Method and resonant source for generating low-frequency seismic waves. The resonant source includes a frame; a reaction mass configured to oscillate relative to the frame; a resonant suspension system connecting the reaction mass to the frame and including at least a spring; and a spring clamp system connected to the resonant suspension system and configured to modify a resonant frequency of the resonant suspension system. The resonant suspension system is configured to allow the reaction mass to oscillate relative to the frame with a corresponding resonant frequency.

Method and resonant source for generating low-frequency seismic waves. The resonant source includes a frame; a reaction mass configured to oscillate relative to the frame; a resonant suspension system connecting the reaction mass to the frame and including at least a spring; and a spring clamp system connected to the resonant suspension system and configured to modify a resonant frequency of the resonant suspension system. The resonant suspension system is configured to allow the reaction mass to oscillate relative to the frame with a corresponding resonant frequency.

A vibratory source for generating seismic signals includes a baseplate, and a lift and hydraulic actuator system configured to actuate the baseplate to impart seismic waves into the ground. The baseplate includes plural individual plates for contacting the ground.

A seismic source apparatus, configured to be maneuvered by a vehicle over terrain.

A seismic source apparatus, configured to be maneuvered by a vehicle over terrain.

A seismic source for generating seismic waves under water includes an operating head having an operating chamber, a cushion chamber, and discharge ports, a firing chamber attached to the operating head, the firing chamber configured to hold compressed air to be discharged through the discharge ports, and a shuttle assembly having a shaft located within the operating head and configured to prevent the compressed air in the firing chamber to enter the discharge ports when in a close state, and to allow the compressed air in the firing chamber to be discharged through the discharge ports when in an open state. The shaft of the shuttle assembly which extends in both the operating chamber and the cushion chamber, has a channel having a varying depth.

A seismic source for generating seismic waves under water includes an operating head having an operating chamber, a cushion chamber, and discharge ports, a firing chamber attached to the operating head, the firing chamber configured to hold compressed air to be discharged through the discharge ports, and a shuttle assembly having a shaft located within the operating head and configured to prevent the compressed air in the firing chamber to enter the discharge ports when in a close state, and to allow the compressed air in the firing chamber to be discharged through the discharge ports when in an open state. The shaft of the shuttle assembly which extends in both the operating chamber and the cushion chamber, has a channel having a varying depth.

A seismic source includes a base plate having a bottom surface contacting a surface of the ground. The coupler is connectable to the bottom surface of the base plate and projects downward from the base plate. The coupler contain soil under the base plate during operation. Another seismic source includes a base plate and at least one contact member. The base plate has an upper surface engaging the seismic source, a lower surface configured to contact a soil surface. The contact member projects from the lower surface and has a planar bottom surface with a surface area less than a surface area of the base plate lower surface.

Extracting a core sample from within a wellbore is optimized based on information extracted from acoustic signals that are generated downhole. The acoustic signals provide an indication of the formation being cored, which is used to obtain or adjust designated coring operating parameters for accomplishing an efficient and effective coring procedure. Coring operating parameters that are adjusted include weight on bit and bit rotational speed. Optimizing coring operating parameters reduces wear on the bit and produces samples with less fractures. Generating acoustic signals is done by the operation of coring itself, or contacting the formation with a coring bit. Contacting includes impacting the coring bit radially against the wellbore's sidewall, or moving the bit laterally after coring operations have initiated.

Extracting a core sample from within a wellbore is optimized based on information extracted from acoustic signals that are generated downhole. The acoustic signals provide an indication of the formation being cored, which is used to obtain or adjust designated coring operating parameters for accomplishing an efficient and effective coring procedure. Coring operating parameters that are adjusted include weight on bit and bit rotational speed. Optimizing coring operating parameters reduces wear on the bit and produces samples with less fractures. Generating acoustic signals is done by the operation of coring itself, or contacting the formation with a coring bit. Contacting includes impacting the coring bit radially against the wellbore's sidewall, or moving the bit laterally after coring operations have initiated.