Strengths and weaknesses of the advanced high-resolution 3D seismic imaging technology for environmental investigations:

Advantages

The technology is non-destructive and non-intrusive

Proven on over 35 projects in the US

Depth range: near surface (1-3 meters) to 1000 meters

Can directly image DNAPL and LNAPL contamination

Determines whether remediation is necessary at hazardous waste sites

Applicable in terrestrial, wetland, & marine/lake locations

Works in almost all geologic environments

Directly images stratigraphic heterogeneity

Directly images geologic structures, including faults, fracture networks, and stream channels

Reduces overall cost of remediation

Provides the density of data necessary for making decision regarding groundwater management alternatives

Technology was evaluated in a US Department of Defense (US DoD) certification program (Environmental Security Technology Certification Program)

Mature technology that was developed by the oil exploration industry, and adapted to shallow depths by RRI with DoD funding 

3D surveys provide “point-to-point” sampling of a site in 3 dimensions that produces millions of discrete data points (numerical and spatial sampling volumes that unequaled by any other environmental investigation technique)

Can image inside and under buildings within industrial complexes or cities

Disadvantages

Technique is labor intensive

$100,000 average project cost

Results are not immediate – acquired data require processing and interpretation

Data resolution may suffer in areas with unconsolidated materials (sand, peat) at the near surface

Data collection can not proceed during rainy or excessively windy conditions