Abstract: A swinging-weight seismic vibrator is driven by the energy stored in a flywheel. Since the sweep rate is large near the resonance of the vibrator-ground coupling, and small away from resonance, a measure of compensation of the resonance is automatically obtained. Weights of variable eccentricity may be provided. Multiple vibrators may be used, provided that no two vibrators generate the same frequency at times separated by less than the maximum reflection time of interest.

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: 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 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: 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.