Abstract: A new seismic attribute is disclosed along with its use to locate and classify seismic waveform anomalies and use them to construct objects and from them geologic surfaces (77) and bodies (75) from which hydrocarbon potential (or quality control of the seismic acquisition and processing (71)) may be assessed (79). The seismic attribute is constructed (74) from determinations of phase residues in the seismic data volume (72), preferably using complex trace analysis but alternatively by comparing neighboring waveforms for disappearing waveshape inflections. It is shown that in a data volume of the new attribute, non-zero values form strings and loops that may be associated with objects (geobodies) or surfaces such as unconformities or flooding surfaces. Methods of classification and selection (76) to reduce the number of objects generated are provided.

Abstract: A new seismic attribute is disclosed along with its use to locate and classify seismic waveform anomalies and use them to construct objects and from them geologic surfaces (77) and bodies (75) from which hydrocarbon potential (or quality control of the seismic acquisition and processing (71)) may be assessed (79). The seismic attribute is constructed (74) from determinations of phase residues in the seismic data volume (72), preferably using complex trace analysis but alternatively by comparing neighboring waveforms for disappearing waveshape inflections. It is shown that in a data volume of the new attribute, non-zero values form strings and loops that may be associated with objects (geobodies) or surfaces such as unconformities or flooding surfaces. Methods of classification and selection (76) to reduce the number of objects generated are provided.