A computer-implemented method for detecting at least one natural contour of a geologic object in 3D seismic data may comprise: (a) receiving at least one first predetermined data set from said 3D seismic data comprising a plurality of phase events; (b) selecting at least one first seed phase event having a first phase characteristic from said plurality of phase events; (c) determine a characterizing score between said selected at least one first seed phase event and each one of a predetermined number of candidate phase events of said at least one first predetermined data set; (d) assigning said characterizing score to each one of said predetermined number of candidate phase events; (e) adjusting said characterizing score of at least one of said predetermined number of candidate phase events in accordance with at least one first boundary condition; (f) determining at least one natural contour between said at least one first seed phase event and at least a second phase event, utilizing an optimization algorithm; (g) generating a visual representation of said at least one natural contour within said at least one first predetermined data set.