Exploration of petroleum deposits One of the geophysical exploration methods: sound waves from an explosion or from vibrating weights are sent down to the earth Sound waves can be partially reflected back by the interface between layers of rock with different acoustical properties and read by geophones(地音探测仪) The exploration geologists can determine if an underground geological formation is likely to contain a significant reservoir of petroleum The real proof of an oil or natural gas deposit must be obtained by drilling Only about one commercial well is found in the Us for every nine wildcat (first well drilled in a new area) drillings Then the total amount of the oil that can be extracted from the new area is estimated and added to what is called the proved reserveExploration of petroleum deposits • One of the geophysical exploration methods: sound waves from an explosion or from vibrating weights are sent down to the earth. • Sound waves can be partially reflected back by the interface between layers of rock with different acoustical properties and read by geophones （地音探测仪）. • The exploration geologists can determine if an underground geological formation is likely to contain a significant reservoir of petroleum. • The real proof of an oil or natural gas deposit must be obtained by drilling. • Only about one commercial well is found in the US for every nine wildcat (first well drilled in a new area) drillings. • Then the total amount of the oil that can be extracted from the new area is estimated and added to what is called the proved reserve