3-D seismic surveys are used in Oxy’s producing and exploration operations to generate detailed three-dimensional images of underground structures, which geoscientists analyze to identify reservoir size, shape and depth, as well as porosity and fluid content.

State-of-the-art 4-C seismic surveys with shear wave technology enable Oxy’s geoscientists to characterize the highly fractured carbonate reservoirs prevalent in the Middle East. Oxy is a leader in implementing this new technology in the Arabian Gulf.

Oxy geophysicists also use 4-D seismic surveys, which are the repeated application of 3-D seismic surveys over time, to detect fluid changes in reservoirs. Monitoring fluid movement within oil and gas reservoirs can be critical to the efficient production of hydrocarbons from major fields.