Seismic resolution of fluid contacts within potential reservoirs is a key risk-reducing factor in exploration prospects. Occasionally, seismic data clearly resolves obvious fluid contacts prior to drilling. Frequently though, subtle flat spots are only recognised after discovery. Recognising flat spots earlier in the game would clearly enhance the competitive position and reduce the risk of dry holes.

A technique has been developed and tested to enhance the signal of flat events within 3D seismic volumes, utilising stacking of parallel traverses. The technique involves interpreting a traverse down the likely turbidite channel axis along which to search for flat spots, and stacking a specific number of traces within an aperture. This enhances the signal of the consistent flat events and reduces the "noise" of the turbidite channel reflections. The signal to noise of flat events is improved by the square root of the number of relevant input traces, just as if stacking moved-out gathers. This is superior, but slower, than optical stacking where the result can be dominated by a single high amplitude event.