Applying the phase congruency algorithm to seismic data slices: A carbonate case study

Brian H. Russell, Daniel P. Hampson, John D. Logel

The two-dimensional phase congruency algorithm using the log Gabor transform as developed by Kovesi (1996) is used to look for features such as edges and corners on two-dimensional images. In image processing, the algorithm has applications to robot vision and feature enhancement. In seismic analysis, we also look for features on 3D seismic cubes, but the features we look for are structural in nature. We implemented the Kovesi algorithm in a seismic analysis and display program. In our implementation, we use this algorithm to look for faults and fractures on slices taken from 3D seismic volumes. We illustrate this technique using a karst collapse study and a fractured carbonate dataset. We also compare this method with the more standard coherency method for identifying seismic discontinuities.