Seismic data acquisition is the first of the three distinct stages of seismic exploration, the other two being seismic data processing and seismic interpretation.[1] Seismic acquisition requires the use of a seismic source at specified locations for a seismic survey, and the energy that travels within the subsurface as seismic waves generated by the source gets recorded at specified locations on the surface by what is known as receivers (geophones or hydrophones). [1]
Before seismic data can be acquired, a seismic survey needs to be planned, a process which is commonly referred to as the survey design. [2] This process involves the planning regarding the various survey parameters used, e.g. source type, receiver type, source spacing, receiver spacing, number of source shots, number of receivers in a receiver array (i.e. group of receivers), number of receiver channels in a receiver spread, sampling rate, record length (the specified time for which the receiver actively records the seismic signal) etc. [1] With the designed survey, seismic data can be recorded in the form of seismic traces, also known as seismograms, which directly represent the "response of the elastic wavefield to velocity and density contrasts across interfaces of layers of rock or sediments as energy travels from a source through the subsurface to a receiver or receiver array."[3]
- ^ a b c Yilmaz, Öz (2001). Seismic data analysis : processing, inversion, and interpretation of seismic data (2nd ed.). Society of Exploration Geophysicists. ISBN 978-1-56080-094-1.
- ^ Stone, Dale (1994). Designing surveys in two and three dimensions. Society of Exploration Geophysicists. ISBN 978-1560800736.
- ^ SCHLUMBERGER. "seismic trace - Schlumberger Oilfield Glossary". www.glossary.oilfield.slb.com.