The influence of coal-mine geology on seismic data quality in the Bowen Basin

Abstract

Over the past two decades numerous seismic surveys have been undertaken to assist with exploration over Australian coal mines. More recently this has been extended to assist with mine design and coal extraction. This latter application is placing increasing demands on the quality and resolution achievable with the seismic method. We present a number of examples of seismic surveys conducted in the Central and Northern Bowen Basin which illustrate that seismic data quality is strongly influenced by localised mine geology. Unfavourable near-surface conditions including variable weathering and the presence of basalt or other high-velocity layers can drastically impact on image quality. The stratigraphy of the target coal seams also affects the definition of the target seam. We comment on various ways of reducing the adverse effects of unfavourable mine geology. By incorporating knowledge of mine geology in the acquisition design and by utilising appropriate processing solutions, it is possible to obtain high quality seismic imagery.