Seismic processing uses sound waves to gather data on the Earth’s interior, which is processed by computers and interpreted by specialists. This information is used in the mining industry to locate deposits of oil and minerals. Seismic processing creates an underground map of numerical data, which is then turned into a visual map for mining engineers to use when considering a site for a new mine. Companies specialize in collecting, processing, and interpreting seismic data for oil and mining companies. Most new sources of oil and minerals are discovered by reflection seismologists.
Seismic processing is used by reflection seismologists to gather information about the Earth’s interior. In reflection seismology, data on the composition of the ground below the visible surface is collected, processed by computers and then interpreted by specialists. The information gathered in this process is used in the mining industry to discover deposits of oil and minerals hidden beneath the surface of the Earth.
In reflection seismology, sound waves are directed towards the interior of the Earth and sensitive equipment is used to listen for the echoes. Reflection seismologists use artificial sound sources, often explosions, to create these underground echoes. By interpreting the quality of the echoes, it is possible to extrapolate the density and composition of the subsoil. Seismic processing studies can be conducted on land, although most of the data is collected in shallow ocean waters, as the equipment is easier to install and move from location to location.
The sound data collected in the field is extremely detailed and must be processed by sophisticated computer programs before it can be interpreted. So much data is collected that it is estimated that 30% of the total processing power of computers in the world is dedicated to seismic processing. The computer programs used in seismic processing effectively create an underground map of numerical data. This allows geologists to locate underground sources of oil and other materials without drilling holes through the surface of the Earth.
After the numerical data has been processed, seismic imaging is used to take these numbers and present them as a visual map. This visual map is useful when considering a site for a new mine, as it provides information about the disposition of underground minerals. There may be some areas with stones that are too dense to drill and others with pockets of air or water that could create an unstable well. Seismic computing provides mining engineers with valuable information they can use to create safer and more efficient mines.
There are a number of companies that specialize in collecting, processing and interpreting seismic data for oil and mining companies around the world. These companies enter an area believed to have undiscovered pockets of oil or minerals and conduct a reflection seismological survey. Once the data is collected, processed and interpreted, oil and mining companies can decide whether or not to invest in extracting these materials from the Earth. Most new sources of oil and minerals are discovered by reflection seismologists.
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