In contrast to marine deposits, continental
deposits in China are characterized by diverse sedimentary
types, rapid changes in sedimentary facies, complex lithology,
and thin, small sand bodies. In seismic sedimentology
studies on continental lacustrine basins, new thinking and
more detailed and effective technical means are needed to
generate lithological data cubes and conduct seismic geomorphologic
analyses. Based on a series of tests and studies,
this paper presents the concepts of time-equivalent seismic
attributes and seismic sedimentary bodies and a ‘‘four-step
approach’’ for the seismic sedimentologic study of continental
basins: Step 1, build a time-equivalent stratigraphic
framework based on vertical analysis and horizontal correlation
of lithofacies, electrofacies, seismic facies, and paleontological
combinations; Step 2, further build a
sedimentary facies model based on the analysis of singlewell
facies with outcrop, coring, and lab test data; Step 3,
convert the seismic data into a lithological data cube
reflecting different lithologies by means of seismic techniques;
and Step 4, perform a time-equivalent attribute
analysis and convert the planar attribute into a sedimentary
facies map under the guidance of the sedimentary facies
model. The whole process, highlighting the verification and
calibration of geological data, is an iteration and feedback
procedure of geoseismic data. The key technologies include
the following: (1) a seismic data-lithology conversion
technique applicable to complex lithology, which can convert
the seismic reflection from interface types to rock layers;
and (2) time-equivalent seismic unit analysis and a timeequivalent
seismic attribute extraction technique. Finally,
this paper demonstrates the validity of the approach with an
example from the Qikou Sag in the Bohai Bay Basin and
subsequent drilling results.