‘Data Pre-Conditioning and Seismic Attributes on Legacy Seismic Reflection Profiles: Unveiling Hidden Subsurface Information For Seismotectonic Studies’, by Maurizio Ercoli, Università degli Studi di Perugia

Abstract

Legacy seismic reflection data often represent a unique and valuable source of subsurface information for basic research and seismotectonic studies. Geologists frequently use such data as they are, providing interpretations and geological models that can vary significantly, especially when the quality of the profiles is relatively low due to pervasive random noise.

Modern software and reprocessing techniques can be critical tools for improving data quality and interpretability, significantly enhancing the value of legacy profiles—particularly since modern acquisitions are often constrained by cost and logistical challenges. Preconditioning techniques and seismic attribute extraction are effective tools that require relatively little effort once methodologies and tools, long used in industry, are tested and applied to seismotectonic research.

This talk presents a brief review of the main available tools, followed by examples from central Italy. These applications have aided in the identification and characterization of seismogenic faults in areas affected by strong earthquakes over the past several decades. The results demonstrate how these workflows can serve as cutting-edge tools for significantly improving the quality of vintage data, reducing uncertainties in reflector and fault interpretation, unveiling subtle geological patterns, and facilitating their use in seismotectonic studies.

Short Bio

Maurizio Ercoli obtained his Ph.D. in Earth Sciences and Geotechnologies from the Università degli Studi di Perugia, specializing in Applied Geophysics. He is currently a Research Scientist and Lecturer at the Department of Physics and Geology at UniPg, where he supervises two Ph.D. students. His research primarily focuses on the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of reflection seismic and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data for seismotectonic and neotectonic studies. Additionally, his work encompasses passive seismic techniques (e.g., microtremors) for basin research, as well as high-frequency GPR applications for engineering and cultural heritage conservation.