Geophysical Survey
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is a geophysical survey? A Geophysical survey is a data acquisition tool used
by oil and gas operators to collect information that allows for the maximum recovery of
hydrocarbons. This is done by imaging subsurface soil and rock layers. There are
several phases to this process, and they include permitting, survey (fieldwork), recording
and analysis, and cleanup. This is a non-invasive survey that will be conducted using
the vibroseis method.
2) Why do you need to do a geophysical survey? We want to best place the location of
the wellbore(s) to avoid undesirable and non-productive areas of the formation.
Accurately reading and analyzing the seismic data acquired during the survey, along
with proper placement of the wellbore(s) can lead to maximizing the recovery of the
hydrocarbons from which royalty will be paid.
3) How will you get the data? As mentioned above, this survey will utilize a vibroseis
truck as the energy source. The vibroseis truck will send out short burst of vibrations
into the ground, and another truck (recording truck) will record the data as it is reflected
back from the underground rock formations. Crews will layout a series of cables that
connect to boxes called “geophones” which will record, and transmit the data to the
recording truck. The trucks will move through the area, and the cables and geophones
will be picked up and moved as the trucks finish designated areas. These trucks will not
be on your property. These cables and boxes are generally place against the curb or
along easements/rights of ways so they do not interfere with traffic. Where needed, the
cables will be covered by rubber guards taped to the pavement in areas where they
must cross traffic. See the attached photos for what the trucks typically look like that
perform the seismic shoot.
4) Will my home or my pool be damaged? No. The type of geophysical survey that will
be conducted in your area is known as the vibroseis method, and consist of small
vibrations sent into the ground. You should expect no more vibration than that from your
neighborhood garbage truck as it momentarily passes in front of your home. The
vibrations emitted are done in short, spread out burst lasting between 8-15 seconds.
This is the preferred and most utilized method in urban settings, since it is non-invasive
and doesn’t require drilling or excavation to collect the data.
5) How long will this take? The entire process may take 6-8 months but will be
completed in multiple phases. The permitting is the first phase, and is currently
underway. The quicker permits are returned, the quicker field work can begin. Once all
necessary pre-acquisition activities are complete we expect it will take 2-3 weeks to
complete the seismic acquisition process across the ~4,500 Acre area.
6) Will you be on my property? In urban settings the majority of the individuals within
the shoot area will not have any vehicles on their property. City ordinances vary, but in
general they have a minimum distance that the vibroseis truck must be from city sewer
and water lines. They will most likely only see the lines and boxes set out that record
the data. Some individuals, owning large tracts of land may see some of the equipment
as shown on the attached photos.
The truck in front is the “recording” truck, followed by the vibroseis truck.
Above are examples of the geophones and cables you can expect to see during the
survey.