Acquisition, processing and interpretation of high-resolution seismic data using a small-scale multi-channel system: an example from the Korea Strait inner shelf, south-east Korea
Dong-Geun Yoo 1 2 Nam-Hyung Koo 1 2 3 Ho-Young Lee 1 Byoung-Yeop Kim 1 Young-Jun Kim 1 Snons Cheong 1
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
1 Petroleum and Marine Research Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), 124 Gwahang-no, Yuseong-gu, Daejon 34132, Korea.
2 Department of Petroleum Resources Technology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 124 Gwahang-no, Yuseong-gu, Daejon 34132, Korea.
3 Corresponding author. Email: nhkoo@kigam.re.kr
Exploration Geophysics 47(4) 341-351 https://doi.org/10.1071/EG15081
Submitted: 27 August 2015 Accepted: 30 August 2015 Published: 26 October 2015
Abstract
A high-resolution seismic survey was designed to improve the quality of seismic data and study the evolution of inner shelf deposits off the southern coast of Korea. A 0.5 L air gun and 6- or 8-channel streamer cable with a 5 m group interval were used as a seismic source and receiver system, respectively. Data recording was digitally performed at a shot interval of 2 s and a sample interval of 0.1 ms using a personal computer (PC)-based recording system with an analogue to digital (A/D) converter. In the data processing, deconvolution and static corrections were very effective for improving the data resolution. The data resolution and signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio were improved by using multi-channel digital seismic systems as opposed to a single-channel analogue streamer. The results show that a small-scale multi-channel seismic system is an effective way to investigate late Quaternary deposits. Seismic stratigraphic analysis of the high-resolution seismic profiles revealed that inner shelf deposits, up to 30 m thick, consist of three sedimentary units, which comprise transgressive and highstand systems tracts deposited after the last glacial period. The transgressive systems tract includes two units (I and II) separated by a ravinement surface (RS). The lower Unit I, lying below the RS, consists of estuarine sediments left behind by shoreface erosion during transgression, and represents a paralic component. The upper Unit II, including two sub-units (IIa and IIb), lies above the RS and consists of sand produced by shoreface erosion during landward transgression, which corresponds to a marine component. The uppermost Unit III lies above the maximum flooding surface and consists of thick mud clinoforms of the modern Nakdong and Seomjin subaqueous deltas. This unit likely formed during the recent sea level highstand and represents the highstand systems tract.
Key words: late Quaternary, multi-channel seismic system, seismic stratigraphic analysis, systems tract.
References
Berne, S., Vagner, P., Guichard, F., Lericolais, G., Liu, Z., Trentesaux, A., Yin, P., and Yi, H. L., 2002, Pleistocene forced regressions and tidal sand ridges in the East China Sea: Marine Geology, 188, 293–315| Pleistocene forced regressions and tidal sand ridges in the East China Sea:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Boyd, R., Suter, J., and Penland, S., 1989, Relation of sequence stratigraphy to modern sedimentary environments: Geology, 17, 926–929
| Relation of sequence stratigraphy to modern sedimentary environments:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Davies, T. A., and Austin, J. A., 1997, High-resolution 3D seismic reflection and coring techniques applied to late Quaternary deposits on the New Jersey shelf: Marine Geology, 143, 137–149
| High-resolution 3D seismic reflection and coring techniques applied to late Quaternary deposits on the New Jersey shelf:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hernandez-Molina, F. J., Somoza, L., Rey, J., and Pomar, L., 1994, Late Pleistocene-Holocene sediments on the Spanish continental shelves: model for very high resolution sequence stratigraphy: Marine Geology, 120, 129–174
| Late Pleistocene-Holocene sediments on the Spanish continental shelves: model for very high resolution sequence stratigraphy:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
KIGAM (Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources) 2000, Study on Quaternary Stratigraphy and Environmental Changes: Report of Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejon, 665 pp. [in Korean].
Kim, M. S., Chu, K. S., and Kim, O. S., 1986, Investigation of some influence of the Nakdong River water on marine environment in the estuarine area using Landsat imagery: Technical Report of Korea Ministry Sciences Technology, Inchon, pp. 93–147 [in Korean].
Kim, D. C., Park, Y. A., Lee, C. B., Kang, H. J., and Choi, J. H., 1992, Sedimentation and physical properties of inner shelf sediments South Sea of Korea: Journal of Geological Society of Korea, 28, 604–614
Korea Hydrographic Office, 1982, Marine environmental atlas of Korean waters. Research Report, 38 pp.
