Story: Oil and gas

Seismic survey

Seismic survey

A geologist fires off an explosive device near Hanmer Springs, in Canterbury. The shock waves bounce off underground rock layers and back towards the surface, where they are recorded by sensitive instruments. The data gathered is used to draw maps of the underground structures. This helps geologists pinpoint areas where oil and gas might be trapped.

Using this item

GNS Science
Reference: CN19413/17
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Roger Gregg and Carl Walrond, 'Oil and gas - How oil and gas form', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/9759/seismic-survey (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Roger Gregg and Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006