# Low frequency seismic responses and the challenge for acquisition

**Authors:** Mark A. Meier  
**arXiv:** [2301.08805](https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.08805)  
**Date:** 2023-01-20  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2301.08805v1/

## Key points

- Low frequency seismic responses have unique characteristics that require specialized acquisition technologies to meet their greater requirements.
- Seismic sources must deliver larger forces at lower frequencies than modern sources at conventional band frequencies in order to achieve comparable signal-to-noise ratios for traditional interface-related seismic responses.
- Source efforts that are only comparable to conventional band source efforts are inadequate for low frequency seismic responses.
- Even non-interface related impedance changes may produce significant low frequency seismic responses, which also require improved low frequency seismic sources.
- Pursuing new aspects of seismic response never previously observed requires a return to fundamentals and recognizing the unique challenges posed by low frequency seismic responses.
- Specialized acquisition technologies capable of delivering large forces at lower frequencies than modern sources at conventional band frequencies are necessary for acquiring accurate data from low frequency seismic responses.

## Summary

Low frequency seismic responses have unique characteristics that require specialized acquisition technologies to meet their greater requirements. Seismic sources must deliver larger forces at lower frequencies than modern sources at conventional band frequencies in order to achieve comparable signal-to-noise ratios for traditional interface-related seismic responses. Source efforts that are only comparable to conventional band source efforts are inadequate for low frequency seismic responses. Even non-interface related impedance changes may produce significant low frequency seismic responses, which also require improved low frequency seismic sources. When designing a seismic survey, the evaluation of subsurface targets and prediction of the seismic response typically rely on prior experience with existing equipment and commercial technologies. However, pursuing new aspects of seismic response never previously observed requires a return to fundamentals. In this context, it is important to recognize that low frequency seismic responses pose unique challenges due to their different characteristics. The peak amplitude of low frequency signals is typically much larger than those in conventional bands. To achieve comparable signal-to-noise ratios for traditional interface-related seismic responses, the forces delivered by modern sources at conventional band frequencies must be considerably larger when operating at lower frequencies. This means that specialized acquisition technologies capable of delivering these forces are necessary. Low frequency seismic responses from certain non-interface related impedance changes may be even greater than those from traditional interfaces. Therefore, improved low frequency seismic sources are required not only for traditional interface-related surveys but also for exploring new aspects of subsurface targets. In summary, acquiring accurate data from low frequency seismic responses requires specialized acquisition technologies capable of delivering large forces at lower frequencies than modern sources at conventional band frequencies can provide. The unique characteristics of these signals pose challenges that demand a return to fundamentals and an investment in improved low-frequency acquisition technologies in order to effectively capture and interpret them accurately.