SHORT NOTE ON “VIBROSEIS” SYSTEM

-Rohit Raj, 11411023, IMT GPT (3rd Year)

Unlike other energy sources that try to deliver to deliver the energy in the ground in the shortest
possible time, the Vibroseis source passes energy in the ground for 7 seconds or more. The
VIBROSEIS technique was developed during 1950s by “CONTINENTAL OIL COMPANY (Conoco)” after
a long period of experimentation. The present source consists of 2-tonn mass with a hydraulic
vibrator controlled by a pre-programmed sinusoidal wave signal of continuously varying frequency
transmitted by radio from the source to the recording truck.

The output wave train from Vibroseis consists of a sine wave whose frequency increases
continuously from 6 to ~50 Hz during the 7 to 21 seconds sweep. Each returning reflection event is a
similar wave train of about 7 to 21 seconds duration. Because reflection occur much closer together
than this, the result is a superposition of many wavetrains.

Vibroseis sources, like most surface sources, produce low-energy density; as a result they can be
used in cities and other areas where explosives and other sources would cause extensive damage.

Operational Procedures:
Vibroseis operations involve the use of several trucks, usually four simultaneously. In the open fields
the trucks travel along parallel trajectories; when confined to roads, they operate in tandem. They
stop for vibratory sweeps at intervals determined by the total number of sweeps needed per shot
point, all four units sweeping simultaneously for the time lasting 7 to 21 seconds. Records are made
from the combined outputs of series-connected geophones groups, and the data from all the sweep
position from the distance range designated as the shot point are composited into a single channel,
often by an analog or digital summing unit in the field truck.

Vibroseis is employed with 24, 48 or more geophone groups and more geophone groups and sweep
patterns may be placed to coincide with every second, third or fourth patch of phones depending on
the multiplicity (sixfold, twelvefold, etc.) of subsequent CDP positioning.
Processing of Vibroseis Data:
The recording signals recorded in the field are entirely incoherent to the eye and is required to be
converted into usable form. A reflection record obtained from Vibroseis source consists of
superimposed signals from each of the reflecting surfaces. Each reflection has approximately the
same waveform as the source signal, but the wave train corresponding to each reflector is delayed
by the time required for it to travel from the source to the reflecting interfere and back. The
combination of reflections is so spread out that it could not be expected to give an interpretable
record.

Cross-correlation process is used to test the fit of source signal and recorded signal reflections at
successive relative displacements of two signals along time scale. It is desired to have such a
coincidence between the two such that cross-correlation value (degree of fit) is maximum.Elsewhere
the relation between two signal is random and cross-correlation value is low. If the cross-correlation
so determined is plotted against the time shifts, the reflections will show up as high-amplitude
events that look exactly like reflections on conventional recordings from impulsive sources, the
portions of each trace in between being more or less quiescent depending on noise level.

Common Available Vibroseis Trucks:

 TRI-AX : has 2 component mass that has unique ability to generate both P-wave output,
Inline S-wave output and Crossline S-wave output.
 ‘birdwagen’ HEMI60 : has 60000 pound output vibrator mounted on 4 wheel drive-off road
buggy
 ‘birdwagen’ HEMI50 : has 50000 pound output vibrator mounted on 4 wheel drive-off road
buggy.
 TRUCK HEMI50 : has 50000 pound output vibrator mounted on 6 wheel drive truck.
(Source: www.geosys.co.jp/GEO/IVI/)
Advantage of Vibroseis:
 In many places best S/N ratio is observed over a limited range of frequencies which can be
specifically programmed into Vibroseis source signal.
 A signal from Vibroseis is spread over many seconds. It will have a much lower amplitude
level at source than an impulse in which all the energy is injected into the earth within a few
ms. This features makes it possible to use Vibroseis in populated areas where explosions
would not be acceptable.