Abstract: In a preferred embodiment the invention comprises a system for analyzing seismic data which includes selecting a geologic time volume for a subsurface region of interest and selecting a procedure for generating a derived data volume based on the geologic time volume. The selected procedure is used to calculate the derived data volume and the derived data volume is stored in a data storage medium. In specific embodiments of the invention, the derived data volumes include but are not limited to difference volumes, discontinuity volumes, fault volumes, unconformity volumes, throw volumes, heave volumes, dip magnitude volumes, dip azimuth volumes, strike volumes, surface normal volumes, closure volumes, spill point volumes, isopach volumes and isopach anomaly volumes.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the invention comprises a method for analyzing seismic data in which a seismic data volume, which includes seismic data sample points, is selected from a subsurface region of interest. A geologic time volume is declared having data storage locations corresponding to the seismic data sample points. Geologic times are obtained corresponding to the seismic data sample points, and the geologic times are stored in the geologic time volume in data storage locations corresponding to the seismic data sample points.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention comprises a system for utilizing a geologic time volume to investigate a portion of the earth in which a geologic time is selected and a search is made in the geologic time volume for locations having substantially the selected geologic time. Locations in the geologic time volume having substantially the geologic time are extracted from the geologic time volume. Locations having substantially the selected geologic time may be displayed to facilitate use of the geologic time volume by an interpreter.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment the invention comprises a system for analyzing seismic data which includes selecting a geologic time volume for a subsurface region of interest and selecting a procedure for generating a derived data volume based on the geologic time volume. The selected procedure is used to calculate the derived data volume and the derived data volume is stored in a data storage medium. In specific embodiments of the invention, the derived data volumes include but are not limited to difference volumes, discontinuity volumes, fault volumes, unconformity volumes, throw volumes, heave volumes, dip magnitude volumes, dip azimuth volumes, strike volumes, surface normal volumes, closure volumes, spill point volumes, isopach volumes and isopach anomaly volumes.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the invention comprises a method for analyzing seismic data in which a seismic data volume, which includes seismic data sample points, is selected from a subsurface region of interest. A geologic time volume is declared having data storage locations corresponding to the seismic data sample points. Geologic times are obtained corresponding to the seismic data sample points, and the geologic times are stored in the geologic time volume in data storage locations corresponding to the seismic data sample points.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention comprises a system for utilizing a geologic time volume to investigate a portion of the earth in which a geologic time is selected and a search is made in the geologic time volume for locations having substantially the selected geologic time. Locations in the geologic time volume having substantially the geologic time are extracted from the geologic time volume. Locations having substantially the selected geologic time may be displayed to facilitate use of the geologic time volume by an interpreter.