Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include selecting a plurality of signal thresholds T(i)=i*(TMAX/N) for i=2 to N comprising a positive integer greater than one. TMAX may be equal to AMAX/R, where AMAX=a maximum peak amplitude of a signal, such as an acoustic borehole signal, and R=a root-mean-square amplitude of the signal. Applying the plurality of signal thresholds T(i) to the signal to determine a corresponding plurality of peak amplitudes A(i) and signal travel times for selected ones of the plurality of signal thresholds T(i) may also be included.

Abstract: Apparatus (100), systems (110), and methods may operate to generate acoustic emissions from within at least a first borehole (120), receive the acoustic emissions within a second borehole (136), and process the acoustic emissions to locate a borehole bit (132) in formational space as the borehole bit is steered along a path within one of the first borehole or the second borehole. The acoustic emissions may be received by a plurality of acoustic receivers arranged in several ways, including linear and planar arrays. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include selecting a plurality of signal thresholds T(i)=i*(TMAX/N) for i=2 to N comprising a positive integer greater than one. TMAX may be equal to AMAX/R, where AMAX=a maximum peak amplitude of a signal, such as an acoustic borehole signal, and R=a root-mean-square amplitude of the signal. Applying the plurality of signal thresholds T(i) to the signal to determine a corresponding plurality of peak amplitudes A(i) and signal travel times for selected ones of the plurality of signal thresholds T(i) may also be included.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include selecting a plurality of signal thresholds including a product of an integer ranging from about 2 to N and a ratio of a quotient of a maximum peak amplitude of the acoustic borehole signal and a root-mean-square amplitude of the acoustic borehole signal, to N. Applying the plurality of signal thresholds to the acoustic borehole signal to determine a corresponding plurality of peak amplitudes and signal travel times for selected ones of the plurality of signal thresholds may also be included.

Abstract: A seismic acquisition system comprising a remote-controlled buoy for conducting seismic acquisition operations. The buoy comprises an operating system for operating a seismic wave production device on the buoy, a placement system, a communications system, and dynamic position locating system. The seismic acquisition system also comprises a remote control system for controlling the buoy systems. The seismic acquisition system also comprises receivers for receiving the seismic wave and generating a data signal indicative of the received seismic wave. The seismic acquisition system operates by controlling the placement system with the remote control system to position the buoy and then controlling the operating system with the remote control system to produce a seismic wave from the seismic wave production device. The receivers then receive the seismic wave and generate a data signal indicative of the seismic wave.

Abstract: Subterranean reservoir monitoring method, computer system with programming code for implementing the method, and computer readable media and data signal embodying such programming code, the method including one or more of: (a) reservoir screening; (b) reservoir modeling; (c) generating model seismic data from a model; (d) model modification based on current VSP data; (e) repeating step (c) and step (d) until differences between the model and VSP data are as desired; (f) obtaining model production data from a reservoir model, and if necessary modifying the model and returning to step (c); (g) generating seismic model data for time t; and (h) comparing seismic model data with actual seismic data for time t, and if necessary modify the reservoir model and return to step (f) or modify the model of the subteranean and return to step (c).

Abstract: The specification describes a system and related method for determining the orientation of acoustic vector sensors installed in well bores that utilizes acoustic signals of known orientation in the casing to determine the orientation of the acoustic vector sensors. The acoustic vector sensors may be part of a string of acoustic sensors for acoustic or seismic surveys of subsurface formations, or may also be coupled to downhole devices for which orientations need to be know.

Abstract: The specification describes a system and related method for determining the orientation of acoustic vector sensors installed in well bores that utilizes acoustic signals of known orientation in the casing to determine the orientation of the acoustic vector sensors. The acoustic vector sensors may be part of a string of acoustic sensors for acoustic or seismic surveys of subsurface formations, or may also be coupled to downhole devices for which orientations need to be know.

Abstract: Method for monitoring a reservoir in the subterrane.