Apparatuses, systems, and methods for data and/or power transfer to and from an ocean bottom seismic node are described. In an embodiment, an autonomous seismic node is configured with a bulkhead connector assembly that may be coupled to a plug assembly for data and/or power transfer and a pressure cap assembly when utilized subsea. A plurality of pins may be located on the bulkhead assembly in a substantially flat contact surface to obtain an external electrical connection to the node. The pins on the bulkhead assembly may form a flat circuit with an external device, such as a plug assembly or pressure cap assembly. One or more external devices may be coupled to the pressure cap assembly and/or bulkhead connector for increased functionality to the node. A quick release assembly and/or locking ring may be utilized to fasten any external device to the bulkhead connector assembly.

A geophone, and method for distributing geophones around a seismic data source are described. The geophone includes a housing, a spike provided on a bottom surface of the housing, a sensor configured to sense seismic data; a processor configured to process the seismic data, a transceiver configured to transmit the processed seismic data and receive radio frequency (RF) signals wirelessly; and a power device. The power device is coupled to the sensor, the processor and the transceiver. The power device is configured to harvest energy from an environment where the geophone is located. The power device includes a solar cell provided on a top surface of the housing, a piezoelectric system provided on an edge of the housing adjacent to the top surface, and a thermoelectric generator provided on a bottom surface of the housing and a surface of the spike.

An apparatus for performing a seismic survey includes a data unit disposed in a housing, a flexible tether connected to the housing at a first end and having a second end, the tether including at least signal carrying wire and a tension conveying member, and an antenna connected to the second end of the tether, the data unit in signal communication with the antenna via the at least one signal carrying wire.

A method for deployment of a geophysical sensor includes moving a ram having a ground penetrating bit at a movable end thereof to a selected geodetic position. The ram and the ground penetrating bit are extended to create a hole in a ground surface while measuring extension of the ram. The ram is retracted, and if the measured extension of the ram indicates successful creation of the hole, then the geophysical sensor is moved to a position beneath the ram and the ram is extended to urge the geophysical sensor into the hole.

A marine survey node can include a body to be deployed to a seabed, a marine survey receiver coupled to the body and to acquire marine survey data, and a soil sample module associated with the body to collect a soil sample from the seabed. A soil sample module can include a vessel, a first valve coupled to the vessel, and a spike coupled to the vessel. The spike can penetrate an earth surface. The first valve can maintain a pressure difference between the vessel and the spike when closed and equalize a pressure between the vessel and the spike when open. An inlet in the spike can equalize pressure between an inside of the spike and an outside of the spike and to collect a soil sample from the earth surface.

An autonomous seismic node is configured for free-fall from a water surface to the seabed and is capable of rising from the seabed on its own. The seismic node is positively buoyant in water and is substantially tubular in shape, with a length to a diameter ratio of 4:1 or greater. The node comprises a lower section and an upper section, each of which is inserted into an end of a tubular housing. The lower section has a lower end cap assembly with a release mechanism and the upper section has an upper end cap assembly with a plurality of electronic components and a detachable lifting cage. The seismic node may be coupled to a detachable anchor weight or seabed coupling device to assist in free fall to the seabed, and when detached after seismic recording is performed, allows the seismic node to rise to the water surface.

A seismic device for recording seismic waves includes a housing to be located in a fill-in material and/or a formation, a first assembly located inside the housing, and a first anchor attached to the first assembly and exiting through the housing to contact the fill-in material and/or the formation. The first assembly is configured to measure a quantity indicative of a strain experienced by the formation due to the seismic waves.

A system and method for improved coupling of geophysical sensors is disclosed. The method includes determining conditions at an installation location, and selecting a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a threaded device having a shaft with a foot and a head. The threaded device has a cavity that is open at the foot and extends inside the shaft from the foot to the head. The sensor assembly further includes a baseplate configured to couple to the threaded device. The method also includes preparing the installation location for installation of the selected sensor assembly and installing the selected sensor assembly at the installation location.

A housing for a seismic sensor station has a base and a removable lid, which when assembled together form a shell whereby the base and the removable lid both have a shell side and an exterior side. A sensor spike, protruding outward from the shell, may be attached to the base on the exterior side of the base. The housing is further provided with two cable docking ports, each allowing passage of a fiber optical cable from outside to inside the shell. The two cable docking ports are exclusively provided in the removable lid.

A gradient sensor device includes a support structure providing a surface, and at least three particle motion sensors coupled with and/or arranged on the support structure to measure translational data in a first direction. The particle motion sensors have an arrangement that enables calculation of a spatial gradient of the translational data in a second direction different from the first direction.