Abstract: A device and method for forming a downwardly extending hole in the surface of the earth for seismic exploration or for forming a larger diameter hole such as made during exploratory drilling. The hole forming device includes an elongated rigid planting member having a point or tip at its lower end which is forced downwardly into the earth's surface by a combination of forces. The multiple forces may include a primary downward force exerting a substantially constant downward push on the planting member and either or both additional forces imparted to the planting member when the primary force no longer moves the planting member downwardly.

Abstract: A vibrating hole forming device for seismic exploration in which a vertically elongated mounting pipe with attached rack gear is powered vertically by a hydraulically driven pinion gear which will mechanically push the pipe downwardly into the earth's surface. A vibrating mechanism imparts vibration to the downward force exerted by the pinion gear and rack gear. Vibration is imparted to the pipe automatically when hydraulic pressure required to operate the pinion gear reaches a predetermined pressure such as when the point on the lower end of the pipe encounters a predetermined resistance to further downward movement. This enables a lightweight unit to impart a constant downward force and a vibration force when needed to enable the device to penetrate through sands or extremely dense subsurface terrain thereby eliminating the necessity of providing a heavy weight vehicle such as is required when conventional hole forming devices are used on which the device is mounted.