Lee, E., and Nam, S. L., 2003, Freshwater supply by Korean rivers to the East Sea during the last glacial maximum: a review and new evidence from the Korea Strait region: Geo-Marine Letters, 23, 1–6
| Freshwater supply by Korean rivers to the East Sea during the last glacial maximum: a review and new evidence from the Korea Strait region:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lee, H. J., and Yoon, S. H., 1997, Development of stratigraphy and sediment distribution in the northeastern Yellow Sea during Holocene sea-level rise: Journal of Sedimentary Research, 67, 341–349
| 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXitFaqsrs%3D&md5=28059de811dde0f3e5667341b8e8a3e8CAS |
Lee, H.-Y., Hyun, B.-K., and Kong, Y.-S., 1996, PC-based acquisition and processing of high-resolution marine seismic data: Geophysics, 61, 1804–1812
| PC-based acquisition and processing of high-resolution marine seismic data:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lee, H. Y., Park, K. P., Koo, N. H., Yoo, D. G., Kang, D. H., Kim, Y. G., Hwang, K. D., and Kim, J. C., 2004, High-resolution shallow marine seismic surveys off Busan and Pohang, Korea, using a small-scale multichannel system: Journal of Applied Geophysics, 56, 1–15
| High-resolution shallow marine seismic surveys off Busan and Pohang, Korea, using a small-scale multichannel system:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXos1Kk&md5=8e7887ce639317e4d0ec8c2496d6d506CAS |
Lee, G. S., Kim, D. C., Yoo, D. G., and Yi, H. I., 2013, Sedimentary environment and sequence stratigraphy of Late Quaternary deposits in the East China Sea: Marine Georesources and Geotechnology, 31, 17–39
| Sedimentary environment and sequence stratigraphy of Late Quaternary deposits in the East China Sea:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhsVyrtb4%3D&md5=94e4af6537766b8d8ce59e67f254cfa7CAS |
Lee, H. Y., Kim, W. S., Koo, N. H., Park, K. P., Yoo, D. G., Kang, D. H., Kim, Y. G., Seo, G. S., and Hwang, K. D., 2014, Resolution analysis of shallow marine seismic data acquired using an airgun and an 8-channel streamer cable: Journal of Applied Geophysics, 105, 203–212
| Resolution analysis of shallow marine seismic data acquired using an airgun and an 8-channel streamer cable:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lericolais, G., Allenou, J. P., Berné, S., and Morvan, P., 1990, A new system for acquisition and processing of very high-resolution seismic reflection data: Geophysics, 55, 1036–1046
| A new system for acquisition and processing of very high-resolution seismic reflection data:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lobo, F. J., Tesson, M., and Gensous, B., 2004, Stratal architectures of late Quaternary regressive-transgressive cycles in the Roussillon Shelf (SW Gulf of Lion, France): Marine and Petroleum Geology, 21, 1181–1203
| Stratal architectures of late Quaternary regressive-transgressive cycles in the Roussillon Shelf (SW Gulf of Lion, France):Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Marsset, B., Missiaen, T., De Roeck, Y. H., Nobile, M., Versteeg, W., and Henriet, J. P., 1998, Very high resolution 3D marine seismic data processing for geotechnical applications: Geophysical Prospecting, 46, 105–120
| Very high resolution 3D marine seismic data processing for geotechnical applications:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Miller, R. D., Markiewicz, R. D., Merry, C., Xia, J., and Maples, C., 1995, Improvements in shallow high-resolution seismic reflection through PC-based systems: Computers & Geosciences, 21, 957–964
| Improvements in shallow high-resolution seismic reflection through PC-based systems:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Min, G. H., 1994, Seismic stratigraphy and depositional history of Plio-Holocene deposits in the southeastern shelf, Korean Peninsula: Ph.D. thesis, Seoul National University.
Mitchum, R. M., Vail, P. R., and Sangree, J. B., 1977, Stratigraphic interpretation of seismic reflection patterns in depositional sequence, in C. E. Payton, ed., Seismic stratigraphy – application to hydrocarbon exploration: AAPG Memoir, 26, 117–133.
