Pattern recognition and lithological interpretation of collocated seismic and magnetotelluric models using self-organizing maps

Abstract

SUMMARY Joint interpretation of models from seismic tomography and inversion of magnetotelluric (MT) data is an efficient approach to determine the lithology of the subsurface. Statistical methods are well established but were developed for only two types of models so far (seismic P velocity and electrical resistivity). We apply self-organizing maps (SOMs), which have no limitations in the number of parameters considered in the joint interpretation. Our SOM method includes (1) generation of data vectors from the seismic and MT images, (2) unsupervised learning, (3) definition of classes by algorithmic segmentation of the SOM using image processing techniques and (4) application of learned knowledge to classify all data vectors and assign a lithological interpretation for each data vector. We apply the workflow to collocated P velocity, vertical P-velocity gradient and resistivity models derived along a 40 km profile around the geothermal site Gros Schonebeck in the Northeast German Basin. The resulting lithological model consists of eight classes covering Cenozoic, Mesozoic and Palaeozoic sediments down to 5 km depth. There is a remarkable agreement between the litho-type distribution from the SOM analysis and regional marker horizons interpolated from sparse 2-D industrial reflection seismic data. The most interesting features include (1) characteristic properties of the Jurassic (low P-velocity gradients, low resistivity values) interpreted as the signature of shales, and (2) a pattern within the Upper Permian Zechstein layer with low resistivity and increased P-velocity values within the salt depressions and increased resistivity and decreased P velocities in the salt pillows. The latter is explained in our interpretation by flow of less dense salt matrix components to form the pillows while denser and more brittle evaporites such as anhydrite remain in place during the salt mobilization.