96782

Acquisition and Processing Report:
Seismic Reflection and Ground

Penetrating Radar Transects Across
the Northern Gnangara Mound; Perth
Basin; Western Australia
Completed by:
Dr Brett Harris
Assoc. Prof Milovan Urosevic
Dr Anton Kepic
Dr Christian Dupruis
Curtin University of Technology
Department of Exploration Geophysics
CONTENTS
Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 3
Scope and objectives........................................................................................................... 4
Study area ................................................................................................................................ 5
Field logistics....................................................................................................................... 7
Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 9
Data Acquisition ................................................................................................................... 10
2D Seismic Acquisition .................................................................................................... 11
Seismic Source .............................................................................................................. 11
Geophones..................................................................................................................... 13
Seismic acquisition System ......................................................................................... 13
Survey Parameter Setting............................................................................................ 14
Survey Geometry.......................................................................................................... 14
Data acquired................................................................................................................ 15
Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) ..................................................................................... 16
Full Wave Form Sonic Wireline Logging ...................................................................... 18
Shear Compressional Wave Measurements on Core .................................................. 20
Shear wave measurments (Bender Tests) ................................................................. 22
Compressional wave measurements - no Core........................................................ 25
Radar Data Acquisition ................................................................................................... 26
Processing .............................................................................................................................. 28
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2D Seismic.......................................................................................................................... 28
Tuart Road 3A............................................................................................................ 31
Tuart Road 3B ............................................................................................................ 32
Clover Road - ................................................................................................................ 33
Stacked Sections................................................................................................................ 35
VSP and Wire-Line Logging ........................................................................................... 41
VSP ................................................................................................................................. 41
Wireline Logging.......................................................................................................... 49
Ground penetrating Radar .............................................................................................. 58
Tuart Road Transect 3A and 3B + extension............................................................. 59
Clover Road, Transect 4 .............................................................................................. 61
Conclusions............................................................................................................................ 62
Appendix 1: Seismic data processing - overview............................................................ 63
iii
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1.
LOCATION OF 2D SEISMIC TRANSECTS .......................................................... 5
FIGURE 2.
LOCATION OF 2D SEISMIC TRANSECTS MAPPED OVER DIGITAL ELEVATION

MODEL. ............................................................................................................ 6
FIGURE 3.
LOCATION OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR TRANSECTS ....................... 6
FIGURE 4.
LOCATIONS OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR TRANSECTS MAPPED OVER

A DIGITAL ELEVATION MODEL. ...................................................................... 6
FIGURE 5.
EXAMPLE OF VEHICLES PASSING ON NARROW TRACKS WITHIN THE YEAL

AREA. ............................................................................................................... 7
FIGURE 6.
EXAMPLE OF LONG NARROW TRACKS ACROSS VEGETATED SAND DUNES.

TRACKS WERE USED AS SEISMIC/GPR TRANSECTS........................................ 8
FIGURE 7.
EXAMPLE OF DEEP SAND ALONG NARROW TRACKS AT YEAL ...................... 8
FIGURE 8.
TRACKED BOBCAT WITH 1400 KG CONCRETE BREAKER WEIGHT DROP ..... 11
FIGURE 9.
CONCRETE BREAKER (700KG WEIGHT DROPPED FROM ~ 1M) AND THE

ANSIR - 6000 LB MINI-VIBRATOR. ............................................................. 12
FIGURE 10.
SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON OF STACKED SECTION USING SAME SHOT AND

RECEIVER LOCATIONS AND SAME THE PROCESSING FLOW......................... 12
FIGURE 11.
THE IMAGES ABOVE SHOW A TRUNK LINE UNIT AND TAP UNIT FROM THE
SEISTRONIX EX6 SEISMIC ACQUISITION SYSTEM.......................................... 13
FIGURE 12.
ILLUSTRATION SHOWING SPLIT SPREAD SURVEY GEOMETRY..................... 14
FIGURE 13.
BASIC DATA FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3A GEOMETRY CORRECTED

SHOT RECORD FILE. ....................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 14.
BASIC DATA FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3B GEOMETRY CORRECTED

SHOT RECORDS FILE. ..................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 15.
BASIC DATA FOR CLOVER ROAD GEOMETRY CORRECTED SHOT RECORD

FILE. ............................................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 16.
PHOTOGRAPH OF HYDROPHONE STRING USED FOR VSP SURVEYING ...... 17
FIGURE 17.
EXAMPLE SHOWING OF 11 VSP SHOT RECORDS FROM BORE HOLE NG8A18
FIGURE 18.
FWF SONIC TOOL USED TO ACQUIRE FWF SONIC DATA AT NG3-CORED

HOLE .............................................................................................................. 19
FIGURE 19.
EXAMPLE OF FWF SONIC DATA COLLECTED AT A SINGLE DEPTH (71.5M)

FOR FOUR DIFFERENT TRANSITION CENTRE FREQUENCIES ......................... 20
FIGURE 20.
SHEAR WAVE VERSUS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR DEPTH INTERVAL

64.6 64.78 (SAMPLE 1)................................................................................ 22
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FIGURE 21.

170.1 170.3 (SAMPLE 2).............................................................................. 23
FIGURE 22.

145.3 145.6 SAMPLE 3.............................................................................. 23
FIGURE 23.

76.3 77.8 SAMPLE 4.................................................................................. 24
FIGURE 24.

138.6-138.9 SAMPLE 5................................................................................... 24
FIGURE 25.
QUALITY CONTROL TEST SHOWING SHEAR WAVE VERSUS CONSTANT

EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR CHANGING PORE PRESSURE FOR DEPTH
INTERVAL 138.6 138.9 SAMPLE 5 ............................................................ 25
FIGURE 26.
EXAMPLE OF NG3 CORE PLUGS COMPARE TO CORE PLUGS FROM WATER

CORPORATIONS M345 SITE ........................................................................... 26
FIGURE 27.
RAW 250 MHZ RADAR DATA ACQUIRED ON TUART ROAD (MEAN

REMOVED / TRACE NORMALIZED)................................................................ 27
FIGURE 28.
RAW 250 MHZ RADAR DATA ACQUIRED ON CLOVER ROAD (MEAN

REMOVED / TRACE NORMALIZED) ............................................................... 27
FIGURE 29.
TABLE OF PROCESSED DATA SETS................................................................. 28
FIGURE 30.
EXAMPLE OF A SHOT RECORD FROM START OF CLOVER ROAD ................. 30
FIGURE 31.
EXAMPLE OF A SHOT RECORD FROM THE SECOND SPREAD ALONG CLOVER

ROAD ............................................................................................................. 31
FIGURE 32.
MAP SHOWING SIN_Y_COORD AND SIN_X_COORD AND ELEVATION

GEOMETRY FOR THE TUART ROAD 3A TRANSECT. ..................................... 31
FIGURE 33.
2D STACKING CHART FOR THE TUART ROAD 3A TRANSECT..................... 32
FIGURE 34.
TUART ROAD 3A CDP ELEVATION AND C-STATIC CORRECTION. ........... 32
FIGURE 35.
FOLD GEOMETRY AND ELEVATION ALONG TUART ROAD 3B .................... 33
FIGURE 36.
MAP OF CDP_X AND CDP_Y SHOWING FOLD GEOMETRY ALONG LINE.. 33
FIGURE 37.
TRACE MID-POINT MAP FOR CLOVER ROAD. ............................................. 34
FIGURE 38.
OFFSET GEOMETRY CHART FOR CLOVER ROAD......................................... 34
FIGURE 39.
CLOVER ROAD ELEVATION GEOMETRY. ...................................................... 34
FIGURE 40.
STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD 3A PRIOR TO MIGRATION............... 35
FIGURE 41.
STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD 3A AFTER MIGRATION ................... 35
FIGURE 42.
EXAMPLE OF DATA QUALITY ALONG A 4.5 KM LENGTH OF THE TUART

ROAD 3A 2D SEISMIC TRANSECT. ................................................................ 36
FIGURE 43.
COMPARISON OF FAULT IMAGING AND TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3A FROM

TWO OVER LAPPING SURVEYS WITH ACQUISITION PARAMETERS............... 37
FIGURE 44.
EXAMPLE OF MIGRATED STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT

3B PLOTTED AGAINST EASTING. .................................................................. 38
FIGURE 45.
EXAMPLE OF STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3B PLOTTED

AGAINST EASTING ........................................................................................ 38
FIGURE 46.
EXAMPLE OF STACKED AND MIGRATED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD

TRANSECT 3B PLOTTED AGAINST EASTING................................................. 39
FIGURE 47.
STACKED SECTIONS FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3A, TUART ROAD 3B

AND CLOVER ROAD WITHIN A 3D VOLUME ............................................... 40
FIGURE 48.

