Scientific research
Our nodal technology
The STRYDE Mini Seismic System
USA
Case study
Advancing the understanding of near-surface weathering and hydrology through high-resolution seismic refraction surveys and creative survey designs
Virginia Tech Department of Geosciences
United States of America
Various temperate climate locations
6 surveys using STRYDE nodal receivers during 2023
The acquisition of STRYDE's affordable seismic imaging system provided the University with the opportunity to significantly advance their understanding of near surface weathering and hydrology through high-resolution seismic imaging.
Use of the system enabled creative deployment strategies that allowed the team to collect the types, quality, and density of data that were previously unknown and not possible with other seismic technology.
"The technology of these nodes is just remarkable. The ease at which we’ve been able to upscale and densify our seismic surveys has been a game-changer.
Compared to the cabled seismograph system we operated previously, the STRYDE system requires a different planning and data collection workflow, but ultimately a workflow I feel is better.
With the cabled system, we could just arrive at a site, make a plan on the spot, and start deploying within minutes. While convenient, I also witnessed times where we could be sloppy and make preventable mistakes as a result. Being forced to design plans in advance for the STRYDE system encourages more careful consideration of the site and of the science questions simultaneously."
From time-lapse imaging for measurement of seismic velocity changes associated with soil moisture changes, to examining the influence of the largest trees on Earth on subsurface bedrock weathering, Virginia Tech has used STRYDE on a diverse range of studies between June to November 2023.
In 2024, the University's Department of Geosciences team have ambitious plans to continue researching the subsurface Critical Zone in coastal and mountainous environments, as well as urban hydrology experiments using STRYDE's receiver technology to acquire seismic data.
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