Geologic Responsibility in Seismic Exploration: ABSTRACT

Abstract

The seismograph, after more than 20 years of successful operation, remains the most important mechanical instrument available to assist in locating new petroleum reserves. However, it is evident that the honeymoon has been over for some time, that the seismograph in the hands of the geophysicist alone is not the most efficient method of operation. The seismograph as an instrument has proved its usefulness and is not on trial, but in far too many instances its employment and the interpretation of observations have either failed or left much to be desired. The primary responsibility in any geophysical exploration program with the object of locating commercial deposits of petroleum is and must be jointly that of the geologist and geophysicist. Geologists as a group have fa led to recognize and assume their full share of the responsibility insofar as geophysical prospecting is concerned. End_Page 623------------------------------ Despite the fact that many geologists have successfully entered the field of geophysics, exploration geologists have not as a group assumed the responsibility for correlating their work with the work of geophysicists and assumed their full share of the direction of the exploratory program. Although this paper deals primarily with seismic prospecting, the same direction, cooperation, and integration is necessary in any geophysical program employing any technique. The fundamental problem is the interpretation of physical observations in terms of earth science. The thesis of this paper is that the primary responsibility in exploration is geological, and responsibility of the geophysical department or contractor is limited to three essentials: 1. To furnish the most modern and sensitive instruments and auxiliary equipment available to perform the specific task. 2. To furnish skilled, efficient and experienced personnel to operate and maintain the instruments and equipment. 3. To furnish skilled and experienced technical and supervisory personnel to assist in planning, make necessary computations, preliminary interpretations and with the geologists make an integrated interpretation. The final interpretation on which decisions for action are based must be a matter of joint responsibility. All other responsibility must be assumed by the geologist. It is, therefore, mandatory that he have a thorough understanding of the principles, problems, procedure and limitations of seismic exploration. It is not advocated that the geologist invade the field of the geophysicist, but if he is to use the results intelligently he must thoroughly understand their source and inherent strength and weakness. The need for this understanding is becoming more necessary as we are forced to prospect more marginal areas, areas where data are difficult to secure and interpret, and for prospects where the results are near the limit of accuracy. The easy areas and fat structures have been thoroughly prospected. To insure success in a seismic exploration program there is a certain procedure which m st be followed. This procedure can logically be divided into five stages: preparation, briefing, execution, integration and review. End_of_Article - Last_Page 624------------