AND CLOVER ROAD WITHIN A 3D VOLUME ............................................... 40
FIGURE 49.
STACKED SECTION FOR CLOVER ROAD WITHIN A 3D VOLUME LOOKING

FROM THE EAST (I.E. BRAND HWY) TOWARDS THE WEST.......................... 41
FIGURE 50.
ACQUISITION PARAMETERS FOR ZERO OFFSET VSP SURVEYING AT

MONITORING BORE NG8A, NG3A, AND NG10A...................................... 42
FIGURE 51.
EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORD IN MONITORING BORE

NG8A............................................................................................................ 42
FIGURE 52.
EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORD IN BORE NG3A............... 43
FIGURE 53.
EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORD (IN THE TIME RANGE 0 TO
160MSEC) IN BORE NG3A ............................................................................ 43
FIGURE 54.
EXAMPLE SHOWS 11 ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORDS AT BORE NG8A

(WITH TRACE NORMALIZATION).................................................................. 44
FIGURE 55.
EXAMPLE SHOWS 11 ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORDS AT BORE NG8A.. 45
FIGURE 56.
EXAMPLE OF A FULL ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORDS WITH THE UPPER
HYDROPHONE LOCATED AT BORE NG10A. ................................................ 46
FIGURE 57.
EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP FIRST BREAK PICKING AT NG10A PLOTTED

AGAINST DEPTH ............................................................................................ 46
FIGURE 58.
EXAMPLE OF COMBINATION OF 10 ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORDS

SORTED BY DEPTH IN BORE NG10A............................................................. 47
FIGURE 59.
EXAMPLE OF DEPTH CONVERTED CORRIDOR STACK FOR ONE ZERO OFFSET

VSP AT NG10A (LEFT) COMPARED TO STACKED DEPTH CONVERTED 2D
SEISMIC TRACES AT THE SAME LOCATION.. ................................................. 48
FIGURE 60.
EXAMPLE OF FWF SONIC IMPORTED IN PROMAX FOR ANALYSIS ........... 49
FIGURE 61.
EXAMPLE OF SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF TRACE AT 82.2M AND 81.4 M.......... 50
FIGURE 62.
EXAMPLE OF FWF SONIC RESPONSE WITH DEPTH FOR RX1, RX2, RX3 AND
RX4 FOR TRANSMITTER CENTER FREQUENCY 3 KHZ.................................. 51
FIGURE 63.
EXAMPLE OF VELOCITY PICKING FOR 15 KHZ FWF SONIC DATA. ............ 51

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FIGURE 64.
PROCESSED FILTERED FWF SONIC 15 KHZ TRANSMITTER CENTRE

FREQUENCY AND FILTERED 3 KHZ TRANSMITTER FREQUENCY
COMPRESSIONAL WAVE VELOCITIES ALONG WITH A PSEUDO

DISPERSION CURVE.
FIGURE 65.
.................................................................................... 53
STONELEY WAVE VELOCITIES RECOVERED FROM FILTERED 1 KHZ CENTRE

FREQUENCY FWF SONIC LOGGING .............................................................. 54
FIGURE 66.
SHEAR WAVE VELOCITY VS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR FIVE CORE

SAMPLE OBTAINED FROM CORED HOLE NG3.............................................. 55
FIGURE 67.
SHEAR WAVE VELOCITY VERSUS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR FIVE CORE
SAMPLE OBTAINED FROM CORE HOLE NG3 SHOWN IN THE RANGE FROM 0
TO 10000 KPA EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE................................................... 56
FIGURE 68.
COMPARISON OF SHEAR WAVE VELOCITIES AT 1000 KPA EFFECTIVE

PRESSURE ....................................................................................................... 56
FIGURE 69.
LOCATION OF TUART ROAD AND CLOVER ROAD GPR TRANSECTS ........ 59
FIGURE 70.
EXAMPLE OF ~ 15KMS OF PROCESSED TUART ROAD RADAR DATA ........... 59
FIGURE 71.
EXAMPLE FOR ~100M OF PROCESSED TUART ROAD GPR DATA ................ 60
FIGURE 72.
EXAMPLE OF ~25 M OF PROCESSED TUART ROAD RADAR DATA ............... 60
FIGURE 73.
EXAMPLE OF ~21 KMS OF PROCESSED CLOVER ROAD GROUND

PENETRATING RADAR (GPR) DATA............................................................ 61
vii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report spans the acquisition and processing of geophysical data sets along Tuart Road
and Clover Road in the Northern Gnangara Mound for the Department of Water in Western
Australia and the Australian Government under its 12.9 billion Water for the Future plan.
The acquisition phase included some 3263 seismic shot records, over 35 km of 250 MHz
shielded antenna Ground Penetrating Radar, more than 40 VSP shot records, Multi
Frequencies, Full-Wave Form Sonic, wire-line logs in the cored hole NG3, and Bender Tests
on 5 whole core samples. This was completed efficiently and without incident. All data is
geographically referenced and where necessary detailed processing has been completed (e.g.
2D Seismic Reflection Data).
This document describes the equipment used, the basic field acquisition parameters, data
processing and general data quality for all data sets. It does not include interpretations. Also
the document is not intended to cover new research topics; however, it does indicated new
lines of investigation that are evolving at Curtin University (e.g. post graduate research
projects).
The 2D seismic data set is the result of some 20,000 blows (i.e. six repeat blows at each source
location) with a 1400 kg weight dropped from about 1.5m above the ground. The source
point interval was 10 m. The seismic response generated by each blow was recorded in 300
geophones spaced at 5 m intervals. The recording instrument was a state of the art,
distributed-array, seismic acquisition system (i.e. Seistronix EX6). The 2D seismic data
acquired along Tuart and Clover Roads across the Northern Gnangara Mound is of high
quality and processed data clearly meets the core objective of the project. That is, the
surveying has generated research quality data sets and detailed images of the subsurface to
approximately 1000 m below ground level.
The 250MHz, shielded-antenna, ground-penetrating radar data was ideally suited to the
task of understanding the very shallow sediments across the Gnangara Mound. Depth of
penetration across the Bassendean Sands was of the order 20 m. As expected penetration
was highly attenuated where shallow clays were present. Layers above, at and below the
regional watertable are clear in most of the GPR data.
Vertical Seismic Profiling, Full-Wave Form Sonic, wire-line logging, and core analysis (e.g.
shear wave velocity versus effective pressure) provide important support for interpreting the
2D seismic data. Further these data are required for full acoustic characterization of the
1
shallow Leederville and Yarragadee Formations. Full acoustic characterization (e.g. velocity
and amplitude with frequency) is necessary if new innovative Seismic methods are to be
developed (e.g. combined 2D Compressional and Shear Wave surveying and/or Seismoelectric methods).
Initial Radar and 2D Seismic Reflection work in the Northern Gnangara Mound was
commissioned by Water Corporation of Western Australia. The Department of Water
expanded these studies with longer transects for Tuart and Clover Roads.
Even at the early stages of interpretation, it is apparent that the Seismic and Radar data sets
have resolved important aspects of the hydrogeological framework of the Northern
Gnangara Mound that were previously not understood or fully appreciated. The high
quality, high resolution data sets acquired for DoW can be utilised for new information and
studies for many years. The scientific outcomes have clear international significance and are
leading the way to a new higher resolution future for hydrogeology where numerical
groundwater flow and conceptual geological models can be built with increased confidence.
These high resolution geophysical surveys have contributed to stimulating new, PHD,
Masters, and Honours research projects at Curtin University. The surveys have also exposed
many undergraduate geophysics students to hydrogeology and hydrogeophysics.
INTRODUCTION
The Gnangara Mound is a main water supply for the Perth metropolitan area. Groundwater
resources are in high demand, and under increased pressure due to reduced rainfall. The
Department requires better understanding of the geological constraints and limitations on
thess groundwater resources, so that informed decisions are made on groundwater use and
environmental impacts.
Hydrogeological investigation relies heavily upon information obtained through both
geophysics and drilling. Lack of hydrogeological information in the northern area of the
Gnangara Mound has led to difficulties in attaining good calibration of water levels within
the Perth Regional Aquifer Monitoring System (PRAMS) groundwater model.
The PRAMS groundwater model is used by the Department of Water for predicting aquifer
response to changes in future climate and groundwater pumping, and is ultimately used as a
tool for managing groundwater use. The poor calibration of PRAMS can lead to erroneous
predictions of aquifer response. New hydrogeological data will improve the conceptual
geological model and be used in the redesign of PRAMS to improve its reliability.
Seismic has been successfully used as a tool in petroleum exploration to map linear features
including faults and stratigraphic units; however, these projects usually had deep
exploration targets, in excess of 1000 m. The method has been limited in near-surface
exploration until now. Ongoing research conducted in Western Australia is developing
techniques to apply this method to imaging geological units and structures in the shallow,
near surface.
The results from the seismic reflection survey will be used to improve conceptual
understanding of stratigraphy of the Leederville and Yarragadee Formations under the
Gnangara groundwater mound. Another method, ground penetrating radar, was used to
provide data on the subsurface at depths < 50 m that cannot be imaged by seismic.
Recent seismic and ground-penetrating radar studies by the Water Corporation and Curtin
University at Gnangara have shown very good resolution of formation boundaries and
horizons, both within the superficial formations and underlying Leederville and Yarragadee
Formations.
Data obtained in this investigation will complement the Gnangara drilling investigation, and
provide additional stratigraphic and structural geological information. The seismic line will
3
provide information on structure, where understanding of the continuity of formations is

poor.
SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES
The acquisition and processing of seismic reflection and radar data was completed for
Department of Water over the Gnangara Mound. This is part of a large collaborative project
with significant contributions for by Department of Water, Water Corporation and Curtin
University of Technology. The project was also part funded by Australia Government under
its 12.9 billion Water for the Future plan.
There are two over-riding objectives including:

