Horizon Unconformity patterns

TIPS & TRICKS
Horizon Unconformity patterns

Transform a smooth horizon to a wavy horizon using Horizon Maths. This horizon manipulation is handy to highlight unconformities for screenshots and presentations. 

In the following simple example we modify an unconformity horizon to create a visual pattern recognised by geologists. Follow the workflow below to create your own unconformity pattern.

Workflow

  1. In Map View, select the Operations tab
  2. Change the operation to Horizon Maths.
  3. Add your input horizon as variable h1 (the unconformity)
  4. Type the following formula:
h1 + ( 10 * h1/h1 * sin ( cl/5 ))
Click to copy

Breakdown

  • The formula divides the horizon by itself to get a constant 1
  • The horizon has a crossline value which can be used as a lateral variation variable cl. The sine of the crossline creates a sinusoidal (wavy) output.
  • Scaling the crossline (cl) changes the frequency of the sinusoidal output. Dividing cl by 5 scales the crossline to a sensible frequency for this dataset, you may need to experiment with your own data.
  • Multiplying everything by 10 changes the amplitude of the sinusoidal output. You may need to experiment with your own data.
  • Adding the result back to the original horizon creates the final wavy interpreted horizon.