Seismic Exploration
Discussing dangers of detonating dynamite in dense ground, the set up process for seismic exploration, and best roles on the team.
- Extreme environments you work in and the long hours.
- Most grueling job on the team.
- How every member of an efficient team can do all roles needed.
- Importance of finding your own pace while setting up in cold conditions.
- How technology has reduced the amount of people needed on a team.
- Best aspects of being a troubleshooter for the equipment.
- Noises that can wipe out useful data.
- Scary moments in a helicopter.
- Managing your stress and expectations.
Seismic Exploration Tools and Procedures
Bentonite
- Clay that is able to absorb 8 times it’s volume in water.
- Used to repack hole that has been drilled for dynamite.
Vibrosize
- Large trucks with a hydraulic plate used to vibrate the ground.
Geophone
- Used to detect ground vibration.
- Uphole
- Geophone specifically for detecting whether dynamite detonated.
- Uphole
Dynamite Detonation Steps
- Arrive at shot.
- Pull up GPS to mark location
- Move vehicle.
- Install uphole.
- Attach wires from pack to leads on the shot, set attached wires on the ground.
- Drive minimum 30m away.
- Squeeze 2 switches on pack together which produces a ready tone.
- Observer sends signal to blow the shot.
Shortlining
- Slang for the practice of blowing the shot from less than 30m away.