1. Acquisition and processing of high quality geophysics data suitable for resolving the
detailed hydrogeology in the Northern Gnangara mound in the Perth Basin; Western
Australia,
2. To provide research quality data sets that will support and promote new, practical
and theoretic research programs into hydrogeology and geophysics (i.e. in particular
seismic reflection and radar).
The results from geophysical surveys will provide key inputs for hydraulic modeling of the
wider Perth Basin and will ultimately feed into decision making for Perths future
groundwater resource development and management.
Another research objective was to determine optimal seismic survey design in the presence
of near-surface attenuating unconsolidated sands, such that maximum resolution is achieved
over the critical depth range. In addition, development of location specific processing is
central to the project.
This report outlines equipment used, data acquired and base-line processing for the seismic
and radar data over the Northern Gnangara Mound, Western Australia. All data is
geographically referenced and stored at Curtin University of Technology. All raw and
processed data has been made available to DoW.
STUDY AREA
The project location is recognized as a key area for understanding and modeling the
hydrogeology of the Perth Basin. The focus of the 2D Seismic reflection and 250 MHz
Ground Penetrating Radar acquisition involved two East-West tracks along Tuart Road and
Clover Road respectively. The full length of each of these tracks is more than 20kms. Clover
Road is approximately 5 km south of Tuart Road.
Tuart and Clover Roads are ideally located to resolve key hydrogeological features of the
Northern Gnangara Mound. North South tie lines for the 2D seismic and 250MHz Radar had
previously been acquired as part of a Water Corporation project. The four figures below
shows the location of all 2D seismic and ground penetrating radar transects.
FIGURE 1.
LOCATION OF 2D SEISMIC TRANSECTS. NOTE THAT THE 2D SEISMIC
TRANSECT, TUART ROAD 3B IS MARKED IN GREEN, TUART ROAD 3A IS MARKED IN

ORANGE AND CLOVER ROAD IS MARKED IN BLUE.
FIGURE 2.
LOCATION OF 2D SEISMIC TRANSECTS MAPPED OVER DIGITAL
ELEVATION MODEL.
FIGURE 3.
LOCATION OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR TRANSECTS. NOTE
THAT THE GROUND PENETRATING RADAR TRANSECT FOR TUART ROAD IS

MARKED AS DARK PURPLE AND THE TRANSECT FOR CLOVER ROAD IS MARKED IN
LIGHT PURPLE
FIGURE 4.
LOCATIONS OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR TRANSECTS MAPPED
OVER A DIGITAL ELEVATION MODEL.
FIELD LOGISTICS
Department of Water and Water Corporation undertook extensive consultation with

Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) to enable the project to commence and
established well-formed limestone roads to improve access. The environmental impact of the
surveys were negligible as all transects were completed along existing tracks within DEC
controlled land. All agencies (DoW, Water Corporation, and DEC) were informed prior to
surveys commencing.
Site conditions for acquisition of both Radar and Seismic data were difficult. The exception
being recently completed limestone tracks along Tuart Road; however, most of the survey
was completed over vegetated sand dunes. The tracks were easiest to drive on immediately
after rain. As sands dried out, travelling on the tracks became problematic even for four
wheel drive vehicles. The three images below illustrate the narrow tracks along which
seismic and radar surveys were completed.
FIGURE 5.
EXAMPLE OF VEHICLES PASSING ON NARROW TRACKS WITHIN THE
YEAL AREA.
FIGURE 6.
EXAMPLE OF LONG NARROW TRACKS ACROSS VEGETATED SAND
DUNES. TRACKS WERE USED AS SEISMIC/GPR TRANSECTS.
FIGURE 7.
EXAMPLE OF DEEP SAND ALONG NARROW TRACKS AT YEAL. AS SAND
BECAME DRY THE TRACKS ALSO BECAME DIFFICULT TO DRIVE ALONG, EVEN
WITH 4WD VEHICLES. ULTIMATELY A TRACKED BOBCAT WAS REQUIRED AS A
WHEELED BOBCAT HAD DIFFICULTY MANEUVERING IN DEEP SANDS.
METHODOLOGY
An innovative and new methodology was developed to resolve hydraulic properties and
hydraulic connection between major aquifers and/or structures. In some places, it was
necessary to resolve up to six hydrostratigraphic units that may have significant fault
displacement. The depth range for the survey ranged from tens of meters (Radar) to more
than one thousand meters (Seismic Reflection).
The surface seismic was combined with vertical seismic profiling (VSP) surveys. The VSP
surveys were required to support processing and interpretation. Multiple Full wave sonic
logs were acquired in bore NG3, which was a significant hole for understanding
arrangement of Leederville and Yarragadee formations over the Gnangara Mound. Wire line
logs and VSP surveys will assist correlation and tie to 2D seismic data. At a later stage the
VSP and FWF sonic logs may assist in establishing the relationship between seismic
impedance distribution and the distribution of hydraulic parameters.
Acquisition of the seismic data was undertaken using Curtins new 300 channel distributed
array seismic acquisition system, in combination with a skid-steer bob cat Mounted Concrete
Breaker Source. The acquisition team consisted of between 5 and 6 personal including a
seismic acquisition leader, the bob cat driver and 2 to 4 acquisition crew members.
Geophones and acquisition boxes were spaced along spreads on 1.5 km long spread.
Acquisition speed was approximately 1 km per day depending on site conditions. All
seismic transects were reviewed prior to any surveys commencing. No damage to tracks or
the environment was reported.
Data processing and research into processing will be completed with the Petroleum industry
standard Landmark Software (i.e. Promax).
DATA ACQUISITION
Table 1 contains a summary of data acquired. All seismic data is preserved in geometry
corrected SEGY format. The SEGY files contain completed survey parameters for each shot
record. Similarly all Radar data is preserved in a format that contains complete geometry for
each survey position (i.e. every trace acquired is coordinated).
Survey
Tuart Road Transect 3A
Tuart Road Transect 3B
Cover Road Transect 4
NG3A VSP
NG8A
NG10A
NG3-cored hole FWF
sonic
NG3A FWF sonic
Record Type
Seismic
Reflection
Shot Records
Seismic
Reflection
Shot Records
Seismic
Reflection
Shot Records
Seismic
Reflection
Shot Records
Seismic
Reflection
Shot Records
Seismic
Reflection
Shot Records
FWF sonic
wire line logs
FWF sonic
wire line logs
Number
of Records
File containing Record
1043
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
381
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
1843
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
11
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
11
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
22
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
Well CAD and MSI format
Well CAD and MSI format
Tuart Road Radar

Line kms
~15
ReflexW and SEGY
250MHz
Clover Road Radar
Line kms
~21
ReflexW and SEGY
250MHz
Table 1. Summary of data acquired and data format. All data is backed up on at Curtin
Universities, Department of Exploration Geophysics.
10
2D SEISMIC ACQUISITION
High resolution seismic data was acquired with a split-spread configuration, including 300
geophone channels at 5 m intervals and a source point spacing of 10 m. Data was acquired
over 2.5 seconds and sample were acquired every millisecond (msec). A 10 msec pre-trigger
was used (i.e. 10 msec of data were acquired before impact). Each source point consisted of
six impacts with a 1400 kg weight dropped from approximately 1.5 m. Decisions on the
source were made after a considerable number of trials with different sources. Each element
of the acquisition system is described in more detail below.
SEISMIC SOURCE
The complete seismic source consisted of a F10 concrete breaker mounted on a tracked skid
steer bob cat. The source was chosen because it could access the often narrow tracks with
minimal impact on the environment. The acoustic wave is generated by a 1400 kg steel block
being drop from 1.5m height.
Often deep unconsolidated sands (i.e. sand dunes) and tight bends made work difficult, even
for 4WD support vehicles. It is unlikely that larger source vehicles could have accessed the
narrow tracks without modification or clearing.
FIGURE 8.
TRACKED BOBCAT WITH 1400 KG CONCRETE BREAKER WEIGHT DROP.
THE 1400KG WEIGHT IS DROP FROM 1.5M HEIGHT. SIX STACKS (REPEAT BLOWS)
WERE COMPLETED AT 10 M INTERVALS ON ALL TRANSECTS. THE TRACKED
BOBCAT WAS ABLE TO NEGOTIATED TIGHT SANDY TRACKS AND PROVED TO BE A
HIGH QUALITY VERSATILE SOURCE.
11
The decision on the seismic source was based on a prior comparative study. This study
compared a ~6000 pound Mini-Vibrator source with a ~700 kg concrete breaker impact
source. The study was completed along Tangletoe Road, immediately south of Gingin Brook
Road to the North of Northern Gnangara Mound. The study was high instructive.
Photographs of the two other considered sources and the processed stacked section for each
are provided below.
FIGURE 9.
CONCRETE BREAKER (700KG WEIGHT DROPPED FROM ~ 1M) AND THE
ANSIR - 6000 LB MINI-VIBRATOR USED IN A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SEISMIC

