Method and apparatus for seismic geophysical exploration

Abstract

A method and apparatus for seismic geophysical exploration is disclosed wherein the seismic exploration system includes a seismic energy source, a central recording and control station, a plurality of geophones, and a plurality of remote geophone monitoring means. The central control and recording station is coupled to the plurality of geophone monitoring means by a two-way radio frequency (RF) link. The central recording and control station interrogates the plurality of geophone monitoring means by means of the two-way RF line to thereby determine the operating status of the plurality of geophone monitoring means. The operational status of the plurality of geophone monitoring means is transmitted from each of the plurality of geophone monitoring means via the two-way RF link to the central recording and control station in response to a specific address for each of the plurality of remote geophone monitoring means. After it has been determined that the plurality of remote geophone monitoring means are operational, the central recording and control station initiates operation of the seismic energy source. The reflected energy imparted into the earth by the seismic energy source is detected by the plurality of geophones. Apparatus contained within the remote monitoring means, associated with particular geophones, samples the signals detected by the geophones and produces representative data in digital form. The digitized data is stored in a memory contained within the geophone monitoring means and is transmitted on demand to the central recording and control unit. Error detection and retransmission of data from the remote geophone monitoring means to the central recording and control station is utilized to increase the reliability of data transmitted by means of the two-way RF link which couples the central recording and control station to the plurality of remote geophone monitoring means.