Document of bibliographic reference 293551

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Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Reports

BibLvlCode

M

Title

Towards a high-resolution 3D-analysis of sand-bank architecture on the Belgian Continental Shelf (RESOURCE-3D): Final report

Abstract

Revealing the internal structure of sand banks by means of high-resolution seismic (acoustic) methods remains one of the classic methodological challenges in shallow marine geophysical prospection. This is mostly due to the strong heterogeneity of the sand-bank body in combination with complex sea-floor morphology. This study has focussed on the optimisation of a methodological-technological approach through a comparison of various state-of-the-art high-resolution seismic source/receiver configurations for the investigation of the internal architecture of sand banks. On the basis of a dense network of seismic profiles, the 3D architecture of a test site on the Belgian Continental Shelf was studied in detail. Digital acquisition of the data enabled postacquisition processing and data enhancement. Specialised software was used to identify, trace and map the structuring sediment bodies. To translate the “acoustic information” in a most unbiased way, in terms of its lithological and sedimentological nature, UGent-RCMG’s knowledge database and available background information on the Quaternary geology of the Belgian part of the North Sea has been used intensively. Finally, the interpreted seismic data were integrated with other datasets, such as multibeam bathymetry. This enabled a highresolution 3D quantitative analysis and representation of the sand-bank architecture and its economical potential. After comparison of the acquired test data sets, a set of recommendations is formulated regarding the most optimal strategy for future 4D prospecting of marine aggregates on the Belgian Continental Shelf.

Bibliographic citation

Van Lancker, V.; Du Four, I.; Mathys, M.; Versteeg, W.; De Batist, M. (2009). Towards a high-resolution 3D-analysis of sand-bank architecture on the Belgian Continental Shelf (RESOURCE-3D): Final report. Belgian Science Policy: Brussels. 39 + annexes pp.

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open access

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