SOURCES IN THE NORTH OF NORTHERN GNANGARA MOUND
FIGURE 10.
SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON OF STACKED SECTION USING SAME SHOT
AND RECEIVER LOCATIONS AND SAME THE PROCESSING FLOW FOR; A)

CONCRETE BREAKER WEIGHT DROP SOURCE AND B) 6000LB MINI VIBRATOR
SOURCE.
12
GEOPHONES
The 2D seismic survey used 10 Hz geophones. The geophones were laboratory tested and
found to be linear in the range ~10 to ~400 Hz. This spans the range of useful frequency
content expected. That is, it is unlikely that frequencies content below 15 Hz or above 150 Hz
will be recoverable after processing. In short, 10 Hz geophones were considered to limit
frequency content of data acquired.
SEISMIC ACQUISITION SYSTEM

A new distributed-array Seistronix acquisition system was used for data collection. Refer to
the web site: http://www.seistronix.com/ for specification of the Seistronix EX6 system.
Photographs of an EX6 system truck line unit and tap unit are provided below along with an
"action" shot at a field data acquisition point.
FIGURE 11.
THE IMAGES ABOVE SHOW A TRUNK LINE UNIT AND TAP UNIT FROM
THE SEISTRONIX EX6 SEISMIC ACQUISITION SYSTEM. SIXTY AU (ACQUISITION

UNIT) BOXES, EACH CAPABLE OF RECORDING 6 CHANNELS
13
SURVEY PARAMETER SETTING

All basic 2D seismic acquisition parameters were kept constant for the Tuart Road and
Clover Road surveys. The basic parameters used include:
Sample Rate
= 1 msec
Trace length
= 2.5 sec
Gain Setting
= 24 dB
Pre-trigger
= 10 msec
SURVEY GEOMETRY
The survey configuration was a split-spread, stack array disposition. The geometry is
illustrated in the figure below. Put simply, shooting was always through the middle 5th of a
300 phone (1500 m) spread, which allowed near constant fold in the depth range of primary
interest (i.e. surface to ~ 1000 m below ground level).
FIGURE 12.
ILLUSTRATION SHOWING SPLIT SPREAD SURVEY GEOMETRY. THE
MIDDLE FIFTH OF EACH 300 GEOPHONE SPREAD IS SHOT THEN 60 GEOPHONES

ARE PICKED UP FROM THE BACK OF THE SPREAD AND MOVE TO THE FRONT TO
FORM THE NEXT SPREAD. THE PROCESS IS THEN REPEATED UNTIL THE SEISMIC
LINE IS FINISHED. MOVING ONLY ONE FIFTH OF THE SPREAD MAINTAINS
CONSISTENT AND HIGH FOLD.
14
DATA ACQUIRED
The 2D seismic data sets acquired and detail concerning VSP, FWF sonic and Ground
Penetrating Radar equipment and acquisition are outlined below.
The geometry corrected SEGY shot records contain a complete record of survey geometry
and parameters. The detail will not be repeated here other than to provide the name and
basic details for each SEGY file for Tuart Road 3A, Tuart Road 3B and Clover Road
respectively. Details for the geometry of the stacked sections are provided in the processing
section of this report.
FIGURE 13.
BASIC DATA FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3A GEOMETRY CORRECTED
SHOT RECORD FILE.
FIGURE 14.
BASIC DATA FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3B GEOMETRY CORRECTED
SHOT RECORDS FILE.
15
FIGURE 15.
BASIC DATA FOR CLOVER ROAD GEOMETRY CORRECTED SHOT
RECORD FILE.
VERTICAL SEISMIC PROFILING (VSP)

Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) data was collected with a 24-channel, hydrophone string
mounted in a 4WD off-road trailer as shown below. The hydrophone string was purchased
by Water Corporation of Western Australia to support research into VSP for hydrogeology.
The hydrophone string is some 1000 m long and has 24 hydrophones spaced at 10 m
intervals (i.e. over 230 m) at the bottom of the string.
Hydrophones must be submersed in water to function correctly and are highly sensitive at
wide range of frequencies (e.g. into the KHz range). A hammer source was more than
sufficient to obtain clear first breaks (i.e. first arrival travel times) throughout each of the
Department of Water bores surveyed.
VSP surveying was completed in DoW monitoring bores NG3A, NG8A, and NG10A. At
least 11 zero offset shot records were acquired at each drill hole. That is, at each bore hole the
24 channel hydrophone string was pulled up at 1 m intervals 11 times to get complete one
metre coverage (i.e. hydrophones at 240 positions) over a significant portions of each hole.
A patch box (designed at Curtin University) was used to distribute the 24 channels from the
hydrophone string into four Seistronix acquisition units. Each Seistronix acquisition unit can
acquire six channels of data.
16
The EX6 acquisition system survey parameters used include:

Sample Rate: 0.25 msec
Trace length: 2 seconds
Gain
: 24 db
Pre-trigger : 4 msec
FIGURE 16.
PHOTOGRAPH OF HYDROPHONE STRING USED FOR VSP SURVEYING.
NOTE THE SAFETY SWITCHES ETC.
An example of the VSP data acquired is provided below. The image shows the 11 shot
records collected at bore hole NG8A. There are 25 traces collected for each shot record. Note
that the 25th trace is obtained in a geophone places and the bores collar.
17
FIGURE 17.
EXAMPLE SHOWING OF 11 VSP SHOT RECORDS FROM BORE HOLE
NG8A. TWENTY FOUR CHANNELS COME FROM THE HYDROPHONE STRING AND 1
CHANNEL (I.E. THE 25 T H TRACE) COMES FROM A GEOPHONE AT THE COLLAR.
FULL WAVE FORM SONIC WIRELINE LOGGING

The objective of the FWF sonic logging was to obtain near complete acoustic characterization
of the shallow Yarragadee in the frequency range 500 Hz to 25000 Hz.
Repeat Full Wave Form (FWF) sonic wire line logs were completed in the cored drill hole
NG3. The location of this cored hole is critical in understanding the 3D framework of the
Northern Gnangara Mound (see DoW reports for bore logs and locations). NG3-cored hole is
a location (i.e. along Stewart Road) where the Leederville Formation appears to pinch out
and where the shallow Yarragadee Formation appears to be split into two seismically
different units (i.e. a low velocity and higher velocity unit). It is a key location for later
interpretation of the 2D seismic data.
Data was acquired with the Mount Sopris Instrument FWF sonic probe. See the web site;
http://www.mountsopris.com/ for details on this instrument. Data was collected at four center
frequencies including: 1 KHz, 3 KHz, 5 KHz and 15 KHz, with a four receiver, one
transmitter tool configuration. The 1 KHz, 3 KHz and 5 KHz data were acquired with 16
microsecond (usec) sampling over 4.2 msec and the 15 KHz data was collected with 8usec
sampling with a trace length of 2.2 msec. Data was collected at a broad range of centre
18
frequencies such that dispersion (in amplitude and velocity) in compressional and Stoneley
wave data could be analysed. The tool is illustrated in the photograph below.
FIGURE 18.
FWF SONIC TOOL USED TO ACQUIRE FWF SONIC DATA AT NG3-CORED
HOLE. SPACING BETWEEN RECEIVERS IS 1 FT AND THE DISTANCE FROM THE

TRANSMITTER TO THE FIRST RECEIVER IS 3 FT.
An example of data obtained at the four center frequencies is illustrated below. It should be
noted that the response at each center frequency is relatively broad band (e.g. there is
considerable overlap in frequency content). Frequency content of the signal will be discussed
more in the processing section of this report.
19
FIGURE 19.
EXAMPLE OF FWF SONIC DATA COLLECTED AT A SINGLE DEPTH
(71.5M) FOR FOUR DIFFERENT TRANSITION CENTRE FREQUENCIES (I.E. 1 KHZ, 3

