Seismic Surveys
Once geologists have studied rock strata maps, they need site
acquired data to confirm that underlying ground structures are
potential oil or gas bearing strata, or that there are zones
of interest in the geology, such as rock salt and other soluble
zones, that can be mined though water injection and removal of
water soluble material in order to create large caverns. These
can then be used for the storage of gas or even nuclear waste.
Seismic surveys are undertaken either using underground dynamic
shots or when close to housing, by vibrating
the ground surface using a train of specially adapted vehicles
with hydraulically driven ground vibrator pads. The strength
and phase differences of acoustic reflections picked up in an
array of geophones from rock strata below, gives the geologist
important information for the site. However, there is a risk
of damage at nearby properties, or vibration sensitive
structures, as the vibrator vehicles pass nearby, especially
as the strength of ground surface waves of vibration depends
upon local soil conditions.
We carry out real time vibration monitoring as the vibrator vehicles
approach properties or sensitive structures and provide immediate
feedback to the survey teams allowing them to optimize explosive
charges and vibrator force levels and thereby avoid causing damage.
Other projects include:
- 3D and 2D surveys at Sellafield, UK for
BNFL
- Nebit Dag project, Turkmenistan for Monument Oil and Gas
- Embayment
program, Bilbao, Spain for YCI Espana
- 3D survey in Poole Harbour
for BP Exploration
- Structural vibration survey, Vilsek, Germany
Seismic
Projects (21Kb)
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North
Africa Survey |

Vibrator vehicles on a seismic survey
in North Africa. Ground vibration during this survey had
to be monitored to avoid damaging nearby archaeological ruins
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