The deep basing program requires that geotechnical information be obtained from thousands of feet below the ground surface. The recording of shear wave reflections offers an excellent potential for obtaining much of the needed information. In particular, the combination of shear wave with conventional surveying has the potential for being a powerful tool to estimate bulk rock elastic parameters, as well as strength, density, fluid characteristics, and lithology. The technology for recording and analyzing shear wave reflections is not yet mature. The proposed research will establish a state-of-the-art baseline by incorporating triaxial geophones to simultaneously record P. P-SV, and SH waves to enhance the resolution of the shear waves. The survey will be conducted in an area where conditions are already known so that the effectiveness of the survey can be determined. In addition, the research will also initiate development of a ring laser geophone which has the potential for improving the ability with which shear waves can be recorded. Such a program will surpass current oil field technology and significantly advance the state-of-the-art.