KHZ, 5 KHZ AND 15 KHZ).
SHEAR COMPRESSIONAL WAVE MEASUREMENTS ON CORE

There are an exceedingly small number of cored holes drilled into the shallow sediments of
the Perth Basin. These sediments, in particular the superficial, Leederville and Yarragadee
formations store significant volumes of water and are utilized for potable water supply for
Perth.
A cored hole was drilled in the Northern Perth basin in January 2009. The core provided a
rare opportunity to study the geology, hydrogeology and petrophysics of sediments of the
Perth Basin in detail. There are three main motivations for completing a detailed study of the
petrophysics of the sediment from the North Perth Basin at core scale:
Build relationships between petrophysical parameters and hydrogeological

parameters for better understanding and interpretation in the Perth Basin. Develop
the specific relationship between a core scale between geology, hydrogeology and
20
petrophysics, such that these relationships can be better understood and inferred
across a wider basin area.
Build the relationship between P and S wave velocities and hydrogeology for
interpretation of 2D seismic data acquired in the Northern Gnangara Mound.
Develop the general relationship between P and S wave velocities and hydraulic
parameters at core scale such that hydrogeology can be interpreted from sonic logs
and 2D seismic data acquired across the Northern Gnangara Mound. That is, some
60 kms of detailed 2D seismic data has been acquired across the Northern Gnangara
Mound. This data is being used to develop the large scale hydrostratigraphic
framework of the North Gnangara Mound. This work requires the development of a
model relating the 2D seismic image to determine hydrogeological properties.
Develop the technologies for measuring and/or computing both acoustic and
hydraulic parameters for shallow moderately to weakly consolidated sediment
samples for a range of confining and pore pressures. The properties of shallow
sediments (i.e. the upper 1000 m) are of the highest importance in hydrogeology;
however, these can be exceedingly difficult to measure/determine and are not well
studied. Of particular importance is the change in acoustic and hydraulic parameters
with changes confining and/or pore pressure in the near surface (e.g. how do the
hydraulic/acoustic properties of shallow sediments vary with depth of burial up to
~1000m). This area of research needs to be developed at all levels (i.e. equipment,
data acquisition and theoretical model development). The core recovered from NG8
provides the opportunity to advance the methods for empirically and theoretically
determining these important relationships.
An emphasis has been placed on quality and verification of results (measurements) rather
than throughput (i.e. number of tests completed).
All core handling and testing was completed by a commercial core laboratory. It was
assumed that standard 38 mm DIA plugs will be cut from frozen sandstone core samples
then mounted within a Teflon case. Unfortunately the core plugs that were recovered were
not of sufficient quality for testing. New plugs needed to be cut and this delayed recovery of
compressional and shear wave parameters. These tests will be completed later in 2009.
Careful attention will be paid to the validation and verification of results. To this end
verification of the measurements obtained at Curtin will be reviewed by two independent
research facilities, including UWAs soft sediment laboratory. Bender testing has been
completed at UWA and examples of the resulting measurements are detailed below.
21
SHEAR WAVE MEASURMENTS (BENDER TESTS)

An essential component of recovering near complete acoustic characterization of the shallow
Yarragadee is recovery of shear waves. Shear wave cannot be obtained in-situ from the FWF
sonic logs with the MSI monopole logging system. This is because the shear wave is slower
than the bore hole fluid velocity. In this case, the shear wave velocity for specific lithologies
and depths can only be recovered by shear wave velocity measurements on core samples at a
range of confining/overburden pressures (i.e. effective pressures). Although the Bender
Testing is expensive, it is also likely that there will be no other opportunity to determine
this key acoustic parameter from the shallow Yarragadee in the near to medium term.
Five bender tests were completed on core samples obtained from the Shallow Yarragadee
from cored hole NG3.
The shear wave velocities versus effective pressure obtained for the five sandstone samples
are provided below. Complete Bender Test reports are available for each sample.
FIGURE 20.
SHEAR WAVE VERSUS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR DEPTH
INTERVAL 64.6 64.78 (SAMPLE 1)
22
FIGURE 21.
INTERVAL 170.1 170.3 (SAMPLE 2)
FIGURE 22.
INTERVAL 145.3 145.6 SAMPLE 3
23
FIGURE 23.
FIGURE 24.
INTERVAL 138.6-138.9 SAMPLE 5
24
FIGURE 25.
QUALITY CONTROL TEST SHOWING SHEAR WAVE VERSUS CONSTANT
EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR CHANGING PORE PRESSURE FOR DEPTH

COMPRESSIONAL WAVE MEASUREMENTS - NO CORE

Though not as critical as measuring shear wave velocity, the measurement of compressional
wave velocities is still important. The reason is that compressional wave velocities are
directly measured by the full-wave form, sonic wire-line logging. Shear wave velocities
cannot be recovered from such logging in low velocity sediments.
There has been considerable delay in the measurement of compression wave velocities for
the simple reason the core plugs supplied are not of sufficient quality to justify the time
consuming and expensive measurements. The picture below shows the state of plugs
supplied in black (from NG3) and compares to samples from a different core hole in the
Leederville formation. New plugs have recently been cut from the 5 whole core samples
supplied to UWA for Bender testing.
An additional four whole core samples were selected from the core that had been laid out at
the commercial laboratories. No sample supplied from the commercial laboratory could be
cut into standard 38mm diameter plugs. Only the samples preserved for Bender testing
could be cut and mounted as 38 mm plugs. The 38 mm core plugs have only recently been
cut and so are not included in this report.
25
FIGURE 26.
EXAMPLE OF NG3 CORE PLUGS COMPARE TO CORE PLUGS FROM
WATER CORPORATIONS M345 SITE. CORE PLUGS FROM NG3 (I.E. THE TWO ON THE
LEFT) WERE NOT BELIEVED TO BE OF SUITABLE QUALITY FOR COMPRESSIONAL
AND SHEAR WAVE VERSUS CONFINING PRESSURE TESTS.
RADAR DATA ACQUISITION

Two Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) transects were acquired along Tuart and Clover
Roads by Geoforce Pty Ltd. The data for Tuart and Clover Road is shown in the figures
below. The basic parameters for surveying were:
Trace Increment: 0.1m for Tuart Road and 0.05 m for Clover Road.
Number of Traces: 157815 for Tuart Road and 431211 for Clover Road
Time Increment: 0.4 nsec
Sample Number: 664 for Tuart Road, 1024 for Clover Road.
Source Receiver Separation Distance: 0.35 m
Distance Method: Measurement Wheel 100 MHz = 3
Antenna: Mala 250 MHz Shielded
Nominal Frequency: 250 MHz
The two figures below illustrate the Ground Penetrating Data (GPR) acquired along Tuart
Road (~15 km) and Clover Road (~35 km).
26
FIGURE 27.
RAW 250 MHZ RADAR DATA ACQUIRED ON TUART ROAD (MEAN
REMOVED / TRACE NORMALIZED)
FIGURE 28.
RAW 250 MHZ RADAR DATA ACQUIRED ON CLOVER ROAD (MEAN
REMOVED / TRACE NORMALIZED)
27
PROCESSING
Processing of all data sets was completed in Reflexw (i.e. Radar) and/or Landmark PROMAX
(e.g. VSP, 2D seismic and FWF sonic). Processed data sets are provided in the table below.
Processed data is backed up on Curtin University computer system. Also data has been
made available to the Department of Water.
Survey
Tuart Road Transect 3B
Record Type
Stacked
Section
Stacked
Section
Cover Road Transect 4
Stacked
Section
Tuart Road Transect 3A
NG3A VSP
Number
of Records
1
1
22
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
Velocities
Velocities
4
1
ASCII
ASCII
Line km
~15
ReflexW and SEGY
Line km
~35
ReflexW and SEGY
Shot Records
Shot Records
NG8A
1
11
11
Shot Records
NG10A
NG3-cored hole FWF
sonic
NG3A FWF sonic
Tuart Road Radar
250MHz
Clover Road Radar
250MHz
FIGURE 29.
File Type Containing

