Final answer:
Dr. Lee used high-resolution seismic reflection to visualize the subsurface structures of the Hanaupah Fan. This method involves analyzing sound waves that are reflected back to the surface to determine different rock or sediment characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Lee used high-resolution seismic reflection to image depositional lobes of the Hanaupah Fan. Seismic reflection is a geophysical method that involves sending sound waves into the ground and recording the echoes that bounce back. This technique helps geologists to produce images of subsurface structures, by analyzing changes in the waves' velocity as they pass through different types of rocks or sediments.
The seismic data is commonly converted to impedance to illustrate variations in the subsurface, which can be distinguished by different amplitudes and colors in seismic sections. Understanding seismic facies, which are changes in seismic response, is crucial for interpreting geological processes and guiding further exploration, such as drilling for sediment cores or investigating potential sites for active thrust faults.