The development of low frequency passive seismic spectroscopy began in 1995 and led to the founding of GeoDynamics Research Group in 2003 with a research and development center in Trento – Italy.

The basis for the GeoSpectra IPDS® approach is to acquire and process passive (low frequency) seismic data, using highly sensitive measuring devices and software tools developed in-house, together with different methods of signal analysis.

GeoSpectra IPDS® is based on the observation that a hydrocarbon reservoir creates unique variances in the earth’s seismic background noise. These variances can be applied to seismic readings with a transfer function with very specific dominant characteristics, dependent on the types of sub-surface layers present, at frequencies below 10 Hz.

For the purposes of analysis the hydrocarbon reservoir seismic system is treated as a seismic energy exchanger system which absorbs energy from the earth’s natural background seismic noise, described by the Peterson model, and gives back energy in seismic wave form within a specific low frequency range.

The initial data is acquired using proprietary sensors (seismometers) which are placed on the surface. Unlike reflection seismology, no external energy source (explosions/thumpers) is required, making GeoSpectra IPDS® one of the least invasive methods for detecting hydrocarbon deposits.

The results of the readings taken are then analyzed and interpreted using proprietary data processing where frequency, time, space and seismic energy characteristics are used to identify, isolate and quantify all the spectral characteristics which point to a potential hydrocarbon reservoir. Reliability of the subsurface modeling can be further increased using results of reflection seismology.

GeoDynamics Research S.r.l. - Italy, in cooperation with oil companies, physics and earth science departments of various universities, is the center of the scientific research and development of passive seismic technologies applied in the oil and gas industry. GeoSpectra IPDS® has been used in over 120 projects in 12 countries around the world.

3 Patents have been issued including patents for a “Method for Locating (Detecting) and (for) Identifying the type and geometrical dimensions of hydrocarbon deposits” and a “Method and a technological apparatus for investigating an area with respect to presence/absence of predetermined geophysical subterranean properties”. 9 further patents connected to GeoSpectra IPDS® are currently pending.

GeoSpectra IPDS® and all the associated technologies have been completely developed by GeoDynamics Research - Italy which is the unique owner of the IPDS® registered trademark and is the unique owner of all the patents connected to it, from the passive seismic data acquisition method to the passive seismic data analysis.

The geophysical method of exploration, GeoSpectra IPDS®, has continually evolved in the passive seismic laboratories and computation center for research and modeling at GeoDynamics Research in Italy.

More information about GeoDynamics Research S.r.l. can be found here.