Seismic Sedimentology in China: A Review

Key words: 
• seismic sedimentology

Abstract: This paper summarizes the history of seismic sedimentology, with a brief discussion of its definition, geologic and geophysical background, key techniques, and future developments. Seismic sedimentology is a new geoscience discipline that has been gaining support from industry and academia both in western countries and in China. Seismic sedimentology is closely related to seismic stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy, with an emphasis on study of sedimentary rocks and depositional processes. Under current technology, seismic sedimentology is an integration of seismic lithology and seismic geomorphology. The procedure is benefited from a technical breakthrough that images seismicallythin beds by phantom mapping within a timeequivalent seismic stratigraphic framework, which makes a better use of seismic horizontal resolution power. Ninetydegree phasing and stratal slicing are two key, practice and economic techniques. In China, new developments of seismic sedimentology in near future may occur in seismic lithologic methods, seismic depositional models, and study guidelines that are tailored for different types of nonmarine basins.