Knowledge Centre
Seismic Surveys
Process
Seismic survey techniques are used to build up an image of the rock formations beneath the seabed during the first part of the exploration phase. For comprehensive information on the process of seismic surveying, click here.
Types of survey
Speculative seismic surveys are conducted on behalf of a number of licensee clients by seismic contractors under an exploration licence. The agreement on the release of speculative seismic data can be found here. Proprietary seismic surveys are conducted on behalf of the operator of a production licence. Guidelines on the release of proprietary seismic surveys to other licensees can be found here.
Technology
Reservoir imaging technologies are progressing rapidly with major advances being made in all of the imaging tools. It is recognised that combining the strengths of different approaches gives an added and powerful insight. For more information on work in this area, please contact Duncan Andersen at the Industry Technology Facilitator (ITF) on d.anderson@oil-itf.com
Environment
There has been some public concern about the effects of low-frequency noise on some marine animals, particularly cetaceans - whales, dolphins and porpoises. Please click here to find out how seismic surveys are managed to minimise any potential impact on the marine environment.
Data
Oil & Gas UK’s subsidiary, Common Data Access (CDA), runs the Seismic DataStore, an online repository for the data collected in the seismic surveys carried out around the UK’s coasts over the last forty years. For companies, this increases the efficiency of retrieving and analysing surveys, enabling faster, more confident responses in the licensing process.