Morend, D., Pugin, A., and Gorin, G. E., 2002, High-resolution seismic imaging of outcrop-scale channels and an incised-valley system within the fluvial-dominated Lower Freshwater Molasse (Aquitanian, western Swiss Molasse Basin): Sedimentary Geology, 149, 245–264
| High-resolution seismic imaging of outcrop-scale channels and an incised-valley system within the fluvial-dominated Lower Freshwater Molasse (Aquitanian, western Swiss Molasse Basin):Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Nam, S. L., Chang, J. H., Kong, G. S., Kim, S. P., and Yoo, D. G., 2003, Holocene sea-level rise and paleoenvironmental changes in the Korea Strait shelf: Korean Journal of Quaternary Research, 17, 7–16
Nissen, S. E., Combes, J. M., and Nekut, A. G., 1999, Acquisition, processing, and analysis of shallow, high-resolution seismic data from the outer continental shelf and upper slope, offshore Louisiana: Journal of Sedimentary Research, 69, 300–316
| Acquisition, processing, and analysis of shallow, high-resolution seismic data from the outer continental shelf and upper slope, offshore Louisiana:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Nummedal, D., and Swift, D. J. P., 1987, Transgressive stratigraphy at sequence-bounding unconformities: some principles derived from Holocene and Cretaceous examples, in D. Nummedal, O. H. Pilkey, and J. D. Howard, eds., Sea-level fluctuation and coastal evolution: SEPM Special Publication, 41, 241–260.
Oh, I. S., and Lee, D. E., 1998, Tides and tidal currents of the Yellow and East China Seas during the last 13,000 years: Journal of the Korean Society of Oceanography, 33, 137–145
Okyar, M., Ediger, V., and Ergin, M., 1994, Seismic stratigraphy of the southeastern Black Sea shelf from high-resolution seismic records: Marine Geology, 121, 213–230
| Seismic stratigraphy of the southeastern Black Sea shelf from high-resolution seismic records:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Park, Y. A., and Choi, J. Y., 1986, Factor analysis of the continental shelf sediments of the southeast coast of Korea and its implication of the depositional environments: Journal of Oceanological Society of Korea, 21, 34–45
Park, S. C., and Yoo, D. G., 1988, Depositional history of Quaternary sediments on the continental shelf off the southeastern coast of Korea (Korea Strait): Marine Geology, 79, 65–75
| Depositional history of Quaternary sediments on the continental shelf off the southeastern coast of Korea (Korea Strait):Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Park, S. C., and Yoo, D. G., 1992, Deposition of coarse-grained sediments in the Korea Strait during late Pleistocene low sea level: Geo-Marine Letters, 12, 19–23
| Deposition of coarse-grained sediments in the Korea Strait during late Pleistocene low sea level:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Park, S. C., Hong, S. K., and Kim, D. C., 1996, Evolution of late Quaternary deposits on the inner shelf of the South Sea of Korea: Marine Geology, 131, 219–232
| Evolution of late Quaternary deposits on the inner shelf of the South Sea of Korea:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Park, S. C., Yoo, D. G., Lee, C. W., and Lee, E. L., 2000, Last glacial sea-level changes and paleogeography of the Korea (Tsushima) Strait: Geo-Marine Letters, 20, 64–71
| Last glacial sea-level changes and paleogeography of the Korea (Tsushima) Strait:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Park, S. C., Han, H. S., and Yoo, D. G., 2003, Transgressive sand ridges on the mid-shelf of the southern sea of Korea (Korea Strait): formation and development in high-energy environments: Marine Geology, 193, 1–18
| Transgressive sand ridges on the mid-shelf of the southern sea of Korea (Korea Strait): formation and development in high-energy environments:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Pugin, A., Pullan, S. E., Burns, R. A., Douma, M., and Good, R. L., 1999, High-resolution, multichannel, marine seismic surveying using a small airgun source: SAGEEP Meeting, Oakland CA, Extended Abstract, 255–264.
Saito, Y., 1994, Shelf sequence and characteristic bounding surfaces in a wave-dominated setting: latest Pleistocene-Holocene examples from Northeast Japan: Marine Geology, 120, 105–127
| Shelf sequence and characteristic bounding surfaces in a wave-dominated setting: latest Pleistocene-Holocene examples from Northeast Japan:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Shinn, Y. J., Chough, S. K., Kim, J. W., and Woo, J., 2007, Development of depositional systems in the southeastern Yellow Sea during the postglacial transgression: Marine Geology, 239, 59–82
| Development of depositional systems in the southeastern Yellow Sea during the postglacial transgression:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stride, A. H., 1982, Offshore tidal sands, processes and deposits: Chapman and Hall.
