Disclosed is a geophysical data acquisition system. The system comprises a frame assembly; a set of ground engaging members connected to the frame assembly, and adapted to move the frame assembly along the ground surface; and a carrier assembly carried by the frame assembly, the carrier assembly having one or more seismic source subsystems and a drive mechanism adapted to move each of the one or more seismic source subsystems through a plurality of positions between a lowered position and a raised position and forward and rearward positions with respect to the frame assembly. The movement of each of the one or more seismic source subsystems being in coordination with the movement of the frame assembly, such that each of the one or more seismic source subsystems move to the lowered position when the frame assembly approaches one or more data acquisition points on the ground surface.

Disclosed is a geophysical data acquisition system. The system comprises a frame assembly; a set of ground engaging members connected to the frame assembly, and adapted to move the frame assembly along the ground surface; and a carrier assembly carried by the frame assembly, the carrier assembly having one or more seismic source subsystems and a drive mechanism adapted to move each of the one or more seismic source subsystems through a plurality of positions between a lowered position and a raised position and forward and rearward positions with respect to the frame assembly. The movement of each of the one or more seismic source subsystems being in coordination with the movement of the frame assembly, such that each of the one or more seismic source subsystems move to the lowered position when the frame assembly approaches one or more data acquisition points on the ground surface.

Seismic blasting methods and apparatus are presented in which detonator confirmation time break (CTB) is accurately determined by maintaining an applied voltage across detonator leg wires following initiation of a firing command or signal and sensing one or more electrical parameters such as voltage and/or current, and selectively identifying a CTB representing a time at which the monitored electrical parameter indicates a successful detonation.

Seismic blasting methods and apparatus are presented in which detonator confirmation time break (CTB) is accurately determined by maintaining an applied voltage across detonator leg wires following initiation of a firing command or signal and sensing one or more electrical parameters such as voltage and/or current, and selectively identifying a CTB representing a time at which the monitored electrical parameter indicates a successful detonation.

A method of mapping micro-fractures of a fracture network comprising: introducing a capsule or coated capsule or containment into the fracture network, where in the capsules or containment comprise an explosive substance and a plurality of micro-proppant; allowing initiation of the explosive substance of some or all of the plurality of the capsules to occur, wherein initiation of the explosive substance causes detonation of the explosive substance, and wherein the detonation produces one or more micro-seismic events; and causing or allowing at least a portion of the micro-proppant to enter one or more of the micro-fractures.

A method of mapping micro-fractures of a fracture network comprising: introducing a capsule or coated capsule or containment into the fracture network, where in the capsules or containment comprise an explosive substance and a plurality of micro-proppant; allowing initiation of the explosive substance of some or all of the plurality of the capsules to occur, wherein initiation of the explosive substance causes detonation of the explosive substance, and wherein the detonation produces one or more micro-seismic events; and causing or allowing at least a portion of the micro-proppant to enter one or more of the micro-fractures.

A method for estimating source wavelet for seismic survey includes multiple steps. First, seismic data are collected using seismic data recording sensors and well log data are collected using a well logging tool in a well site in a survey region. The seismic data and the well log data are stored and processed in a computer system. The time-migrated seismic data thus collected and processed is the observed data. The well log data is processed to obtain one or more earth models that represent one or more formation properties; reflectivity modeling is performed to obtain a reflectivity, a band pass filter and time-migrated reflectivity to produce a band-limited reflectivity; the band-limited reflectivity is cross-correlated with the observed data to obtain a weight; and inversion is performed to obtain a source wavelet based on the weight, the reflectivity, and the observed data.

A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a solid object having a borehole, a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises water. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast. The blast can be used to fracture solids and/or to create a shockwave to mapping underground structures.

The present technology is essentially a portable seismic survey system and method using reflection seismology for mapping subterranean formations. The device includes an upper assembly, a firing pin operably associated with a firing pin actuator, a lower assembly including a cartridge holder capable of retaining a blasting cartridge, and a detonation sensor capable of detecting detonation of the blasting cartridge. The detonation sensor transmits a signal to an event marking device to trigger a recordation of detonation time and geographic location of the seismic survey device. A seismic wave is generated upon detonation, which is then reflected back toward seismometers. Data from the event marking system and seismometers can then be processed to provide geological formation information.

The present technology is essentially a portable seismic survey system and method using reflection seismology for mapping subterranean formations. The device includes an upper assembly, a firing pin operably associated with a firing pin actuator, a lower assembly including a cartridge holder capable of retaining a blasting cartridge, and a detonation sensor capable of detecting detonation of the blasting cartridge. The detonation sensor transmits a signal to an event marking device to trigger a recordation of detonation time and geographic location of the seismic survey device. A seismic wave is generated upon detonation, which is then reflected back toward seismometers. Data from the event marking system and seismometers can then be processed to provide geological formation information.