Record
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
SEGY - Complete
Geometry
TABLE OF PROCESSED DATA SETS.
2D SEISMIC
Data acquisition was accomplished with a high-fidelity, 24-bit distributed telemetric
Seistronix system. A 1000 kg concrete breaker mounted on the front of a tracked bob cat was
used as seismic source.
Obtaining a high-resolution P-wave image was the primary interest for this investigation.
However, the ambient noise and deep, unconsolidated sand dunes and/or shallow limestone
can prevent generation of high quality, high-frequency seismic images. The Tuart and
Clover Road transects were processed as crooked lines. Velocity analysis was used, where
28
velocities were defined by examining either semblances, the flatness of NMO hyperbola or
partial stacks (see Appendix 1, Figure A4).
Recovering high resolution data from the very near surface unconsolidated superficial
sediments through to the highly variable Leederville Formation and into the Yarragadee
Formation was highly challenging and took longer than expected. Of particular importance
in the processing was refraction statics, deconvolution and velocity analysis.
The final processing flow carried out on the data is summarised below:
1. Recording geometry definition: straight + crooked track selection, binning along the track
at 5 m intervals, and QC-displays.
2. Trace edit: reverse.
3. First break picking (manual first break picking was required for al 3262 shot records)
4. First breaks editing and computation of refraction statics using DRM method.
5. Stack (Brute-1), single velocity function using guide function from constant velocity
stack panels.
6. Spectral analysis, deconvolution, band-pass filter tests, and multi-channel filter test.
7. Amplitude analysis: application of shot RMS energy equalisation, spherical divergence
correction, and reflection losses.
8. Application of spiking deconvolution
9. Band pass filter.
10. Surface wave noise attenuation using an apparent velocity.
11. CVS velocity analysis and NMO-I application.
12. Stack to Brute-2.
13. Deep move out corrections
14. CVS analysis II and NMO-II application
15. DMO stack
16. Final time stack
17. Time migration
18. Depth conversion
29
Many additional processing flows were attempted to improve the S/N ratio; however, no
significant improvements were achieved. Research into processing specific to hydrogeology
and shallow unconsolidated sediments (0 to 1000m) is ongoing with some aspects of this
area being the subject of a new PHD.
All processing flows are retained at Curtin University. All processed data sets are contained
within the Landmark PROMAX software package. It is important to note that PROMAX
retains a complete processing history. Data and processing flows are made available for
research at Curtin Universitys Department of Explorations Geophysics. The data sets are
currently used by three PHD students and numerous masters and Honours students, who
have related research projects.
Of particular note in this project is the time and effort that when into first break picking. That
is, first breaks were picked by hand for every shot record (i.e. there are likely to be of the
order 1 million first break picks).
The two shot records below give some indication of the data quality obtained from the 2D
surveying. First breaks were in general well resolved along the full 1500m spread length,
however they were not consistent enough for automatic picking algorithms to generate a
satisfactory result.
FIGURE 30.
EXAMPLE OF A SHOT RECORD FROM START OF CLOVER ROAD.
EXAMPLE IS FOR SHOT EIGHTEEN ON THE FIRST SPREAD (SHOOTING INTO THE
FIRST SPREAD ALONG CLOVER ROAD).
30
FIGURE 31.
EXAMPLE OF A SHOT RECORD FROM THE SECOND SPREAD ALONG
CLOVER ROAD (BAD TRACES HAVE BEEN REMOVED).
A brief review of data coverage, quality and processing for each transect is provided below.
TUART ROAD 3A
The image below shows the geometry of the Tuart Road 3A transect. The color bar to the left
indicates the range of elevations along the road. Note that the northing direction is
exaggerated and the Tuart Road transect is relatively straight in the East West direction.
FIGURE 32.
MAP SHOWING SIN_Y_COORD AND SIN_X_COORD AND ELEVATION
GEOMETRY FOR THE TUART ROAD 3A TRANSECT.
31
The figure below shows a stacking chart. The main point from the diagram below is that fold
is relatively high (e.g. greater than 80) and uniform.
FIGURE 33.
2D STACKING CHART FOR THE TUART ROAD 3A TRANSECT.
The figure below shows elevations plotted against Easting with the total static correction
indicated in the colour range blue to red. Maximum static correction was close to 120 msec at
the highest elevation towards the west of the line.
FIGURE 34.
TUART ROAD 3A CDP ELEVATION AND C-STATIC CORRECTION.
As a general comment processing became difficult towards the western end of Tuart Road
3A. Problems related to more rapid changes in velocity and a complex velocity structure in
the near surface. That is a complex arrangement of near surface limestone and
unconsolidated sand units made removal of statics difficult. Processing to reduce these
problems is ongoing; however, on the whole (e.g. excluding the west of the line) the quality
of the processed stacked section was excellent.
TUART ROAD 3B
Tuart Road 3B extended the Tuart Road 3A coverage to the west of Wanneroo Road by about
3 km. The transect remains East-West in orientation. The figure below shows CDP elevation
32
against Easting with CDP fold indicated as color on the right hand colour bar. Fold remained
above 80 for most of the line. To ensure some overlap with Tuart Road 3B, shooting started
to East of Wanneroo Road. The Tuart Road 3B geophones were placed immediately to the
West of Wanneroo Road (a major Road) and source points started on the East of Wanneroo
Road (~400 to the East of the First Geophone). The highest fold (>150) is obtained as the shot
points move into the first spread going west.
FIGURE 35.
FOLD GEOMETRY AND ELEVATION ALONG TUART ROAD 3B
CLOVER ROAD
Clover Road was the longest transect. The image below shows Northing mapped against
Easting with CDP fold shown in the color range blue to red. Again CDP fold was high and
relatively constant throughout the line. The approximately 18 km long line clearly changes
direction such that application of crooked line processing was essential.
FIGURE 36.
MAP OF CDP_X AND CDP_Y SHOWING FOLD GEOMETRY ALONG LINE.
The image below is a trace midpoint map for clover road. It shows that the bends in Clover
Road are relatively benign and prose no serious problem to processing if crooked line
processing is used correctly.
33
FIGURE 37.
TRACE MID-POINT MAP FOR CLOVER ROAD.
The image below shows the stacking chart for clover Road and provides an alternate
expression of fold.
FIGURE 38.
OFFSET GEOMETRY CHART FOR CLOVER ROAD.
The image below show elevation mapped against Easting with c-static (full static correction)
expressed in the color range blue to red. The image clearly shows that the clover Road
transect spans the Gnangara mound. Again the largest static corrections were required over
the central vegetated sand dunes and at the western most extreme of the Clover Road
transect.
FIGURE 39.
CLOVER ROAD ELEVATION GEOMETRY.
In general processing for Clover Road was time consuming; however, the results were highly
pleasing.
34
STACKED SECTIONS
Some examples of stacks sections are provided to illustrate data quality and any processing
problems that occurred. In general, quality of the processed stacked data was excellent. Final
imaging and interpretation will be completed in a later research phase.
TUART ROAD 3A
The stacked section and migrated stacked sections for the Tuart Road 3A show the key
contact between the Leederville and Yarragadee Formations being clear in both images (i.e.
the unconformity between flat lying and dipping beds).
FIGURE 40.
STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD 3A PRIOR TO MIGRATION.
FIGURE 41.
STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD 3A AFTER MIGRATION
35
FIGURE 42.
EXAMPLE OF DATA QUALITY ALONG A 4.5 KM LENGTH OF THE TUART
ROAD 3A 2D SEISMIC TRANSECT. NOTE THE CLEAR UNCONFORMITY BETWEEN

FLAT LYING (LEEDERVILLE) AND DIPPING (YARRAGADEE) LAYERS.
The eastern most end of Tuart Road 3A was completed with a ~ 2km overlap of the existing
transect. The overlapping survey crosses a complex fault zone. The existing transect was
completed with a smaller source (650kg concrete breaker) and higher resolution survey
parameters. That is, the existing survey was completed with 4 m geophone spacing, 8 m shot
spacing and 0.5 msec sample rate.
Both surveys provided an excellent image of the complex fault zone and as expected higher
resolution data was obtain with higher spatial and temporal sampling, while greater depth
of penetration was obtained with the larger weight drop source. More detail comparison is
proceeding as ongoing research.
36
FIGURE 43.
COMPARISON OF FAULT IMAGING AND TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3A
FROM TWO OVER LAPPING SURVEYS WITH DIFFERENT ACQUISITION

PARAMETERS. FOR THE IMAGE ON THE LEFT THE SURVEY WAS COMPLETED WITH
A SMALLER 600 KG WEIGHT DROPPED FROM 1 M WITH SHOT SPACING 8 M AND
GEOPHONE SPACING 4 M. FOR IMAGE ON THE RIGHT SURVEYING WAS
COMPLETED WITH 1400 KG WEIGHT DROPPED FROM 1.5M WITH SHOT SPACING 10
M AND GEOPHONE SPACING 5M (I.E. THE TUART ROAD 3A TRANSECT).
TUART ROAD 3B
Tuart Road 3B showed less depth penetration when compared with Tuart Road 3A. There
were fewer good reflections were identified beyond 1300 msec, which may have been as a
result of near surface limestone "scattering" the seismic energy. Target depth was
approximately 1000 m and high resolution data was achieved to this depth.
37
FIGURE 44.
EXAMPLE OF MIGRATED STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD
TRANSECT 3B PLOTTED AGAINST EASTING.
Again migration smiles are apparent in the above image. There are several cosmetic
processing steps to remove these. These may be applied to the post stack data at a later date.
CLOVER ROAD
The very long Clover Road transect is perhaps the most pleasing result. The unconformity
between Leederville and Yarragadee is exceedingly well resolved and the definition within
the Yarragadee is exceptional.
FIGURE 45.
EXAMPLE OF STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3B
PLOTTED AGAINST EASTING. THE TRANSECT IS MORE THAN 18 KM LONG.
38
An additional image is provided below to illustrate data quality.
FIGURE 46.
EXAMPLE OF STACKED AND MIGRATED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD
TRANSECT 3B PLOTTED AGAINST EASTING. NOTE THE VERY HIGH RESOLUTION

FROM SURFACE TO 1500 MSEC.
The most pleasing outcome from the 2D seismic, as illustrated in the above examples, is that
high resolution was maintained from surface to ~1500 msec. In particular the resolution of
shallow layers is important, if the hydraulic relationships between superficial, Leederville
and Yarragadee formations are to be revealed.
ALL STACKED SECTIONS

The Clover Road and Tuart Road 2D Seismic transects significantly increase the span of
existing 2D seismic surveys in the Yeal area. In the image below the existing surveys are
shown blanked out (i.e. white sections). These blanked out sections were commissioned by
the Water Corporation of Western Australia. Data sharing agreements are in place such that
a near complete picture of the stratigraphy of the Northern Gnangara Mound can now be
developed. These three images below illustrate the locations the processed 2D Seismic
stacked sections.
39
FIGURE 47.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER STACKED SECTIONS FOR TUART ROAD
TRANSECT 3A, TUART ROAD 3B AND CLOVER ROAD WITHIN A 3D VOLUME.

