We are using sound waves to image the subsurface of Georgia
along two long transects. It is like
creating a huge x-ray of the geology in the region. Thousands of instruments (termed
“Texans”) will record sound waves that are generated from a series of controlled
seismic sources (“shots”) that we will set off along the line.
For the last few weeks, the seismic source team, based at
the University of Texas – El Paso, and the drillers have been hard at work
drilling twenty-six 60- to 100-foot-deep holes that will contain the explosives
used to create the sound waves. Once the
holes are drilled (the first stage of which is termed spudding), emulsion
explosives with boosters and caps are carefully installed in the base of the
hole and the remaining height is filled in with dirt and gravel (“stemming”).
Now with the 26 shots drilled and patiently waiting for the
electronic signal to blow, all we have left to do is deploy the 2,000
instruments that will record the sound waves … An easy feat for the 50+
scientists, students, and engineers descending on Vidalia, GA over the next few
days. Stay tuned for our progress and
adventures as we continue on this epic scientific undertaking.
Natalie Accardo - LDEO
Natalie Accardo - LDEO
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| The SUGAR seismic source and science team from left to right: Steve Harder, Dan Lizarralde, Ashley Nauer, and Galen Kaip |
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| The drill rig set up and drilling a shot on SUGAR Line 2. |
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| Galen Kaip prepares the source charges (white tubes) on the truck bed as the drillers complete a shot hole. |
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| The source team carefully lowers the prepared seismic charges into the complete shot hole. Ashley Nauer (red hat) stands waiting with shovel in hand to fill the remaining height of the hole with sand and gravel. |
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| The drill team monitors the process of spudding, the very first stage of drilling the shot hole, for SUGAR line 2. |
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| The source team and drill team push on late into the night to ensure the completion of the final shot for the entire SUGAR experiment. |
