - 17:00 | Virtual,
Tuesday, 9 September 2025 | 09:00 - 17:00 | Virtual,
Please note: this course has now been rescheduled from 29 May to 9 September 2025.
The course is designed to give participants an overview of seismic data and its uses, how it is interpreted, and how seismic data and interpretations are integrated with other data types and disciplines to produce a geological model. Participants will be given practical exercises to gain a feel for how seismic interpretation works in practice. Within the constraints of a one-day course, the emphasis will be on the breadth of the subject, with a list of further reading to allow participants to follow up on particular topics as they desire.
There are six main sections of the course, as follows:
In which the scope and aims of the course are given and any particular interests of participants are noted, to be accommodated if possible within the course framework. Different applications of seismic interpretation are introduced, from deep earth structure, through hydrocarbon exploration, to carbon capture and near-surface investigations.
In which examples of project workflows are given, showing how seismic data is used in combination with other data types. Principles of seismic reflections are introduced, with illustrations of how these affect what can be seen in the data. Basic overviews of acquisition and processing are covered, and the ways in which these are adapted for different applications are discussed.
A short practical exercise introduces participants to the questions interpreters consider when starting an interpretation, and allows them to interpret a simple seismic section.
Brief overview of the geological structures – folds, faults and fractures – that can be seen in seismic data. Special considerations and pitfalls relating to structural features are mentioned.
Brief overview of the expression of stratigraphic features in seismic data, with reference to reflection geometry, terminations and character. Principles of sequence stratigraphy are introduced.
In this part of the course, we develop beyond the interpretation of 2D sections to 3D volumes. Now that participants have seen how interpreters outline subsurface geometries, they are introduced to the additional information that can be gained from the seismic data by the use of seismic attributes, AVO and inversion techniques. Conversion from time- to depth-domains is discussed, leading to the integration of seismic interpretation with other geological data to produce detailed geological models. In this section in particular, geophysical software used for these techniques may be mentioned. The course concludes with a discussion of the uncertainties inherent in both the seismic data and the process of interpretation.
Materials for some simple practicals will be included, to be carried out as time allows. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, and are directed to some of the many excellent resources available for further study.
Professionals in other disciplines who collaborate with geophysicists and want to know more about the interpretations they work with.
Also suitable for students/novices with little or no experience, wanting a broad introduction to seismic data and interpretation.
- Understand what seismic data is and applications for which it can be used
- Understand the strengths and limitations of seismic data for investigating the subsurface
- Become familiar with the appearance of seismic sections and undertake simple interpretation of structural and stratigraphic features
- Understand types of information other than simple interpretation that can be derived from seismic data
- Understand ways in which seismic interpretation can be integrated with other disciplines to produce a geological model
This course will be taking place on 9 September 2025 from 09:00 to approximately 17:00 BST, depending on audience participation.
Joining details will be sent out the day prior, alongside any course materials that may be needed.
Kamala Sen
Kamala has nearly thirty years' experience in industry. Starting with a degree in Geology, she worked briefly for Amoco before moving on to a further degree, Computing in the Earth Sciences. She then worked for Robertson Research (now CGG) before going freelance. This background encouraged her interest in multidisciplinary projects, in which geophysicists work closely with other geological specialists to develop the best possible understanding of the subsurface. Working for a service company also gave her experience of projects on scales from single reservoir layers to regional studies.
Kamala has completed interpretation projects worldwide, though much recent work has focussed on India and Pakistan. She has also delivered training courses to students across the globe, from Brazil to South Korea and many places between. She enjoys introducing students both to basic principles and to the complexities and uncertainties of investigating subsurface geology.
Early-Bird Fees (until 9 July 2025)
Fellow £270
Non-Fellow £540
Student Member £68
Student Non-Member £135
Corporate Patron £270
GSA Member £324
Partner £459
Standard Fees (after 9 July 2025)
Fellow £300
Non-Fellow £600
Student Member £75
Student Non-Member £150
Corporate Patron £300
GSA Member £360
Partner £510
The Geological Society of America (GSA) members discount
We offer a generous 40% discount off our Non-Fellow rate to members of the Geological Society of America (GSA). A discount code must be quoted on the registration form in order to take advantage of the discount. If you are a member of GSA and do not have the discount code, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk with proof of your membership.
Group discounts
We offer competitive group discounts on all Training Courses:
5 – 9 delegates: 20% off
10 – 14 delegates: 25% off
15 delegates or more: 30% off
For more information on how to access the Group Discount, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk
Concessions
We offer students a generous discount. Please verify your student status by either registering with your student email address, or uploading a photograph of your student identification/acceptance letter.
The Society offers a limited number of concessionary rates for those in financial hardship. Contact training@geolsoc.org.uk (Please note you may be required to provide details/evidence to support your application for this.)
If you require an invoice to register for this course, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk
Registration will close 24 hours before the event takes place.