Seismic acquisition parameters to improve imaging beneath mafic igneous units: case study from Australia’s Northwest Shelf

Mafic igneous units within sedimentary basins can be widespread and severely attenuate seismic reflection data. Attenuation obscures imaging of sub-igneous sedimentary units, impeding exploration in prospective and frontier basins. This study compared historical 2D seismic surveys and found two seismic acquisition parameters that have the greatest influence when imaging beneath mafic igneous rocks in offshore and onshore basins from Australia’s Northwest Shelf. These parameters were found by using a 3D model developed with integrated 2D seismic and well data in the Browse, North Carnarvon, Onshore and Offshore Canning basins. Simultaneously comparing the 2D seismic lines in 3D space revealed that the surveys with the longest, streamer length and the most receivers are the most effective at imaging beneath igneous units. Additionally, we identified potential depocenters obscured by igneous horizons from a regional basement map. These depocenters correlate with older basins that are infilled by pre-rift, Paleozoic sediment and capped by mafic igneous rocks formed during late Permian-Mesozoic rifting events. Much of the Northwest Shelf maintains a frontier status, but exploration outcomes can be improved. Therefore, maximising streamer length and number of receivers to future seismic surveys can result in more effective exploration opportunities in basins with known igneous occurrences.