The document discusses the challenge of seismic exploration beneath basalt rock formations. Seismic waves are absorbed and scattered by basalt, making it difficult to image subsurface structures below. Basalt formations can be many kilometers thick and consist of alternating layers of high and low velocity rock. Several techniques have been tried with limited success, including low frequency sources, long streamer offsets, and advanced processing methods. The document invites innovative ideas to improve sub-basalt imaging, such as new seismic sources, stronger high frequencies, receiver arrays on the seafloor, or electromagnetic methods.

1. Innovate challenge: Sub-basalt exploration Introduction Peter Hanssen

6. Large igneous provinces After After Coffin & Eldholm, 1994, Reviews of Geophysics, 32, 1.

8. What does the problem look like? After Martini, F., 2003, First Break 20, 6. LOW FREQUENCIES

11. Thank you. Innovative Challenge: Sub-Basalt Imaging Introduction Peter Hanssen Principal Geophysicist PetHan@ Statoil.com www.statoil.com