The developers of the GF3500 set has adapted it for deep investigations and has shown that because of the focused, radial symmetry of seismo-electric signals radiated by plane interfaces deep signals are unexpectedly strong. We have observed signals, possibly from hydrocarbon/water contacts, at travel times corresponding to depths of approximately 1400m using only a small cartridge source onshore and a small single air gun offshore. We are currently adapting the equipment for the detection and use of such signals as direct hydrocarbon indicators and are marketing the equipment as SEP (seismo-electric equipment for petroleum). Contact us if you are interested, either for exploration, or for helping to locate infill wells in laterally discontinuous oilfield reservoirs.

How does your Seismoelectric system work?

The GF3500 and a seismic source are used together to generate and collect the seismoelectric signal. The seismic source is used to create a sound wave (pulse). When the sound wave moves through aquifers the water in the aquifer moves relative to the rock formation. Ions in the water are dragged away from their partners bound to the rock and the electrical disturbance created travels to the surface at the speed of light and is detected by the antenna array. Each signal is separated in time from its neighbors by the propagation time of the down going seismic pulse. This gives unambiguous depth and thickness data, as with reflection seismic. The form of each signal gives information about the depth, thickness and quality of the aquifer and this is used to estimate the likely yield from a water well drilled at the survey site.

Independent observations of the seismoelectric system:

In 2006, a Geologist named B. Kulessa from the University of Belfast contributed to a paper on the uses of the Groundflow EKS seismoelectric system used for the exploration of glaciers.  The paper is title "Active seismoelectric exploration of glaciers" and can be found on the American Geophysical Union website (www.agu.org).  Below are excerpts from the paper:

“Repeatable and strong seismoelectric signals were recorded on Glacier de Tsanfleuron, Switzerland, using a vertical sounding geometry.”

“The present study is motivated by the recent rapid advances in the development of seismoelectric techniques, and recognises that they potentially have unique capabilities in detecting and mapping layers within and beneath ice masses, in characterising the hydraulic or fluid properties of such layers, and in monitoring a variety of glacial processes associated with ice fracture or basal dynamics.”