May 2, 1939. L. W. BLAU 2,156.

259
SEISMIC-ELECTRIC PROSPECTING BY MEANS OF CONTINUED WAWES
Filed Dec. 22, 1934 5. Sheets-Sheet 2
May 2, 1939. L. W. BLAU 2,156,259
SEISMIC-ELECTRIC PROSPECTING BY MEANS OF CONTINUED WAVES
Filed Dec. 22, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 5

Na
 Patented May 2, 1939 2,156259

UNITED STATEs PATENT OFFICE 2,156.259

SEISMAC-ELECTREC PROSPECTING BY
MEANs oF coNTINUED WAVEs
Ludwig W. Blau, Houston, Tex, assignorto stand
ard Oil Development Company, a. corporation
of Delaware
Application December 22, 1934, Serial No. 758,736
10 Claims. (C1.181-0.5)
This-invention relates to improvements in geo ground is known asa seismic-electric effect. One
physical prospecting. More particularly, it re of its embodiments is described as “a temporary
lates to an improved method and apparatus for variation of the specific electrical conductivity
seismic-electric prospecting by the use of con of rocks under the influence of elastic artificially
5 tinued earth vibrations of a given frequency. produced deformation of the ground” by A.
In refraction and reflection shooting as em Beluigi, in his article entitled “Seismic-electric
ployed up to the present tine in geophysical prospecting” on pages 37-42 of the November 29,
prospecting, it is customary to explode a charge 1937, issue of the Oil Weekly. -x
of dynamite in the earth resulting in the gen The present invention is directed to anim
0 eration of seismic impulses in the earth and to provement in the general seismic-electric method, 10
observe the impulses at distant points after they claimed in the above referred to application, ac
have been refracted and/or reflected by bound cording to which a generator of periodic im
aries between layers having diferent elasticities pulses of any desired frequency is employed, in
and/or densities. The observation has been stead of an explosion, as a source of seismic
15 effected by means of seismographs. This pro Waves. This substitution eliminates all the dis
cedure is expensive and is dangerous to the Op advantages attending the use of explosives
eratives. Also, much of the energy released by enumerated above and makes possible the addi
the explosion of the dynamite is transmitted in tional, wery desirable, procedural expedient of
the form of high frequencies which are absorbed Setting the electrodes of the receiving circuit a
20 by the ground within a short distance from the distance apart equal to a Whole number of the 20
shot-point. Only the low frequencies are trans surface waves generated in the earth by the
mitted over long distances from the shot-point. SOLITCe. k

The energy which leaves the shot-point in the Other objects and advantages of the present
form of high frequencies is therefore lost. Also, invention will appear from the following detailed
25 the surface waves generated by the explosion are description of the accompanying drawings, in 25
very strong. Because of their low frequency and Which:
consequent low absorption by the ground their Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional View through the
energy content is high, so that the surface waves earth strata showing diagramatically a pre
must be filtered out usually by means of elec ferred apparatus for carrying out the invention.
30 trical filters. a Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus il 30
This application is a continuation-in-part of lustrated in Fig. 1.
the co-pending application of Ludwig W. Blau Fig. 3 is a Wertical Sectional view through the
and Louis Statham entitled “Method and ap earth strata showing a modified form of apa
paratus for seismic prospecting”, Serial No. paratus for carrying out the invention; and
35 647.084, filed December-14, 1932, now Patent No. Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view through the 35
2,046,104, issued June 30, 1936. x earth strata showing stil another modified forn
In said application there is described and of the applicant's invention.
claimed a seismic prospecting method in which Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view through the
the conventional seismograph is replaced by an earth strata showing diagrammatically their ar
40 eletrical circuit which includes a volume of the rangement for carrying out the invention. 40
ground which may be directly included in the Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 of the
circuit or may be included inductively, or may drawings, reference: numerals I, I” designate the
form a condenser with part of the circuit. surface of the earth and 2, 2” designate the low
Whereas, in conventional seismic prospecting velocity layer near the surface of the earth.