TRANSECT BLANKED AS WHITE ARE PRE-EXISTING HIGH RESOLUTION 2D SEISMIC
DATA ACQUIRED FOR WATER CORPORATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
FIGURE 48.
AND CLOVER ROAD WITHIN A 3D VOLUME. TRANSECT BLANKED AS WHITE ARE

PRE-EXISTING HIGH RESOLUTION 2D SEISMIC DATA ACQUIRED FOR WATER
CORPORATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA. IMAGE ALSO SHOWS INDICATES THE
LOCATION SPARSE MONITORING BORES (I.E. WIRE LINE LOGS GAMMA RED AND
SHORT NORMAL BLUE).
40
FIGURE 49.
STACKED SECTION FOR CLOVER ROAD WITHIN A 3D VOLUME
LOOKING FROM THE EAST (I.E. BRAND HWY) TOWAROADS THE WEST.
VSP AND WIRE-LINE LOGGING

Comprehensive Full Wave Form (FWF) sonic logging has been completed in the Department
of Waters cored hole NG3. Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) was also completed in the
finalised Department of Water monitoring bores NG3A, NG8A and NG10A. The purpose of
the survey was to provide:
a) clear acoustic characterization of the three major formations (i.e. the Superficial
Formation, the Leederville Formation, and the Yarragadee Formation) such that 2D
sections could be tied into the key formations (i.e. time to depth conversion, and
acoustic impedance distribution), and
b) high quality data sets for ongoing research programs into the seismic methods,
hydrogeology and hydrogeophysics.
VSP
The zero offset VSP data was obtained with a 24 channel hydrophone string. The survey
parameters for the zero offset VSP survey are provided in the table below. Ten blows with
the sledge hammer source were stacked for each shot record. Twenty five channels of data
were recorded. Twenty four channels came from the hydrophone string and the twenty fifth
41
recording channel was an input from a geophone planted in the ground at the top of the
bore.
Type of survey:
Energy source:
Number of shots:
Receivers:
Number of Channels:
Channel spacing:
Sample rate:
Trace length:
Gain :
Pre-trigger:
Number of Stacks
FIGURE 50.
Zero-offset VSP
Sledge Hammer / metal plate
11 (minimum)
Hydrophones
24
10
0.25 ms
2000 ms
24 db
4 ms
10 (blows with the Hammer = 1 shot)
ACQUISITION PARAMETERS FOR ZERO OFFSET VSP SURVEYING AT
MONITORING BORE NG8A, NG3A, AND NG10A.
The example below shows 1 of the 11 zero offset VSP shot records completed at monitoring
bore NG8A. The first 3 channels were above the watertable and the 25th channel come from
the geophone planted near the top of the drill hole. The data quality is excellent. As expected
for a zero offset VSP with a hydrophone string tube, the response waves are strong.
FIGURE 51.
EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORD IN MONITORING BORE
NG8A. IMAGE SHOWS HYDROPHONE CHANNELS 1 TO 24, WITH THE 25 T H CHANNEL

BEING A GEOPHONE AT THE SURFACE NEAR THE WELL COLLAR. NOTE THAT
SHOT RECORDS HAVE BEEN NORMALIZED.
42
VSP SURVEYING IN BORE NG3A
An example (i.e. 1 of 11 VSP records at NG3A) of a zero offset VSP shot record at NG3A is
provided below. The example shows a full shot record plotted with no scaling. Channels 1
and 2 are above the watertable. Again tube wave is clear in the full record.
FIGURE 52.
EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORD IN BORE NG3A. IMAGE
SHOWS HYDROPHONE CHANNELS 1 TO 24, WITH THE 25 T H CHANNEL BEING A

GEOPHONE AT THE SURFACE NEAR THE WELL COLLAR.
The figure below shows a complete zero offset shot record for NG3A zoomed to the first
breaks. The first break data is clear and drop off in amplitude is broadly consistent with
spherical spreading. Again the tube waves follow closely behind the first arrivals.
FIGURE 53.
EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORD (IN THE TIME RANGE 0
TO 160MSEC) IN BORE NG3A. IMAGE SHOWS HYDROPHONE CHANNELS 1 TO 24,

WITH THE 25TH CHANNEL BEING A GEOPHONE AT THE SURFACE NEAR THE WELL
COLLAR.
43

All 11 shot records collected at NG8A are shown in the figure below. The scale has been
normalized. Tube wave are strong and first breaks are clearly represented in the data. After
each shot record the hydrophone string is moved up one meter to give complete 1 m spacing
with one overlapping shot record for zero offset VSP surveying in NG8A.
FIGURE 54.
(WITH TRACE NORMALIZATION).
The 24 hydrophones are set at 10 m intervals along the string. By pulling the hydrophone
string up by one metre, ten times, a full 1 m hydrophone spacing survey can be reconstructed (i.e. 240 hydrophone positions over a 240 m interval). The 11th overlapping
record is always recorded for quality control (i.e. the same location is revisited by different
hydrophones at least once).
The image below shows all eleven zero offset shot records completed at bore NG8A as true
amplitude. Again first breaks are clear and drop off in amplitude is broadly consistent with
spherical spreading.
44
FIGURE 55.
(NO SCALING).

The example below from Department of Water (DoW) monitoring Bore Hole NG10A
illustrates a full shot record showing the depth for each trace along the horizontal axis (e.g.
depth below ground level for each hydrophone is shown on the horizontal axis). All data is
depth corrected. Twenty two zero offset VSP surveys were collected in bore hole NG10A.
Eleven were completed with the string moved down 1 m after every shot in the depth
interval 10 and 20 m inclusive.
Eleven additional VSP surveys were completed with the hydrophone string moved after
every shot by 1 m in the interval 50 to 60m. That is, the upper hydrophone was moved
inward at one metre increment s after each shot record in the interval 50 and 60 m below
ground level. The shot record at with the upper hydrophone located at 50m is shown below.
First breaks were picked for all shot records to provide detailed time to depth information.
The blue and red line in the figure below illustrates first break picking based on zero cross
over (red picks) and peak amplitude (blue picks) respectively. Generally speaking the first
break down (i.e. red crosses) is considered to be correct method for first break picking. It is
however necessary to check the consistency of first break picking against peak amplitude
picking, which is faster and often more robust if amplitudes of the first break down become
very small.
45
FIGURE 56.
EXAMPLE OF A FULL ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORDS WITH THE
UPPER HYDROPHONE LOCATED AT BORE NG10A (NO SCALING APPLIED).
FIGURE 57.
EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP FIRST BREAK PICKING AT NG10A
PLOTTED AGAINST DEPTH. VERY ACCURATE PICKING OF FIRST BREAK CAN BE

HIGHLY CHALLENGING WHERE AMPLITUDES OF THE FIRST BREAK DOWN
BECOME SMALL.
46
The figure below illustrates a combined plot of 10 shot records completed where the
hydrophone string is more down at 1m intervals such that the upper hydrophone is located
at 50, 51,52 58, 59 and 60 m. Data is sort by depth such that the end result is a highly
detailed shot composite shot record with 240 traces over 240m as show below.
FIGURE 58.
EXAMPLE OF COMBINATION OF 10 ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORDS
SORTED BY DEPTH IN BORE NG10A. BY COMBINING 10 SHOT RECORD EACH

COMPLETED WITH THE 24 HYDROPHONES STRING (I.E. 10 M SPACING) A DETAILED
SHOT RECORD WITH 240 HYDROPHONE POSITIONS CAN BE RECONSTRUCTED.
NOTE THE STRONG TUBE WAVES IN THIS AND ALL ZERO OFFSET VSP
HYDROPHONE STRING RECORDS.
It was not the intention of this report to explain ongoing detailed research programs.
However, one example of a zero-offset VSP corridor stack generated from a shot record at
NG10A is shown below. Note that every shot record (i.e. there are 22 shot records at NG10A)
will generate a similar zero-offset VSP corridor stack. The advanced processing is completed
by Assoc. Prof. Roman Pevzner who is trialing a range of methods for VSP processing, in
particular methods for tube wave suppression.
47
FIGURE 59.
EXAMPLE OF DEPTH CONVERTED CORRIDOR STACK FOR ONE ZERO
OFFSET VSP AT NG10A (LEFT) COMPARED TO STACKED DEPTH CONVERTED 2D

