Seismic data is collected and analyzed by seismologists to measure earthquakes and earth movements. The data is used to record and report seismic activity, create seismic maps, and locate oil for drilling. Seabed data is collected using reflection seismic data, and 3D seismic data provides more detail but is costly. The United States Geological Survey and European-Mediterranean Seismological Center oversee seismic monitoring.
Seismic data is used to study and measure earthquakes and earth movements, such as seismic waves. Scientists who collect and analyze seismic data are referred to as seismologists. Data is collected from seismic stations installed around the world, with particular attention to areas where there is typically a large amount of seismic activity, such as near active volcanoes and fault lines.
The data collected is used to record and report seismic activity and can be used in emergency situations. Such emergency situations include aftershocks from earthquakes and volcanic activity. The information can also be applied to seismic maps, which help builders and planners decide where to build structures and communities.
A common method of collecting images and data takes place in the oceans. Seabed data is collected using reflection seismic data. This method of gathering information uses low frequencies which result in reflections or images. Seismic reflection data is useful when looking for things like faults and folds.
The high-resolution data is used to capture images of the seabed. As the name suggests, the images are high resolution, which provides better overall images. This type of seismic data is collected from a single channel seismic reflection that uses acoustics to acquire images.
Another type of seismic data is 3D seismic data, which provides a three-dimensional look at a subject. More detail can be found when 3D seismic data is used, although there are some downsides to this type of technology. The cost of the technology is very high and focuses on a particular area, as opposed to wider images which capture more data over larger areas.
Another use of seismic data is the location of oil for drilling purposes. While this is not a guaranteed method of finding oil, it can be useful for drillers. Drillers often set up a truck that sends the waves deep into the ground and record how deep the waves have to travel before they are reflected. The depth at which the waves are reflected can be an indicator of the presence of oil in a general location.
The United States Geological Survey is responsible for collecting and analyzing seismic data and for alerting the public to potentially dangerous situations in the United States. This federal agency, in collaboration with several other seismic monitoring organizations, also oversees the Global Seismographic Network, which provides data on a worldwide basis. In Europe, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center has similar responsibilities for its region.
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