45 the arrival of the seismic waves at the receiving Numeral 3 designates a source of continued Wi 45
station, or pickup, is indicated by the setting up brations 3' Such as a motor With a portion of the
of a current in the pickup circuit due to an puley or coupling removed. The vibrations are
E. M. F. induced into a freely moving coil mounted of a predetermined frequency and are trans
in a magnetic field in the pickup, said coil being mitted into the earth. Any other suitable source
50 set in motion by the arrival of the Seismic Waves, of continued vibrations of predetermined fre 50
arrival of the seismic waves at the receiving sta cquency can be used, and sone of the advantages
tion, according.to said application, is indicated of the invention will be retained. The source 3
by the change in the electrical property of the of continued vibrations is adjusted to generate
ground which is being utilized. The effect of vibrations of relatively low frequency such as ap
55 seismic waves on an electrical property of the proximately five cycles per second. If desired, 155
 2 2,156,259
vibrations of somewhat higher or Iower fre Will be much longer than the Wave lengths of the
quencies may be used Such as % to 100 cycles surface Waves. For this reason and for the fur
per Second, and some of the advantages of the ther reason that these waves from the lower stra
invention will be retained. The elastic waves 'tum arrive at the surface between the elec
then travel in all directions from the source 3, trodes in a nearly vertical direction, the elec
but a large part of the energy will be propagated .trodes being set to cancel out the effect of the
in the low velocity layer 2, 2” because surface Surface wave, it is apparent that there can not
Waves are naturally of low frequency and be be a complete Wavelength or a multiple thereof
cause the amplitude of the Surface Waves de of a wave from the sub-strata between the elec
10 Creases inversely with the distance. Sone of the trodes at any given time. Consequently, the re 13
Waves travel downWard and are reflected fron arrangement of the particles of earth between
lower earth strata designated 5-5', 6-6”, l-', the electrodes due to the Waves from the sub
strata or the reflected Waves Will be constantly
Means are provided for receiving Seismic elec changing in accordance With the part of the
trically over a continuous extended volume of reflected Wave Which is passing therethrough. It
the earth, including sub-surface strata, the wave follows that the change in the electrical proper
energy arriving throughout the volume from the ties of the earth between the electrodes When
Source 3 of continued Vibrations of given fre they are set to cancel out the effect of the Sur
guency. The means comprises electrodes 2 and face wave Will be due mainly to the paSSage there
20 f3 which are disposed in the surface stratum 2, through of reflected Waves. 20
2' in Spaced relation to each other and to the Referring to Fig. 3, a modified form of the in
source 3 of the earth vibrations. Preferably the vention is shown in which electrodes 25 and 26
electrodes i 2 and i3 are disposed in alignment which may be of the same type as electrodes 12
substantially radially with respect to the source and i3 are disposed in the Sub-surface Stratum
25 3 of earth vibrations. The electrodes 2 and 43 5, 5’. The electrodes 25 and 26 are therefore 25
may be non-polarizing or otherwise and may be placed beneath the low velocity layer 2, 2". The
driven into the ground. Alternatively, the elec electrodes 25 and 26 are connected acroSS a bat
trodes may comprise non-polarizing porous cups tery 27 and ammeter 28 by means of an elec
filled with a Salt solution. The electrodes : 2 and trically conductive line 29. In disposing the elec
30 f3 are connected across a battery i4 through an trodes 25 and 26 in the sub-surface stratum 5, 30
ammeter i 5 by means of electrically conductive holes 35 and 36 are drilled through the low ve
line I6. The battery i4 causes a flow of direct : locity layer 2, 2' into the layer 5, 5". The elec
current through the ground between the elec trodes, porous cups or otherwise are lowered into
trodes 2 and 13, thereby producing lines of elec .these holes and the leads insulated from the
35 tric force which approximately paralel the lines ground. Current from the battery 27 or from the 35
20, 2 and 22. The lines of force designated 22 generator of alternating current then foWS
pass through the surface layer 2, 2”, directly be tirough the lower earth layer 5, 5' With greater.
tween the electrodes 2 and i3 which extend Only intensity than when the arrangement of elec
into the surface layer 2, 2". The lines of force trodes ilustrated in Fig. 1 is used. The lines of
40 20 and 2 extend into the sub-surface stratum electric force passing between tile electrodes flow 40
5, 5'. Instead of direct current, alternating Cur substantially paralel with the dotted lines desig
rent may be used if desired, in which case an mated 37, 38, 39, 40 and 4f, their region of great
alternating current generatoris connected in the est intensity being in the stratum 5, 5'. Partial
circuit between the electrodes i2 and f3 in place cancellation oceurs of some of the earth Waves
45 of the battery 4. a refracted by the shallow Sub-surface Stratum in 45
I have found that mechanical vibrations change addition to the elimination of the Surface Waves
the electrical resistance of the ground. The ar when using the arrangement of apparatus illus
rival of the waves in the vicinity of the electrodes trated in Fig. 3. Many of the Waves arrive in
12 and (3 therefore changes the electrical re the region traversed by the electric Current in a
sistance of the ground around the electrodes and nearly horizontal direction and these Waves are 50
hence changes the current indicated by the an therefore partly eliminated. n .
