GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH AND PROGRESS IN EXPLORATION
The most salient trend in geophysical exploration was one toward full utilization of the available data. Modern data-processing equipment and techniques of analysis are being introduced while theoretical studies, many growing out of communication theory, attack seismic stumbling blocks such as multiple reflections, ghosts, diffractions, and other unwanted events. The vistas of innovation opened by digital recording and processing have spurred several operators to intensive study of the possibilities and the cost of digital methods. The use of seismic energy sources other than conventional dynamite explosions is increasing, as are special shooting techniques aimed at ghost elimination. Synthetic seismograms from continuous velocity logs are being brought to bear increasingly on stratigraphic problems; inverse convolution techniques seek to reconstruct the CVL from better quality seismograms, and research on synthetic seismograms continues at a high level. Applications of the rubidium vapor magnetometer were reported both in exploration for minerals and in exploration for oil. The accuracy of the airborne gravimeter has been improved but is still insufficient for exploration purposes. The shipborne companion instrument is in use as an exploration tool. Existing well logging methods have undergone further development, and modern methods of electronic data processing are being applied increasingly. A new logging technique, nuclear magnetism logging, promises to give an indication of porosity above a certain pore size. A new interest has developed in natural electromagnetic fields and in the degree of coherence between electric and magnetic field components. Several of the projects created to achieve adequate detection of underground nuclear blasts, have exploration potential. Academic research in all branches of geophysics is quite active, with major benefits deriving from modern data handling techniques and from the new defense interest in the earth sciences. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Shell Development Co., Houston, Tex.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-025440
- OSTI ID:
- 4697201
- Journal Information:
- Geophysics (U.S.), Journal Name: Geophysics (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 28; ISSN GPYSA
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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