Abstract: A method of seismic exploration by which substantially plane or substantially cylindrical seismic energy waves are simulated by combining reflectional signal traces of conventional spherical seismic waves. Seismic sources and receivers are established in sets at positions such that at least one of the sets includes a plurality of positions spaced over an extent of the area being explored having either one or two dimensions which are large relative to a seismic energy wavelength. Seismic energy is imparted into the earth from the sources and signals are generated in response to seismic energy received at the receivers. The generated signals are then combined into a form simulating the reflection response of the earth to seismic energy having a substantially continuous wavefront in either one dimension, simulating a cylindrical seismic energy wave, or two dimensions, simulating a plane seismic wave.

Abstract: Seismic sources and detectors are each positioned in a series of shotholes along a course to be explored. The sources in the shotholes are activated in a sequence along the course and caused to emit seismic waves. The detectors remaining along the course sense or detect the seismic waves which are then recorded. Since the detector at each shothole has performed its function, that of sensing signals from earlier shots in the sequence, its disposal by destruction when the source in the shothole with it is activated does not impair further surveying efforts.

Abstract: Seismic traces synthesizing the response of subsurface formations to a cylindrical or plane wave are obtained for a succession of shotpoint locations along a seismic line of profile. The traces obtained are then wavefront steered and the steered traces and original trace for each shotpoint are summed. Groups of these traces for a line of profile are assembled to form a steered section. A number of these sections are then individually imaged or migrated, and the migrated sections are summed to form a migrated two-dimensional stack of data from cylindrical or plane wave exploration. Reflectors may then be located by finding common tangents.The traces for those shotpoints of the several lines which lie in planes perpendicular to the lines are then assembled and processed in the foregoing manner to obtain three dimension migrated seismic data.

Abstract: Seismic sources or source arrays and seismic detectors or detector groups are arranged and spaced with respect to each other during the seismic survey to enhance simulation of plane waves or cylindrical waves, and also to reduce undesirable effects of horizontally travelling seismic noise.

Abstract: A new and improved color display of geophysical and other scientific and industrial or similar technological data readily and quickly obtained from input data and containing color indications of variables in the data in a form better adapted for interpretation by analysts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved method of displaying a plurality of seismic sections of geophysical data on two-dimensional surface in an isometric view, while the display so formed is a display of increased information content.

Abstract: A seismic signal source adaptable for use with various types of seismic exploration vehicles which move over land. A signal means forms a seismic signal, and a transfer means transfers the signal to a fluid-filled tire of the vehicle for improved and more efficient coupling of the signal to the ground surface. Whether the vehicle with which the source is mounted is stationary or moving, signals may be sent from the source into the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting seismic reflection surveys from oil tankers or other bulk liquid carriers in the course of their normal journeys. Seismic sources and detector apparatus are mounted in the ballast tanks. Pulse compression techniques may be used, and may take the form of a mechanical flail acting on the hull of the ship.

Abstract: A color dot display and method of forming same by applying colors to dot areas within a matrix of cells in accordance with a color code defining the number of dot areas in the cells, and their locations in the cells, to receive the colors. The proportion of dots of a particular color in a cell defines the representation or saturation of that color in the cell, while the superposition, whether visual or physical or both, of the dots of the various component colors in a cell defines the apparent or resulting color of the cell.

Abstract: A new and improved color display of geophysical and other scientific and industrial or similar technological data readily and quickly obtained from input data and containing color indications of variables in the data in a form better adapted for interpretation by analysts.

Abstract: A new and improved printer for depositing photopolymer laminates to form a color display of geophysical and other scientific and industrial or similar technological data which is readily and quickly obtained from input data and containing color indications of variables in the data in a form better adapted for interpretation by analysts.

Abstract: A new and improved method of forming color graphic displays from input data is disclosed. In the displays so formed differing colors quantitatively identify and indicate differing values or ranges of values of the data. The input data are processed to determine sample values for data display points, and numerical codes from an assignment table are assigned according to the sample values. The assigned codes are arranged into output sequences for each of plural component displays of the final display, and the component displays formed and displayed in superposition to form the color graphic display with colors therein graphically indicating the data.

Abstract: A synthetic display is provided, in cross-sectional form, of the theoretical strength of seismic reflections. The theoretical strength is computed from calculated inverval-velocity values and known or estimated density values. By comparison of this synthetic reflection-strength display with the observed reflection-strength display, useful conclusions may be drawn about the nature of geological materials and the complex origin of reflections.

Abstract: New and improved apparatus and method for seismic exploration on land transports sensing geophones with a flat, lightweight, towing medium or sheet which conforms to the earth's surface. The geophones are mounted on sleds attached to the towing medium by strips or members of resilient material which isolate and decouple the geophone from vibrations and the like induced, sensed, or transmitted by the towing medium. The resilient members enable the geophones and sleds to continually maintain contact with the earth's surface over irregularities in the surface to provide good ground coupling for more accurate seismic exploration results. Plural or multiple towing mediums may be coupled together and towed into place for use in accordance with the desired geophone array to be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a model, and the making of such model, of subsurface features of the earth, utilizing a plurality of processed seismic sections spaced apart in a manner representing the disposition of the seismic profiles along seismic survey lines from which they came. The technique facilitates the making of interpretive geological judgements, and is of particular utility when direct indications of hydrocarbons exist.