meter : 5. Now, the velocity of surface waves is Referring to Fig. 4, a modified form of electric
about 1000 feet per second. If a frequency of circuit for connecting the electrodes is ilustrated.
five cycles per second is employed at the sending In this form of the invention the electrodes desig
station 3, the wave length will be 200 feet. nated 42 and 43 may be located either in the Sur 55
If now the electrodes 2 and f3 are separated face stratum 2, 2" or in One of the Sub-Surface
by a distance of 200" or any multiple thereof, it strata. Across the electrodes 42 and 43 there is
is apparent that between the electrodes there wil connected a high resistance 44 in paralel With a
be a complete surface wave or a number of con battery 45. The high resistance 44 serves as a
60 plete surface waves. This being the case, the rid leak of a vacuum tube 46, which may be a 60
mean deformation of the particles of earth be three-electrode tube, as shown, or a multiple
tween the electrodes due to surface waves is al grid tube. Across the plate resistance 47 of this
ways the same, since, for every compression of . vacuum tube 46 an amplifier 48 is connected, the
these particles due to one part of the Wavelength, output wires 49 of which lead to an oscillograph
there wil always be an equal and opposite sep 50. Numerals 52 and 53 designate antennas fil 65
aration of these particles due to the Opposite part wireless communication between source 3 of earth
of the Wavelength. vibrations and the observing point.
On the other hand, since the velocities in the The Waves which have penetrated the deeper
earth strata 5, 5' to 9, 9 inclusive below the layer earth Strata 5, 6, i, 8 and 9 and have been re
2, 2 are much higher, running from about 6000' fracted or reflected arrive in the region traversed 70
per second below the layer 2, 2' to 15.000' per by the current from the battery or from the al
second at greater depths and since the frequency ternating current generator with amplitudes de
of the waves passing through the stratum is pending upon the distance which they have
the same as the frequency of surface waves, the traveled and in diferent phases. The resultant
75 wavelengths of the waves in the lower strata of the waves is recorded by the oscillograph. By
 2,156,269 3
observing at diferent distances from the source 66 inclusive. In practice, an observation of the
amplitude and of the phase angle is made at ob
3 it is found that the amplitude of the recorded servation point 6u. Moving out away from 61 in
vibration varies with the distance, increasing for
some distance, then decreasing, then increasing the direction of observation point 62 it is found
5 again, etc. The observed frequency, however, is
that the phase angle changes, and a point 62 is
always five cycles or whatever other frequency found at which the phase angle is the Same as
may be used. Thisis evident from the following: at observation point 6i. Then weknow that there
ASSume that some wave W1 arrives with ampli is one wavelength, Ai, between observation points
6 and 62. Multiplying the wavelength A1, or the
tude A1, and phase angle a1, the amplitude and
distance between observation points 6 and 62, 10
:10 phase angle of wave Wa are A2 and a2, respective
ly, of wave W3, A3 and a3 and so on. The fre by the frequency which was used in making this
observation, we obtain the velocity W1 in the first
(quency employed is a s
My layer. If we now double the frequency we shall
find a point of observation midway between
2
Then the observed amplitude is
points 6 and 62 at which the phase angle is the
same as at observation points 6 and 62, so that
15
(1) =Ali sin (upt-al) -- we have two wavelengths between observation
A2 sin (not-ala) --A3 sin (ut-a3---- points 6 and 62, hence the wavelengthis 9ne
half of Al but the frequency is twice so that the
a u An sin (apt-i-an)
Where tis the time. .velocity W1 should come out the same as before by 20 -
these two independent measurements. Proceed
This can be written in the forn ing on out from observation point 62 we locate .
