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3D seismic velocities modeling and its application in the appreciation of the complex deep framework; the Sisseb-El Alem basin, central-eastern Tunisia

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Abstract

In this work, the 3D seismic velocity approach is successfully used in the characterization of the Sisseb-El Alem basin structural framework. It has highlighted the utility of using seismic velocity data in the interpretation of the deep geological basin structure. A high concordance between the geologic and seismic velocity interpretations of seismic data is highlighted. Representation of tomography velocity in 3D model, using Voxler software, allows locating and characterizing buried faults and geologic structures. The interpretation of the seismic data in 2D and 3D shows an asymmetric distribution of the deposits along the different basin structures. It is controlled by faults of submeridian and E-W direction associated with the ascension of Triassic evaporates. The results highlight the presence of four buried structures; the Sisseb, Sbikha, and El Ktifa uplifts and El Alem-Bled Saadia depression. These new seismic images of the Sisseb-El Alem basin have implications for evaluating the potential reserve in the Sisseb-El Alem basin.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the editors and anonymous reviewers for the insightful comments which improved this work. We are also grateful to the ETAP petroleum society of Tunisia for support and access to seismic sections and petroleum well data.

Funding

The paper presented is a part of the Project “Characterization and evaluation of hydrogeological reservoirs in the Sahel-Kairouan basin, central-eastern Tunisia” which is funded by the Secretarial of Scientific Research and Technology (SERST) of Tunisia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Géoressources, CERTE, Pôle Technologique de Borj Cédria, Université de Carthage, 8020 Soliman, Tunis, Tunisia

    Ali Souei & Mohamed Atawa

  2. Département des Sciences de la Terre, FST, Université Tunis El Manar, 1060, Tunis, Tunisia

    Ali Souei

  3. Département des Sciences de la Terre, FSB, Université de Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, Tunis, Tunisia

    Mohamed Atawa

  4. Department of Geo-exploration Techniques, Faculty of Earth Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80206, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Taher Zouaghi

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  1. Ali Souei
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  2. Mohamed Atawa
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Correspondence to Ali Souei.

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Souei, A., Atawa, M. & Zouaghi, T. 3D seismic velocities modeling and its application in the appreciation of the complex deep framework; the Sisseb-El Alem basin, central-eastern Tunisia. Arab J Geosci 14, 2001 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-08300-y

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