On the applicability of seismic attributes in the description and interpretation of mass-transport deposits

Mass transport deposits (MTDs) have gained economic importance in the last years because of their significance as seals or stratigraphic trapping mechanisms in deep water turbidite prospects. The analysis of MTDs in 3D seismic data provides a better understanding of their characteristics when compared to outcrop or 2D seismic data, as it is possible to capture both internal and external features over large areas in 3D. Moreover, this analysis can be further improved by applying seismic attributes, which have been employed only to describe specific aspects of these deposits. In this study, we applied several seismic attributes systematically in the characterization of an MTD, located in the northern Santos Basin (offshore southeastern Brazil), aiming to identify their applicability in the description and interpretation of 33 characteristics of this kind of deposit. As a result, it was possible to identify which features of the MTD the application of seismic attributes is indispensable, helpful, or redundant.