Seismic Reflection and Refraction Surveys
Southern Geophysical has been undertaking both deep and shallow seismic reflection and refraction surveys for over 20 years
We are experienced in designing, implementing, and processing seismic surveys, and are well-practiced in meeting the unique challenges of undertaking surveys in New Zealand’s backcountry and the Pacific Islands.
We offer a full range of P-wave and shear wave reflection and refraction surveys from ultra shallow for void detection thru to deep (750m) mineral and fault location surveys.
Seismic Reflection
The requirements of exploration for the energy industries are varied and depend on the size and depth of the target, the geology and the terrain being explored.
We offer both 2D and 3D seismic reflection surveys to image basin structure and stratigraphy. We can acquire both P-wave seismic reflection for on land targets (down to 750m), as well as higher resolution P-wave and S-wave surveys for the mineral industry.
Imaging contacts, horizons and faults with 3-5m thickness and offsets is possible with good survey design, high-quality acquisition and careful processing. Typical applications include elucidating deep basin-scale geology, identifying small-medium scale structure for geological modelling, highwall design and mine planning. Data is inverted to the depth domain ready for inclusion into your geological model.
Seismic Reflection:
Depth of sediment cover and geometry
Energy industries
Limestone/mineral exploration
Water well location
Seismic Refraction Tomography
Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT) is useful for imaging depth to horizons and lithological changes to depths of around 50m.
Seismic Refraction:
Bedrock depth
Geotechnical and mining investigations
Land fill depth
Mapping water table depth
Rippability
Seismic Survey Equipment
We have New Zealand’s most extensive range of shallow seismic survey equipment with 144 channel capability. With a large range of geophones and sources we can undertake surveys in almost any environment. Since developing the first land streamer seismic system in New Zealand in 2004, the company has developed a full range of systems for rapid and cost-effective surveying.
We have standard seismic reflection and refraction equipment. In addition, we have the following equipment:
A trailer mounted 50kg accelerated weight drop with a depth capability of 500-750m.
Marsh geophones for transition/underwater zone surveys.
Radio trigger system allowing a distributed system in the urban environment.
Shear wave land sources and geophones.
Underwater shear wave source for shallow marine downhole/CPT shear wave testing from barges and wharfs.
