Vertical-Force Seismic Source for Full Elastic Wavefield Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic exploration methods require multiple orthogonal seismic sources to acquire full elastic-wavefield data, which is costly, technically complex, and limited by environmental and terrain constraints, especially for acquiring shear wave mode data.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a single vertical-force source to generate and process full elastic-wavefield data, including compressional and shear wave modes, by deploying multi-component geophones and processing circuits to sense and process seismic reflections, allowing for data acquisition across various terrains and surface conditions without the need for horizontal-force sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If three separate orthogonal seismic sources are deployed to acquire full elastic-wavefield data, then complete seismic data (P, SV, SH modes) can be obtained, but the cost, device complexity, and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical-force source is designed to perform multiple functions by generating all three seismic wave modes (P, SV, and SH) simultaneously through a single source mechanism, eliminating the need for separate orthogonal sources for each wave mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of three separate orthogonal seismic sources into one vertical-force source that generates compressional and shear wave modes together, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining data completeness
2Loss of information
If multiple orthogonal seismic sources are used, then full elastic-wavefield data can be acquired, but the operational complexity and environmental constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical-force source serves as a universal source that can operate in various environmental conditions and generate all required wave modes, simplifying deployment and operation compared to multiple specialized horizontal sources
3Measurement precision
If horizontal-force sources are used to acquire shear wave mode data, then accurate shear wave information can be obtained, but the ability to operate across various terrains and surface conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using horizontal forces to generate shear waves directly, the patent inverts the approach by using a vertical force source that generates shear waves through the Earth's elastic properties, allowing operation on diverse terrains where horizontal sources cannot be deployed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces costs, simplifies data acquisition, and enables the collection of comprehensive seismic data across a wider range of environments, including challenging terrains, by generating high-quality shear wave mode data directly from the vertical-force source, overcoming limitations of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The vertical-force source is configured to provide seismic waves comprising compressional P mode and both fundamental shear modes (SH and SV) in the earth directly at a point of application of the vertical-force source
Implementation Method 2
sensing reflections of the seismic waves at multi-component geophones placed along the surface of the earth
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of acquiring and processing full elastic waveform data from a vertical-force source comprises providing seismic waves into the earth from the vertical-force source, sensing reflections of the seismic waves at multi-component geophones placed along the surface of the earth, and processing the reflections of the seismic waves to generate full elastic waveform data.