A 2D seismic reflection survey for coal exploration in the Australian bush

Conducting a seismic survey during Queensland's wet season presented several significant challenges. The intense heat and high humidity associated with the time of year created a physically demanding environment for the survey crew, increasing exposure to health and safety risks and the potential for delays.

Frequent and heavy rainfall led to waterlogged ground conditions, making it difficult to manoeuvre equipment and vehicles. Muddy and slippery terrains risked slowing down progress, increased the likelihood of equipment getting stuck, and heightened safety risks.

Leveraging lightweight technology that was easy to deploy and aided in maintaining efficiency and data quality under such challenging conditions was key to reducing risk.

Environmental restrictions that prohibit line preparation present a hurdle for conducting seismic surveys in Australia, therefore emphasising the importance of using small and discrete equipment like STRYDE Nodes™ that can be easily transported and deployed by small crews, reducing the need for line clearing and minimising environmental impact.

Unlike traditional, bulkier seismic equipment, STRYDE Nodes™ can be carried by hand or using lightweight vehicles, which can traverse narrow, uneven, and vegetated terrains with minimal disturbance.

Surveying a remote location with limited accommodation facilities presented numerous logistical and operational challenges, including limited housing and living essentials for the survey crew, difficulties transporting and storing equipment, and ensuring the health and safety of personnel in isolated environments.

The lightweight nature of STRYDE Nodes™ significantly reduces these strains by enabling surveys to be completed quickly with smaller crews and fewer logistical demands. This streamlined approach lessens the burden on accommodation and support facilities, simplifies transportation and storage needs, and enhances the overall efficiency and safety of operations in remote locations.

Given the sensitivity of agriculture and the premium organic products produced in this region, property owners enforce stringent measures to prevent the spread of weeds and pests.

Working with multiple farms and property owners necessitated compliance with their biosecurity protocols, which included numerous equipment washdowns. However, since the STRYDE equipment is small-scale, enabling they survey to operate with small crews, there was less to clean, and the crew could often travel on foot, eliminating the need for additional vehicle washdowns.