Abstract: A method of creating a seismic wave in a subterranean environment wherein solid propellant material is positioned in a subterranean well and ignited thereby generating a seismic wave. The seismic wave is recorded at distance from where the propellant material is ignited by means of geophones or similar recording devices. The propellant material is geometrically configured with the assistance of computer modeling. The pressure generated by the ignition is recorded in the well and used to validate the computer model for configuring subsequent propellant material employed as a seismic source.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and apparatus (10) for measuring the velocity and amplitude of sound waves (150) from acoustic pulses (145) generated near the mudline (130) of the seafloor (120). The apparatus (10) includes a seismic source (30) for generating the acoustic pulses, one or a plurality of vertically spaced sensors (50) located vertically below the seismic source (30) for sensing when the sound waves (150) impact the sensors (50), a hydrophone sensor (200) located on the vessel (60) for measuring the distance to the seismic source (30) a crane and winch for pulling the embedded sensors (50) upwardly and out from the sediments, and means (100) for firing the seismic source when said sensors (50) are being pulled upwardly, for taking amplitude and velocity measurements from each sensor, and for determining the distance the sensors have been pulled upwardly for each acoustical pulse operation.