Abstract: A method and apparatus for gathering a geophone sensor string (10) is provided. The geophone sensor string (10) comprises individual sensors (12) for sensing motion of the earth, an interconnecting cable (14) and ring members (22). A line (30) is secured to a ring member (22) at one end of the geophone sensor string. The line is passed through the remaining ring members on the geophone sensor string and extends through the ring member adjacent the opposite end of the geophone sensor string. Drawing the line (30) in the direction of the arrow (32) lifts the sensors off the ground and gathers the sensors and interconnecting cable in an untangled and compact form for storage. The technique of the present invention is adapted for use with vehicles to eliminate manual labor.

Abstract: A land surface seismic prospecting cable which can be towed on the surface of the earth along seismic survey lines. The cable is used to transport, position, protect, house, or attach sensors used for making geophysical and environmental measurements. The cable apparatus may comprise a plurality of segments each interconnected by an electrical connector and each segment having a plurality of sensors associated therewith. The outputs of the signals from the sensors are carried by way of a multiconductor wire cable within the seismic cable to a seismic recorder. After an acoustic disturbance is produced and the seismic information is recorded, the towed land cable or land streamer is towed intact to the next shooting site which saves a great deal of time and allows greater areas to be covered in a predetermined time period.