Seismic Data Acquisition

Overcoming harsh conditions

GT has experienced teams and field-proven technology to make even the most challenging desert surveys successful. Its solutions can be the answer not only to the terrain & weather challenges, but in particular complex subsurface conditions such as highly variable low velocity zones. The company’s crews can deliver high quality imaging and required resolution in set time limits in challenging sand dunes, buried wadies or sebha deposits. GT can overcome desert prospecting challenges with the advantages that include:

• expertise gained from various types of deserts
• state-of-the-art equipment suitable for execution of large-scale seismic campaigns
• understanding the cultural peculiarities of diverse local communities
• HSE measures aimed at tackling specific risks related to desert operations
• safety and professional training programs for local personnel prior to work commencement

Preserving the natural environment

GT’s mission has always been to provide professional and innovative geophysical services in a manner that guarantees respect for the natural environment. While shooting seismic around the globe, the company’s seismic crews have came across some of the earth’s true wonders. No matter whether it comes to a national symbol or a small area cherished by local citizens, GT ensures that the impact of seismic operations is kept to a minimum through implementation of a series of measures, including:

• survey schedule adapted to environmental restrictions such as bird breeding seasons
• encouraged engagement of environmental authorities in both survey planning and execution
• personnel urged to take extra cautions when approaching biotopes and other sensitive areas
• application of alternative energy sources in case of restricted access for heavy equipment
• employment of inertial surveying technology for forest areas with insufficient GPS coverage

Facing challenges. Anytime. Anywhere

With the existing production fields in long term decline, oil companies continue to acquire new assets in ever more remote locations. Field operations in such inaccessible areas require detailed planning and careful execution. By mastering both shot hole and vibroseis seismic technologies and thanks to an enhanced safety culture, GT has been successfully exploring hydrocarbon deposits in the most distant corners of the globe, such  diversified environments of various challenges and risks included:

• the majority of the Indian Subcontinent: jungles in Assam, wetlands of Tamil Nadu, Rajasthani desert, paddy fields in Andhra Pradesh, plains of Madhya Pradesh, lowlands of Gujarat
• rural districts in North-East Thailand
• vast plateaus of Central Iran
• Carpathian mountains in Eastern Europe

Bridging the gap

Apart from onshore areas, GT successfully executes seismic field operations in challenging transition zones. The company’s hybrid acquisition system technology comprises of a mix of vibroseis, explosives, air-guns mounted on custom-made hovercraft, hydrophones, marsh phones, land geophones, and optical data transmission devices. All this equipment bridges the gap between land and water. As a result, GT is capable of professional seismic imaging on hardly accessible water bodies. GT’s integrated land-TZ seismic technology is best suited for:

• lakes located within a survey area
• crossing rivers
• river deltas covering large tracts of land in remote areas
• shallow water areas such as sandbars and fjords
• marshlands and other low-lying areas prone to floodings

Respecting local communities

GT has adequate resources and extensive experience to successfully acquire seismic data in urban, industrial and agricultural areas. They are particularly challenging endeavors as seismic crews have to face concerned residents, local access restrictions and ongoing farming activities. The company employs the latest state-of-the art technology and proven practices that result in excellent imaging low impact surveys and preserve clients “good neighbor” status.  With the use of Innoseis TremorNet nodal ultra-light wireless systems, GT is able to push the boundaries of seismic method, where urban, agricultural or environment related challenges have to be faced. With this approach, ultra-light equipment on-site results in lower HSE exposure and local footprint, without compromising on sensing performance.

GT’s specific approach in this field includes:

• information campaigns prior to and during field operations to secure support of local communities
• application of various types of vibroseis including minivibs and ultra-light wireless nodal data acquisition systems to minimize survey footprint
• onsite PPV monitoring to assure safe data acquisition in residential areas and nearby ancient sites
• vehicle monitoring system to minimize transportation hazards
• strict HSE approach to ensure that no harm is done to either people, third party assets or the natural environment