Abstract: The seismic profile system and method using vertical sensor arrays relate to obtaining a seismic profile under two highly reflective boundaries. The system includes a source of seismic energy disposed beneath the air/water boundary, a first pair of sensors arranged in vertical relation and spaced apart by a predetermined vertical spacing distance, and a second pair of sensors similarly situated and spaced from the first pair by a predetermined horizontal spacing distance. The first and second pairs of sensors are disposed below at least two highly reflective boundaries, which may be the air/water boundary and a mud/water boundary. According to the method, the source is moved between two points and data is collected from the first and second pairs of sensors.

Abstract: During a drilling operation, the vibrational energy produced by a drill bit cutting through the earth excites a drill string and the energy near the top of the drill string is mounted by a transducer. A reflection coefficient series is derived from the transducer output such that each reflection coefficient corresponds to a drill string impedance discontinuity. One of the reflection coefficients is identified with a predetermined point of the drill string and energy travel time in the drill string is determined from the position of the one reflection coefficient in the series to the position in the series of a further coefficient.