Suk, B. C., 1989, Quaternary sedimentation processes, structures and sea level changes in the East China Sea, the Yellow Sea and the Korea-Tsushima Strait Regions: Ph.D. thesis, University of Tokyo.
Tesson, M., Posamentier, H. W., and Gensous, B., 2000, Stratigraphic organization of late Pleistocene deposits of the western part of the Golfe du Lion Shelf (Languedoc Shelf), western Mediterranean Sea, using high-resolution seismic and core data: The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 84, 119–150
Tortora, P., 1996, Depositional and erosional coastal processes during the last postglacial sea-level rise: an example from the central Tyrrhenian continental shelf (Italy): Journal of Sedimentary Research, 66, 391–405
Trincardi, F., Correggiari, A., and Roveri, M., 1994, Late Quaternary transgressive erosion and deposition in a modern epicontinental shelf: the Adriatic semienclosed basin: Geo-Marine Letters, 14, 41–51
| Late Quaternary transgressive erosion and deposition in a modern epicontinental shelf: the Adriatic semienclosed basin:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Xu, D., Liu, X., Zhang, X., Li, T., and Chen, B., 1997, China offshore geology: Geological Publishing House.
Yang, C. S., 1989, Active, moribund and tidal sand ridges in the East China Sea and the southern Yellow Sea: Marine Geology, 88, 97–116
| Active, moribund and tidal sand ridges in the East China Sea and the southern Yellow Sea:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yoo, D. G., and Park, S. C., 1997, Late Quaternary lowstand wedges on the shelf margin and trough region of the Korea Strait: Sedimentary Geology, 109, 121–133
| Late Quaternary lowstand wedges on the shelf margin and trough region of the Korea Strait:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yoo, D. G., and Park, S. C., 2000, High-resolution seismic study as a tool for sequence stratigraphic evidence of high-frequency sea-level changes: latest Pleistocene-Holocene example from the Korea Strait: Journal of Sedimentary Research, 70, 296–309
| High-resolution seismic study as a tool for sequence stratigraphic evidence of high-frequency sea-level changes: latest Pleistocene-Holocene example from the Korea Strait:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yoo, D. G., Park, S. C., Shin, W. C., and Kim, W. S., 1996, Near-surface seismic facies at the Korea Strait shelf margin and trough region: Geo-Marine Letters, 16, 49–56
| Near-surface seismic facies at the Korea Strait shelf margin and trough region:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yoo, D. G., Lee, C. W., Kim, S. P., Jin, J. H., Kim, J. K., and Han, H. C., 2002, Late Quaternary transgressive and highstand systems tracts in the northern East China Sea mid-shelf: Marine Geology, 187, 313–328
| Late Quaternary transgressive and highstand systems tracts in the northern East China Sea mid-shelf:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yoo, D. G., Park, S. C., Sunwoo, D., and Oh, J. H., 2003, Evolution and chronology of late Pleistocene shelf-perched lowstand wedges in the Korea Strait: Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 22, 29–39
| Evolution and chronology of late Pleistocene shelf-perched lowstand wedges in the Korea Strait:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yoo, D. G., Kim, S. P., Chang, T. S., Kong, G. S., Kang, N. K., Kwon, Y. K., Nam, S. L., and Park, S. C., 2014a, Late Quaternary inner shelf deposits in response to late Pleistocene-Holocene sea level changes: Nakdong River, SE Korea: Quaternary International, 344, 156–169
| Late Quaternary inner shelf deposits in response to late Pleistocene-Holocene sea level changes: Nakdong River, SE Korea:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yoo, D. G., Kim, S. P., Lee, C. W., Chang, T. S., and Kang, N. K., 2014b, Late Quaternary transgressive deposits in a low-gradient environmental setting: Korea Strait shelf, SE Korea: Quaternary International, 344, 143–155
| Late Quaternary transgressive deposits in a low-gradient environmental setting: Korea Strait shelf, SE Korea:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Zecchin, M., Baradello, L., Brancolini, G., Donda, F., Rizzetto, F., and Tosi, L., 2008, Sequence stratigraphy based on high-resolution seismic profiles in the late Pleistocene and Holocene deposits of the Venice area: Marine Geology, 253, 185–198
| Sequence stratigraphy based on high-resolution seismic profiles in the late Pleistocene and Holocene deposits of the Venice area:Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |