Frontier Exploration Using Passive Seismic

We present a case history of 3-D seismic imaging in the Uinta Basin of Utah using passive seismic as an example of how passive techniques can aid exploration efforts in frontier areas. The area is topographically rugged making conventional seismic exploration expensive. Additionally, surface access is controlled by federal authorities and subject to stringent regulations which make permitting of conventional seismic almost impossible. The survey began in June, 2005. Over 12 months of passive data have been acquired. The catalogue of located events exceeds 6000 events. Tomographic inversion to a velocity model has shown structures of exploration interest.