Geophysicists map underground rock structures by sending seismic waves, basically sounds waves, through the ground. Sensores record the seismic waves and computers process the recordings to create images of rock layers. However these images can miss details. As a result multi million dollar exploration wells sometimes come up dry.
Now the accuracy of seismic imaging could improve thanks to a motion sensor, similair to those found in electronic devices such as a Wii game console. The censor, developed by HP and Shell is 1000 times more sensitive than those found in the Wii and could help find new oil and gas fields more cost effectivly.
In conventional seismic surveys hundreds of kilometres of cable are needed to carry the infromation back to a recording unit but the new sensors are small enough to fit in a radio transmitter and can send the infromation wirelessly, eliminating the need for cable. Eliminating the cable reduces the cost of seismic surveys.
If the sensors are mass produced costs could be reduced even further. They could be deployed in far larger numbers than conventional sensors. Sensors are to seismic processing likepixels to a digital camera. The more there are the higher the image resolution.
If the testing underway is successful, and i hope it is, the wireless sensors could be planted over and exploration area of up to 1,000 square kilometres. They would pick up far more readings than conventional sensors and give us a clearer picture of drilling targets.
This could be revolutionary new technology. Its the brainchild of Dirk Smit, Shell Chief Scientist Geophysics.