Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for identifying, characterizing and mapping seismic noise as an aid in evaluating and enhancing seismic data. In particular, an array of seismic receivers can be beam steered to sense seismic energy arriving from a plurality of azimuths. A measure of the strength of the seismic energy for each azimuth can be obtained for a plurality of arrival times, velocities and distances from the array. Displays of the azimuthal distribution of the strength of the seismic energy sensed by the areal array can then be produced for identifying and characterizing seismic noise into seismic data.

Abstract: A field quality control system and real-time method for evaluating the performance of swept frequency vibrators is provided. The system includes independent sensing means adapted to be mounted with the swept frequency vibrators for developing signals representative of reaction mass accelerations and baseplate accelerations, and means for monitoring the swept frequency vibrator's pilot signal. The system also includes a signal calculating means for determining vibrator operating characteristics from the pilot sweep signal, reaction mass acceleration signal, and baseplate acceleration signal and processing means for processing the vibrator operating characteristics to obtain analysis characteristics for evaluating and adjusting the performance of the swept frequency vibrator. In operation, the present invention provides a method for analysis characteristics to analyze and adjust the performance of swept frequency vibrators in real-time on location.

Abstract: A method for recursively, continuously estimating the noise and signal components of a seismic trace. More particularly, a method for suppressing the noise component in seismic data so as to enhance the resolution of seismic events contained therein. The signal component of each seismic trace is determined recursively from the preceding estimate of the signal component in each preceding seismic trace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for signal-to-noise optimization of seismic-trace signals during seismic prospecting utilizing plural initiations of a low energy surface seismic source. The method and apparatus optimize signal-to-noise ratio by vertically stacking, that is, summing, inverse power weighted seismic-trace signals from each of the plural initiations wherein the exponent used for weighting is selectable for optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio of the composite seismic-trace signal. The range of exponents provided is correlated to the range of ambient noise, including nonstationary noise, commonly encountered during seismic prospecting, especially vibroseis seismic prospecting, for the purpose of optimizing the quality of seismic-trace data.