(2) gy=C sin ut-D cos ut another point 63 and another point.64 such that
the phase angle is the same at the two points 68
Where n and 66, which means that there is one Wave 25
length X2 between points 63 and 64. If now M2 is
(3) C=Al cos a1-A2 cos a2-43 cos a3--An cos an
diferent from Al it means that the Wave is com
and ing from a lower layer, and multiplying M2 by
(4) D=A1 sin al-A2 sin a2-A3 sin ata-An sinan the frequency used we obtain V2, the Velocity in
Equation 2 can be Written the second layer. This value of V2 is again 30
checked by using diferent frequencies and de
(5) y=E sin (wt-B) termining diferent wave lengths. Proceeding
Where out away from point 64 we locate observation
points 65 and 66 at which the phase angle is the
and B= tan-12 same, the distance between the points 65 and 66 35
being diferent from the distance between points
It is seen, therefore, that the observed fre 63 and 64. Multiplying this distance between
quency is w the observation points 65 and 66 Whidh is One
W wavelength A3 by the frequency used, We obtain
2ar the velocity Wa in the third layer. a 40
40 The amplitudes of the waves are dependent
while the amplitude E and the phase angle B of upon
the observed phenomenon depend on the ampli The methodthe depths to which they have penetrated.
offers, therefore, "simple and con
tudes and phase angles of the Waves arriving venient means for determining the relative depths t.
from the source 3. It is advantageous to use two of sub-surface strata. 45
or more diferent frequencies at each point of k .
observeration, the frequencies being integral theAnother advantage inherent in this method is
high sensitivity of the amplifying and re
multiples of each other. Thus one can use 5 cording means which can be employed. In the
Cycles, 10 cycles and 15 cycles at each point of conventional refraction and reflection shooting
-observation. The lowest frequency being by means of impulses it is necessary to lower the 50
50 w sensitivity of the observing means until the natu
r 2ar ral ground unrest is not recorded and to shoot
one obtains then the three equations suficient dynamite to increase the amplitude of
g/1=Ei sin (upt-B1)
the impulse arriving at the point of observation
until it exceeds the amplitude of the natural. 55
55 (6) ga=E2 sin (2ut-i-Ba) ground unrest. Another disadyantage of the
ga=Easin (3uct-Ba) conventional types of shooting by impulses re
Now the phase angles Bi, Ba and B3 can be de sides in the necessity of using highly damped
termined easily by communicating the oscilla filtering, amplifying and recording means With
tions of source 3 to the observing point and re consequent high losses. By the present method 60
60 Cording them by means of the oscillograph. it becomes advantageous to use undamped ampli
Communication can be accomplished by means fiers and recorders, tuned sharply to the fre
of wireless, telegraph, or other means which wil quency of source 3 which is being used. The use
readily Suggest themselves to those familiar with of a single frequency at any one time in conjunc
tion with undamped and resonant amplifiers and 65
65 the art. The amplitudes are, of course, read di recorders permits of the employment of extreme
rectly from the record. Having determined E ly high sensitivity in the observing means so that
and B from the records as explained, the relative a source with relatively low power output can
amplitude An and the relative phase angle an of
each Wave can be calculated. . be used. k
Referring to Figure 5, reference numeral 60 Various changes may be made within the scope 70
70 designates the source of vibrations of a given fre of the appended claims in which it is desired to
Quency While points 6f to 66 inclusive designate claim al novelty inherent in the invention as
observation points with the electrodes t8 and is broadly as the prior art permits. .
In the appended claims the expression “char
of Figure 1, 35 and 36 of Figure 3 or 42 and 43 acteristic of a wave” designates a Value which 75
of Figure 4 set up at each of the locations 6 to
 4 2,156,359
changes in harmony with the wave form. More a characteristic of mainly those waves which ar
Specifically, this value may be a resistance, in rive at said receiving point by reflection from
ductance or Capacity, or a combination thereof, sub-strata, independently recording at said re
Or an electrical force which varies with these ceiving point a characteristic indicative of the
5 Values Such as a voltage or a current.
I clain: a
waves at the sending point and observing the
phase relation between the created waves and re
1. The method of ascertaining anomalies in filected Waves.
the earth's substructure which comprises apply 6. The method of aseertaining anomalies in
ing periodic impulses to the earth at a given the earth's substructure, which comprises creat
10 point, thereby sending waves through the ground, ing periodic waves, sending them through the 10
receiving the waves from the ground at a point ground at a given point, establishing an electric
lemoved from the sending point, recording a circuit in an area removed from the sending
phase characteristic of said received waves at point by arranging electrically connected elec
Said receiving point, independently recording, at trodes in substantial alignment radially with the
15 Said receiving point, a phase characteristic of Sending point and spaced from each other a dis 15
additional waves having a constant phase rela tance-which is substantially equally divisible by
tion With the applied impulses and observing the the length of a surface wave emanating from said
phase relation between the received waves and sending point, receiving waves from the ground
Said additional waves.
