Quantitative Seismic Geomorphology: A Revolution in Earth Landscape Evolution

Seismic geomorphology is the study of paleo-landscapes in 3D seismic data. Application of quantitative geomorphologic methods for analyses of these seismic data volumes worldwide, has the potential to provide a heretofore unrealized dense, deep and spatially extensive understanding of the older geomorphologic framework of the world. These understandings will lead to improved proxies for modeling regional climates and land surface response to change, aid biogeographers in understanding migration patterns of ancient people and animals, as well as assist in predict the anthropogenic impact of future change.

Several large (1000 to 20,000 sq km) 3D seismic data surveys from New Zealand, Indonesia, the southern Caribbean and Morocco have been under study to examine the more than 10 million year geomorphologic history of these regions. The settings include both subaerial landscapes and submarine seascapes, and the data allow analysis of systems from source-to-sink. Some of the methods employed and results of these studies will be discussed, as well as will be approaches for individuals interested in obtaining 3D seismic data for similar geomorphologic studies around the world.