Seismic Reflection
Seismic reflection techniques find the majority of oil and gas in the world, and are useful in geothermal, mining and engineering applications; that is, anywhere a detailed image of the subsurface is needed. Seismic reflection techniques are also the only geophysical methodology that can accurately depict subsurface details at depths beyond a thousand feet from the ground surface. ZAPATA specializes in the application of seismic reflection in ”hard rock” environments for geothermal and mineral exploration, and in shallow seismic reflection surveys for engineering and groundwater studies. ZAPATA owns an iVi EnviroVibe Vibroseis (pictured at right).
Seismic reflection profile outlining a granitic laccolith under contact metamorphic rocks
Faults imaged with Seismic Reflection
Seismic waves are created using either an impulsive source (hammer, explosives) or a vibrating source called vibroseis. In either cased these seismic waves travel into the ground and this energy is partitioned. When it reaches a rock layer that has a different impedance (related to velocity and density), some of the energy is reflected back to the ground surface.