20 2. In a system of geophysical exploration of in the area between said electrodes, recording in
Said circuit a characteristic of the Waves so re 20
Superimposed earth strata through which the ceived, independently recording at said receiv
Velocity of seismic waves increases with increasing ing point a characteristic of the waves at the
depth, means for continuously creating waves sending point and observing the phase relation
25
in the earth of a given frequency to yield waves between the created Waves and the received
in the Surface stratum of a pre-determined wave waves. da 25
length and waves in the lower strata of longer 7. The method of ascertaining anomalies in
Wave length, Spaced electrodes in the earth sub the earth's substructure, which comprises creat
stantially aligned with the source of waves and ing periodic waves and sending them through
30
Separated a distance equal to an integral num the ground at a given point, receiving the waves
ber of Wave lengths of the waves in the surface from the ground at a point renoved from the 30
stratum, means for passing an electric current sending point, recording at said receiving point
through the earth between the electrodes creat a characteristic of mainly those Waves which ar
ing a Volume of earth the resistance of which rive at Said receiving point by reflection fron .
35
Valies in response to the waves received from the sub-strata, simultaneously and independently re
Sub-surface strata and is unafected by the direct cording at said receiving point a characteristic 35
WaWes, and a reCOrder operatively associated with of the waves at the sending point and observing
the last mentioned means whereby the effect of the phase relation between the Created Waves and
the Wawes received from the sub-surface is re reflected waves.
corded. k
8. The method of ascertaining anomalies in
40 3. In a System of geophysical exploration of the earth's sub-structure, which comprises creat
Superimposed earth strata through which the ing periodic Waves of a given frequency and 40
Velocity of seismic waves increases below the sending them through the ground at a giwen
Surface stratum, means for continuously creat point, receiving the waves from the ground at a
ing Waves in the surface stratum of a low fre point removed from the sending point, recording
45 quency to yield waves in the surface stratum of at said receiving point a characteristic of mainly 45
a pre-determined wave length and waves in the those waves which arrive at said receiving point
lower strata of longer wave length, spaced elec by reflection from sub-strata, independently re
trodes in the earth Substantially aligned with the cording at said receiving point a characteristic
Source of Waves and separated a distance fron of the waves at the sending point, observing the
50 each other equal to the wave length of the waves
phase relation between the created Waves and
in the surface stratum, means for passing an 50
reflected waves of the frequency employed, then
electric Current through the earth between the
changing the frequency of the Created waves and
electrodes creating a volume of earth the re repeating the recording operations to observe the
sistance of which variesin response to the waves phase relation between the created waves and
received from Sub-surface strata and is un reflected waves at the new frequency. . 55
affected by the direct waves, and means for re 9. The method of ascertaining anomalies in
cording the Variation in resistance. the earth's substructure, which comprises Creat
4. The method of seismic prospecting, which ing periodic waves of a given frequency and send
comprises creating periodic waves and sending ing them through the ground at a given point,
60 them into the ground, receiving the waves from receiving the waves from the ground at a point 60:
the ground at a receiving station comprising an removed from the sending point, recording at
electrical circuit of which a portion pf the earth said receiving point a characteristic of mainly
is a part whereby the arrival of the wayes may those waves which arrive at said receiving point
be detected by their effect on a parameter of the by reflection fron sub-strata, simultaneously and
65 circuit, transmitting the excited waves directly independently recording at said receiving point a 65
to the receiving station, and independentiy re characteristic of the Waves at the sending point,
cording the two sets of waves whereby the phase observing the phase relation between the created
. relation between the seismic Waves and waves as waves and reflected waves, changing the frequency
initially created can be established. . of the created waves to a frequency which is a
70 5. The method of ascertaining anomalies in multiple of that first employed and repeating the 70
the earth's substructure, which comprises creat recording operations to observe the phase relation
ing periodic waves and sending them through between reflected Waves and Created Waves of the
the ground at a given point, receiving the waves changed frequency.
from the ground at a point removed from the
75 sending point, recording at said receiving point the10.earth's
The method of ascertaining anomalies in
substructure in an area hawing a sur 75
 2,156.959 5
face layer through which waves trayek with a low characteristic of mainly those waves which ar
Velocity and sub-surface layers through which rive at said receiving area by reflection from
waves move with a higher velocity, which com sub-strata, simultaneously and independently re
prises creating periodic waves and sending them cording at said receiving area a characteristic of
through the ground at a given point, receiving the waves at the sending point and observing the
the waves from\the ground in an area removed phase relation between the created waves and
from the sending point and at a level below the reflected waves. a . .
Surface layer, recording at said receiving area a LUDWIG W. BLAU.