Automatic Fault Extraction Using Artificial
Ants
Stein Inge Pedersen, Thorleif Skov, Trygve Randen, and Lars Sønneland
Schlumberger Stavanger Research, P.O. Box 8013, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
Summary. A high-level fault interpretation workflow using automatically ex-
tracted surfaces is presented. The first step of the workflow is to generate a fault
attribute that enhances the discontinuities in the seismic data. Fault-like surfaces
are then extracted using an algorithm called ant tracking. The surfaces are then
loaded into an analysis tool where the interpreter, by interactively working with the
surfaces, decides on the final interpretation. The interpreter works on two levels in
the analysis tool. Firstly, on the system level, where the fault surfaces are split into
separate systems according to their strikes. Faults that are created at the same time
period typically form a fault system. This separation is geologically meaningful and
gives the interpreter an overview of the structural history of the area. Secondly
the interpreter groups and modifies individual surfaces within each fault system to
form the final interpretation. The workflow is demonstrated as a case study of two
fields offshore mid Norway.
