Seismic Sedimentology; Concepts and Applications

Seismic sedimentology is an advanced field that enhances traditional seismic stratigraphy and sedimentological interpretation by utilizing high-resolution 3D seismic reflection data. Unlike conventional seismic stratigraphy, which assumes reflections image bedding surfaces, seismic sedimentology interprets reflections through chronostratigraphy or lithostratigraphy. This field is divided into two main components: seismic lithology and seismic geomorphology, which together provide a comprehensive understanding of litho-geomorphologic facies and subsurface properties such as sandstone thickness, sand/shale ratio, and porosity. The demand for high-resolution subsurface sedimentology has surged due to its critical role in hydrocarbon exploration, carbon storage, offshore wind farms, and sediment-hosted mineral exploration. Despite its potential, there remains a gap between seismic geophysics and sedimentary geology, as they operate on different data scales. Seismic sedimentology aims to bridge this gap, yet there is a need for further refinement of its concepts and methods, as well as more case studies across diverse basin types and sedimentary environments worldwide.

This research topic aims to update and expand the concepts and applications of seismic sedimentology, focusing on recent advancements and promising research in the field. The objective is to gather contributions that explore a variety of basin types, sedimentary environments, and lithology types from around the globe. By doing so, the research seeks to address existing knowledge gaps and enhance the understanding and application of seismic sedimentology in subsurface characterization and resource utilization.

To gather further insights in the field of seismic sedimentology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Seismic sedimentology
- Seismic geomorphology, including quantitative approaches
- Seismic lithology
- Seismic attribute analysis
- Seismic interpretation, both qualitative and quantitative
- Seismic stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy
- Seismic facies analysis
- Seismic inversion for interpreting sedimentary processes and depositional environments
- Seismic reservoir characterization
- Seismic forward modeling of outcrops
- Application of machine learning in seismic sedimentology

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Seismic Reflection, Seismic Sedimentology, Seismic Geomorphology, Seismic Lithology, Sedimentology, Paleoenvironment, Depositional Environment

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.