An experimental seismic reflection survey at Wambo Colliery, Hunter Valley, N.S.W.

Abstract

In October and November 1981 a short experimental high resolution seismic survey was undertaken at Wambo colliery, in the Hunter Valley, N.S.W. to determine if an area southwest of the current colliery is dissected by a fault. The seismic survey recorded good reflections from the coal seam in question (the Whybrow Seam) over a line 2.1 km long across the location of the postulated fault. The seismic data showed that the Whybrow Seam was not faulted at least within the estimated 6.5 m of seismic 'resolution'. The seismic data also provided information on the configuration of the underlying coal seams and provided a comparison between the Mini-SOSIE (trade mark of Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine, Production) technique and the conventional dynamite seismic tech-nique. The comparison demonstrated that both methods can be effectively used in this area and that selection of one particular technique would depend on the survey objectives, near surface geology and exploration budget.