f Making shallow 3d land seismic data affordable

Technology in the oil and gas industry is constantly changing, and constantly improving. In recent years, drilling and extraction methods have advanced to the point where we can now efficiently produce from shallower targets making them more economically attractive. This, of course, raises another issue, our ability to provide high quality and cost effective images of these shallow targets with 3D seismic data. Whenever we attempt to acquire 3D seismic data for a shallow exploration target, we encounter an interesting, if not obvious, inverse relationship: The shallower the target, the more expensive the 3D acquisition. At first, this seems counter-intuitive, but it only takes a little understanding of 3D survey parameter design to understand why this is the case. Using conventional methods and equipment, there is little that can be done to reduce the cost of shallow 3D seismic exploration. If we hope to make a significant difference in shallow exploration efficiency, we must examine new acquisition hardware and strategies. The introduction of nodal recording systems which do not rely on cables to send data back to a central recording station have provided a means to improve the efficiency of the deployment, roll and retrieval of the recording equipment. Similarly, new seismic source options which offer high productivity, low cost and a minimal environmental impact have given us additional opportunities for improvement. By combining these acquisition hardware technologies, and redesigning our acquisition strategy, significant improvements in both data quality and cost efficiency for shallow exploration targets can be achieved. A 3D data volume acquired in Australia in 2011 will serve as an example to examine the possibilities for making shallow 3D seismic data affordable.