The Fault Analysis Projection System (FAPS) - A new seismic interpretation and structural geological interpretation tool.

Abstract

Recent research has demonstrated that the displacement on faults varies in a systematic manner, both vertically and laterally. Contours of displacement on strike projections display ordered patterns for isolated normal faults, strike-slip faults and syn-sedimentary faults. Recognition of these ordered patterns forms the basis for a new seismic interpretation and structural/geological interpretation tool, enabling objective verification of fault correlation, identification of bad fault or horizon picks, and a better understanding of the overall kinematic framework. The Fault Analysis Projection System (FAPS) is a computerized implementation of this technique designed to run on UNIX-based workstations. The FAPS uses the X-windows graphics system which permits different elements of the interpretation/analysis to be viewed at the same time and is designed to make adjustments to interpretations a simple task. For example, an interpreter may work on a map in one window, a set of sections in another window, perform a graphics screen-edit on data in a third window and view the results of an analysis in a separate, fourth window.