摘要：The use of conceptual models is essential in the interpretation ofreflection seismic data. It allows interpreters to make geological sense ofseismic data, which carries inherent uncertainty. However, conceptual modelscan create powerful anchors that prevent interpreters from reassessing andadapting their interpretations as part of the interpretation process, whichcan subsequently lead to flawed or erroneous outcomes. It is thereforecritical to understand how conceptual models are generated and applied toreduce unwanted effects in interpretation results. Here we have tested howinterpretation of vertically exaggerated seismic data influenced thecreation and adoption of the conceptual models of 161 participants in apaper-based interpretation experiment. Participants were asked to interpreta series of faults and a horizon, offset by those faults, in a seismicsection. The seismic section was randomly presented to the participants withdifferent horizontal–vertical exaggeration (1:4 or 1:2). Statisticalanalysis of the results indicates that early anchoring to specificconceptual models had the most impact on interpretation outcome, with thedegree of vertical exaggeration having a subdued influence. Three differentconceptual models were adopted by participants, constrained by initialobservations of the seismic data. Interpreted fault dip angles show noevidence of other constraints (e.g. from the application of accepted faultdip models). Our results provide evidence of biases in interpretation ofuncertain geological and geophysical data, including the use of heuristicsto form initial conceptual models and anchoring to these models, confirmingthe need for increased understanding and mitigation of these biases toimprove interpretation outcomes.
