Seismic drilling is used to generate a map of subsurface structures for oil and gas exploration or scientific purposes. A specially designed drill is used to punch a hole, and explosives are fitted inside to cause underground vibrations. A permit is required, and if a formation is viable, test wells may be sunk before full-scale production.
Seismic drilling, also known as downhole drilling, is drilling conducted as part of a seismic survey of a geological formation. In such investigations, the team uses a series of controlled vibrations to generate a map of subsurface structures. This map can determine where usable material depots are located and how accessible they will be to drilling equipment. Seismic surveys are an important part of oil and gas exploration and are also used by researchers who wish to map geological formations for scientific purposes.
In seismic drilling, a company uses a specially designed drill to drill a hole to the desired depth. For this purpose, both air and water drills are available, often mounted on mobile slides or platforms. This allows the team to quickly move the drill between locations, which can be critical in a large survey. The time it takes to set up a drill rig and stabilize it can significantly increase the overall time required to survey, so crews look to use mobile drills when possible.
After punching a hole, team members can fit explosives inside. These explosives will cause underground vibrations when detonated. With the use of seismic equipment, the team can track the movement and reflection of vibrations. This information can help them build a map of underground features and formations. The seismic drilling team may include geologists, explosives experts, and other personnel trained in seismic surveys.
A permit for seismic drilling is usually required. The process can be disruptive and can cause problems for plants, animals or residents of the region. Permit applicants must describe the area they want to work in and what they will be doing there. While on site, team members typically follow established company protocols to make the site as secure as possible. They also check waste material to keep the site clean and tidy.
If seismic drilling suggests a formation is viable, the team can locate a few locations to drill real wells. The company may sink a few test wells to confirm the results before starting full-scale production at the site. This investigation and exploration can be costly, especially if companies consider that not all target sites will yield usable repositories. Some sites may not have any useful material, while other deposits may be visible on a seismic survey, but essentially unreachable due to their depth or configuration.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
