Patent ID: 7079449
Filing Date: 2006-07-18
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
1. A method of performing seismic exploration to identify at least a presence of a gradational pressurized zone, comprising: transmitting an input signal into a subterranean formation from one of a location proximate a drill bit at a distal end of a drill string and a location offset and remote from the distal end of the drill string; receiving the input signal and a reflected signal comprising a response signal of the input signal at another of the location proximate the drill bit at the distal end of the drill string and the location offset and remote from the distal end of the drill string; measuring the response signal; and analyzing the response signal to identify at least a presence of a gradational pressurized zone in an intended path of the drill bit using an attenuation relationship comprising a comparative amplitude of the response signal to the input signal as representative of at least a presence of a gradational pressurized zone by relation of an amplitude of the response signal indicative of at least the presence of a gradational pressurized zone to at least one wavelength of the input signal; where: A