THE POINT TORMENT SEISMIC SURVEY: A SEMI-PORTABLE SEISMIC OPERATION

Abstract

Point Torment, an area of low-lying tidal mudflats and adjacent coastal peninsula, was the site of a seismic survey unique to Australian geophysical exploration. This survey was conducted by Esso Australia Ltd and the area, part of EP 104, is located north of the township of Derby in Western Australia.

Surface conditions in the area varied from thickly wooded grassland on the peninsula to open mudflats. Vehicle access to the mudflats was severely restricted and helicopter support was necessary to maintain the seismic operation throughout. The operation was extremely labour intensive; for example, line-cutting through mangrove areas was carried out by hand.

Seismic recording was achieved using an OPSEIS* 5500 digital radio telemetry system. With this system data is collected by portable field units labelled Remote Telemetry Units (RTU's) and subsequently retrieved by Radio telemetry and permanently stored on magnetic tape by a Central Recording Station (CRS). This was the first instance of this system being employed in Australia.