OCGS May Technical Luncheon
May 13, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
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Devon Energy
101 N Harvey Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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It's OK, I'm a Geologist Too: Unlocking Channel Stratigraphy with Seismic Attributes
Speaker: April Moreno-Ward
Location: Devon Energy
101 N. Harvey Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
*Free parking in the visitor's garage*
Date: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: $25 Members; $35 Non-members (lunch included)*
*Note the OCGS is unable to issue registration refunds as the luncheon catering is prepaid
Abstract:
Seismic attributes can feel like the domain of geophysicists, but they are some of the most powerful tools available to any geologist working with seismic data. This talk is designed for the geologist in the room — walking through a practical, approachable workflow that uses two widely available attributes, cosine of instantaneous phase and relative acoustic impedance, to better visualize and interpret deepwater channel and turbidite systems.
We start with the basics: simple conditioning steps that improve the clarity of each attribute and set the stage for more meaningful interpretation. From there, we explore how co-rendering these two attributes together reveals stratigraphic detail that neither can provide alone — combining the structural continuity captured by the cosine of instantaneous phase with the impedance contrast sensitivity of relative acoustic impedance.
Working through real examples from deepwater channel systems, we examine how this approach helps identify key architectural elements and — just as importantly — helps us avoid misidentifying them. Recognizing whether a seismic reflector belongs to a channel axis, a levee, or an associated turbidite deposit matters, and assuming the wrong answer can have real consequences for how we think about a system.
The takeaway is straightforward: with a little conditioning and thoughtful co-rendering, attributes you likely already have access to can meaningfully sharpen your stratigraphic interpretations.
Speaker Bio:
April Moreno-Ward is a PhD candidate in Geophysics at the University of Oklahoma, Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy School of Geoscience, where she conducts research under the supervision of Dr. Heather Bedle. She holds an MSc. in Geology from the University of Texas at Arlington with a specialization in fluvial geomorphology.
Drawing on her six years of active petroleum geology consulting, she develops machine learning workflows for seismic interpretation, building practical frameworks that make advanced technologies more accessible and actionable across the geosciences. Her dissertation research has yielded one peer-reviewed published chapter, with multiple papers currently under review and an expanding publication pipeline supported by ongoing industry data collaborations.
Upon completing her PhD this spring, April will continue at the University of Oklahoma as a postdoctoral researcher. She is a regular contributor to professional publications and a speaker at local professional organization events, reflecting her sustained commitment to bridging rigorous academic research with real-world industry practice.
Tickets
$25.00 Member Ticket
$35.00 after 11:00 pm May 8
$35.00 Non-Member Ticket
$45.00 after 11:00 pm May 8
