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The Four Stages of Seismic Exploration

The oil industry uses specialized seismic contractors and equipment in their search for hydrocarbons. There are 4 stages of exploration:

1. Seismic Acquisition

Vibroseis Truck
Vibroseis truck, a land seismic source. Click on the image to see one in action!

To produce a seismic image of the subsurface, a seismic source must be generated and the resulting reflection data recorded by a field crew. In this way, land and marine seismic data is created and recorded all over the world.

2. Seismic Processing

Seismic Processing
Seismic processors and powerful computer workstations

Next the data must be processed, where the raw data is put through many complex procedures using powerful computers and finally a seismic section is produced.

3. Seismic Interpretation

Making sense of the seismic image, identifying and mapping geological structures that can act as oil traps is the final stage of the seismic process.

Seismic profile with interpretation of horizons and structures
Seismic profile with interpretation of horizons and structures

4. Exploration Drilling

Land drilling rig
Land drilling rig

If the results of the interpretation seem favourable, then an exploration borehole will be drilled. A well in a previously unexplored area is called a wildcat.

 


Recap – the four stages of Seismic Exploration are:

Acquisition

Land and marine seismic data is created and recorded all over the world by field crews

Processing

Seismic sections are created from the raw data recorded by the field crew

Interpretation

Horizons and structures are identified and the location of possible hydrocarbon reserves are mapped

Drilling

Exploration wells are drilled to see if there are hydrocarbons in sufficient quantity to become a reservoir of economic viability

Next – How a Seismic Line is Produced