surface prospecting

Searching for potential oil deposits by studying the structure of the subsoil using a seismograph.

seismographic recording

A recording made using an apparatus called a seismograph; the analysis of its shock wave echoes detects the presence of rock layers that might contain pockets of petroleum or gas.

petroleum trap

Assemblage of porous rocks that contain recoverable oil reserves, which are produced from marine or land deposits.

shock wave

The shock wave spreads and sends back an echo, which varies with the density and depth of the layers of subsoil; with this information, the composition of the subsoil can be determined.