Feasibility of CDP seismic reflection to image structures in a 220-m deep, 3-m thick coal zone near Palau, Coahuila, Mexico

Abstract

The common‐depth‐point (CDP) seismic‐reflection method was used to delineate subsurface structure in a 3-m thick, 220-m deep coal zone in the Palau area of Coahuila, Mexico. An extensive series of walkaway‐noise tests was performed to optimize recording parameters and equipment. Reflection events can be interpreted from depths of approximately 100 to 300 m on CDP stacked seismic sections. The seismic data allow accurate identification of the horizontal location of the structure responsible for a drill‐discovered 3-m difference in coal‐zone depth between boreholes 150 m apart. The reflection method can discriminate folding with wavelengths in excess of 20 m and faulting with offset greater than 2 m at this site.