Developing Competence in Fault Seismic Interpretation: A Personal Reflection

Fault seismic interpretation is a decision-making process that heavily relies on the choices of interpreters - it is a multi-solution problem. However, how do interpreters ground their decisions? To understand the foundations of interpreter decision-making, this works explores how newcomers develop competence in fault seismic interpretation. Building on the first author's journey of acquiring fault seismic interpretation skills during her PhD, this study highlights the interplay between individual and social factors in the development of subsurface interpretation expertise. Through a detailed analysis of the first author's journey, including stages of becoming a competent Petrel user, developing a reproducible workflow, and gaining insights into the uncertainties and biases in fault interpretation, this study examines how expertise evolves and how social interactions impact methodological choices.

The results presented in this work stem from the first author's PhD research, which covered learning to interpret faults using seismic images. The findings reveal how the author's interpretative choices aligned with established practices, informed by a thorough literature review and guidance from her supervisor. Initially, her interpretation of normal faults mirrored the simplified, planar structures commonly depicted in existing literature. This approach changed and the author acquired more consciousness about uncertainty and biases in seismic interpretation when returning to fieldwork and realising the inadequacy in interpreting normal faults with simple planar geometries. The inherently uncertain nature of the subsurface prevents the exclusion of potential interpretations, making its characterisation through seismic image interpretation a multi-solution problem rather than one with a single, definitive solution.

The insights gained from this analysis, particularly during the COVID-19 isolation period, underscore the importance of recognising and addressing biases and uncertainties in seismic interpretation. This study highlights the influence of social learning, the limitations of established practices, and the importance of considering multiple potential solutions. By understanding the human element in seismic interpretation, we can improve future training, workflows, and the overall reliability of subsurface models. By encouraging self-reflection among interpreters and advocating for a broader range of structural models, this work aims to enhance the field of subsurface studies response to the evolving demands of the Energy Transition Industry and improve the overall management of uncertainty and biases in seismic fault interpretation.