Department of Geological Sciences
King Saud University
Academic Year: 2008-2009
Instructor:
Professor Elkhedr Hassan Ibrahim
Department of Geological Sciences,
Faculty of Sciences, King Saud University,
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Room 52 1B
Office Hours:
Wed., Sunday 10:00- 11:30 noon
Lectures &
Classroom:
Lectures — Sat., Mon. 11:00-11:50 pm in 60 1B
Laboratory — Mon. 4:00-6:00 afternoon in 62 1B
Course Nos.:
Credits:
Seismic Exploration (311 Geoph)
3 hours (2+1)
Course Objectives:
The main objective of this course is to introduce the students to the principles of
the seismic methods and their applications in exploration and exploitation of
subsurface resources. Beside practice the students to employ the different
seismic field techniques, correct the seismic data and make a preliminary
interpretation for seismic records and sections
Prerequisites: Geophysics Fundamentals (Geo 371)
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO's):
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the physical and mathematical basics of seismic wave
propagation and attenuation.
2. Understand the difference between the seismic reflection and refraction
techniques.
3. Know the different techniques employed in the field
4. Understand the physical meaning of the different techniques and methods
used in correcting seismic data.
5. Understand the basics of the interpretation of seismic records and
sections.
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Prepared by Professor Elkhedr Hassan
Covered Lecture Topics
1. Physical properties of rocks, body waves, concepts of seismic velocities,
Huygens principles, Snell’s law, wave propagation velocities in rocks
2. Introduction to seismic prospecting-I (methods - reflection versus
refraction)
3. Seismic data collection: seismic energy sources, receivers, recorders,
operations in marine and land environment
4. Seismic refraction method-I (horizontally layered models)
5. Seismic refraction method-II (dipping interface and fault problem)
6. Seismic reflection method: basic principles: geometry of reflection,
reflection
7. Basic seismic data processing.
8. Common-Depth-Point (CDP) technique, Normal-Move-Out (NMO)
correction, velocity analysis, and seismic velocities.
9. Stacking and stacked seismic sections, Seismic migration and migrated
seismic sections
10. Introduction to interpretation
Textbooks
1. Dobrin, B. M. Introduction to geophysical prospecting
2. Telford, W. M., Geldart, L. P., and Sheriff, R. E. (1990). Applied
Geophysics. Cambridge University Press. 770 pages
Grading
Grades will be determined through the following evaluations:




In class short quizzes and mid-term Exam
Attendance, class participation
Major and final Exam
Lab. Exercises, class participation
and homework assignments
15%
5%
50%
30%
Important Note: If you miss a quiz (or in-class activity), you will not be able to
make it up because your regular attendance is expected.
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Prepared by Professor Elkhedr Hassan