seismic surveys

3-D seismic readings at the Elk Hills Vis Center

Seismic Surveys -This method identifies geological structures by measuring the reflective properties of soundwaves to subterranian or subsea rock strata. An energy source transmits an acoustic energy pulse into the ground sending soundwaves downward. Depending upon the geological formations encountered, part of the energy is transmitted to deeper layers, while the remainder is reflected back to the surface. Sensitive receivers called seismometers (land-based) or hydrophones (submerged underwater) receive and record the signals. The information is transmitted, amplified, filtered, digitized and recorded on magnetic tape for interpretation by geoscience experts.

3-D seismic -Similar to the seismic survey method described above, 3-D seismic uses acoustic vibrations that are sent into the ground and measured according to the length of time it takes for them to reflect off the sub-surface rock layers back to the surface. Billions of data samples are collected and processes using super-computers to generate a detailed, three dimensional image of underground structures.

3-D seismic is an indispensable tool in exploring for new discoveries. Geophysicists interpret the seismic data to locate structures that may contain oil and gas deposits. Reservoir size, shape and depth estimates as well as porosity and fluid content can be derived from the results.

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