SEISMIC TRACES AT THE SAME LOCATION. THE ZERO OFFSET VSP PROVIDES ARE
ROBUST REPRESENTATION OF THE ACOUSTIC IMPEDANCE DISTRIBUTION AT A
SPECIFIC BORE LOCATION. THE TWO 2D SEISMIC DATA IS NOT EXPECTED TO
MATCH EXACTLY, HOWEVER THE BASIC CORRELATION IS HIGHLY PLEASING.
48
WIRELINE LOGGING
A comprehensive suite of FWF Sonic Wire Line Logs were collected immediately on
completion of drilling NG3-core hole. A four receiver, one transmitter, monopole Mound
Sopris Instruments (MSI) tool was used for logging. Logging was completed at four
transmitter centre frequencies including 1, 3, 5 and 15 KHz. All four frequencies were
acquired in the key depth range from 55 to 87 m. FWF sonic logs at 1 and 15 KHz were
completed over the full depth interval (~0 to 200m). The wire line log data was converted to
SEGY format and imported into PROMAX (seismic processing software). The figure below
illustrated all data acquired in the depth range 55 to 87 m. That is Rx1, Rx2, Rx3 and Rx4 for
the interval 55 to 87 m is shown for transmitter centre frequencies 1, 3, 5, and 15 KHz.
FIGURE 60.
EXAMPLE OF FWF SONIC IMPORTED IN PROMAX FOR ANALYSIS.
FIGURE SHOWS 16 DATA SETS ALL IN THE DEPTH RANGE 55 TO 87 M. DATA SETS
ARE SORTED BY TRANSMITTER(TX) CENTRE FREQUENCY (I.E. 1, 3, 5 AND 15 KHZ)
THEN BE RECEIVER (RX) NUMBER (RX1, RX2, RX3, AND RX4). TRANSMITTER
RECEIVER SEPARATIONS ARE TX1RX1=3 FT, TX1RX2=4FT, TX1RX3=5FT, AND
TX1RX4=6FT.
It should be noted that even with transmitter centre frequency set to 1 KHz energy exists
across a relatively wide spectral range. The spectral energy can be illustrated by applying
spectral analysis to the received traces as shown below.
49
FIGURE 61.
EXAMPLE OF SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF TRACE AT 82.2M AND 81.4 M.
TRACES WERE RECORDED IN RECEIVER RX1 USING TRANSMISSION CENTRE

FREQUENCIES OF 1KHZ AND 3 KHZ HZ RESPECTIVELY.
The figure below illustrated the 3 KHz transmitter centre frequency FWF sonic data for Rx1,
Rx2, Rx3 and Rx4 for the depth interval 55 to 87m. First arrival of the compressional wave
is clear. However the stoneley wave is also very clear in particular at deeper 1/3 of the log.
A first pass attempt to recover change in compressional wave velocity with frequency was
made. This involves a triangular band pass filter with the shape 1KHz-3KHz-3Hz-6KHz
being applied to the 3 KHz transmitter center frequency data with velocities recovered
between Rx1 and Rx3. Next a band pass filter with shape 10Khz-15KHz-15KHz-30KHz
was applied to the 15 KHz transmitter center frequency data and velocities recovered
between Rx1 and Rx3.
50
FIGURE 62.
EXAMPLE OF FWF SONIC RESPONSE WITH DEPTH FOR RX1, RX2, RX3
AND RX4 FOR TRANSMITTER CENTER FREQUENCY 3 KHZ.
The figure below illustrates first break picking for the 3 KHz filtered data (blue line) and 15
KHz filtered data (red line). Note that it is the separation between Rx1 and Rx3 (i.e. 2 ft) and
the difference in travel time between Rx1 and Rx3 that defines the velocities. Velocity is not
defined by total travel times which is more strongly affected by exactly how first break
picking has been completed.
FIGURE 63.
EXAMPLE OF VELOCITY PICKING FOR 15 KHZ FWF SONIC DATA. RED
LINE IS FIRST BREAK PICK FOR 15 KHZ TRANSMITTER CENTRE FREQUENCY AND
BLUE LINE IS FIRST BREAK PICK FOR 3 KHZ TRANSMITTER CENTRE FREQUENCY.
51
The next figure illustrates velocity determined from the filtered 15 KHz data and filtered 3
KHz data, as well as the percent difference between the 15 KHz data and 3 KHz data. The
plot of percent difference can be considered pseudo-dispersion in velocity. These curves
certainly cannot be regarded as a mapping of dispersion but rather provide an indication of
which lithologies may be more "dispersive" over the selected frequency range.
Of particular note is the interval between 68 and 72 m showing the highest velocity
difference between 3 and 15 KHz. This interval is known to be unconsolidated course
grained sand/gravel (up to 5mm grain size) and most of the interval could not be recovered
as core (i.e. the core was lost during drilling). Research is proceeding into robust methods of
recovering velocity dispersion with frequency and amplitude from multi-frequency data
sets.
In addition to analysis of compressional wave velocity, stoneley waves (i.e. a type of tube
wave) are well recognized within the low frequency FWF sonic data sets. The figure below
shows Stoneley wave velocities derived from the 1 KHz transmitter centre frequency data
set. The Stoneley wave velocity can be revealed by first low pass filtering then using
standard semblance analysis.
We see a sharp increase in Stoneley wave velocity at 76 m depth below ground level. The
Stoneley wave velocities strongly characterized a key interface in Yarragadee formation. This
interface is not recognized in gamma or resistivity logs. Compressional and Stoneley wave
velocity logs proved to be the only robust way to identify a significant acoustic/stratigraphic
boundary at cored hole NG3. If the FWF sonic can be shown to be effective in cased holes
(early test indicate this will be possible) then this important interface can be mapped
throughout the area (note it is expected that only compressional wave can be detected
through FRP casing).
52
FIGURE 64.
PROCESSED FILTERED FWF SONIC 15 KHZ TRANSMITTER CENTRE
FREQUENCY AND FILTERED 3 KHZ TRANSMITTER FREQUENCY COMPRESSIONAL

WAVE VELOCITIES ALONG WITH A PSEUDO DISPERSION CURVE.
53
FIGURE 65.
STONELEY WAVE VELOCITIES RECOVERED FROM FILTERED 1 KHZ
CENTRE FREQUENCY FWF SONIC LOGGING. THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT BOUNDARY

AT ~76M. TWO VELOCITY RANGES ARE PROVIDED TO ILLUSTRATE THE LARGE
CHANGES IN STONELEY WAVE VELOCITY.
54
NG3 BENDER TEST DATA ANALYSIS
Bender Test (including shear wave velocities) data is invaluable for a full analysis of the
acoustic properties of the Yarragadee Formation. These tests provide empirical data on
formation properties and create a basis for higher level research. This high quality Bender
test data can only be obtained from large diameter core and must be obtained soon after
drilling. Research into the mechanical properties of the Yarragadee and FWF sonic (in
particular Stoneley waves) are dependent on supporting evidence from bender testing on the
large diameter core samples.
The five curve below show shear wave velocities for five sandstone samples taken from the
indicated depths. The effective pressure can be related to depth of burial. The range of
effective pressures between 50 to 2500KPa can be broadly related to the first 200 m below
ground level. The figure shows the dramatic increase in shear wave velocity from below
150 m/sec at about 50KPa to more than 400 m/sec at 2500 KPa. The range of velocities at 2500
KPa (i.e. for samples 1 to 5) is between about 400 and 540 m/sec. This illustrates the
importance of confining pressure when considering the physical properties of rock in the
near surface.
FIGURE 66.
SHEAR WAVE VELOCITY VS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR FIVE CORE
SAMPLE OBTAINED FROM CORED HOLE NG3. NOTE THAT THE CORE SAMPLES
FROM NG3 AT 64.6 AND 76.3 HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER SHEAR VELOCITY. THIS
IS CONSISTENT WITH FWF SONIC LOGGING.
55
FIGURE 67.
SHEAR WAVE VELOCITY VERSUS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR FIVE
CORE SAMPLE OBTAINED FROM CORE HOLE NG3 SHOWN IN THE RANGE FROM 0
TO 10000 KPA EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE.
The chart below shows the range of shear velocities and shear modulous for the five
sandstone samples at an effective cell pressure of 1000 KPa (e.g. 1MPa).
FIGURE 68.
COMPARISON OF SHEAR WAVE VELOCITIES AT 1000 KPA EFFECTIVE
PRESSURE
56
COMPRESSIONAL AND SHEAR WAVE MEASUREMENTS ON CORE

It was the intention to measure both compressional and shear wave velocities on standard
38mm core plugs after permeability and porosity measurements before 30 October 2009. The
objective of measuring compressional and shear waves was to characterize the acoustic
properties of the shallow Yarragadee formation at high frequencies (i.e. ultrasonic
frequencies). Accurate measurement of compression and shear wave velocities at different
effective pressure at ultra sonic frequencies for these shallow sand/sandstones will aid in:
understanding the mechanical properties of the shallow Yarragadee,
putting an upper limit on velocity dispersion with frequency, and
determining, how acoustic properties (and mechanical properties) change with depth
of burial (e.g. dipping geological units in the Yarragadee can be mapped from surface
to hundreds or thousands of meters below surface).
Unfortunately the length of plugs was generally less than 4.5 cm and the quality of 38mm
plugs was exceedingly poor. It was not believed the research quality results could be
achieved with the supplied plugs. New plugs had to be cut for relatively time
consuming/expensive tests. As a result, new longer 38 mm DIA plugs have recently been cut
from the same five whole core samples used in Bender Testing at UWA. Of the five samples,
four high quality 6 cm long plugs have been recovered. It should be noted that several other
whole core samples were selected from core storage trays; however, no intact 38 mm plugs
could be recovered from the stored core samples suggesting that core preservation is critical.
Compressional and Shear wave testing will be completed in November to December 2009.
In conclusion, weakly consolidated sandstone is exceedingly difficult to handle requiring
samples to be immediately wrapped and preserved. Only these samples for Bender Testing
remained suitable for cutting of 6 cm plugs for compressional and shear wave ultrasonic
testing at a range of effective pressures.
57
GROUND PENETRATING RADAR

There are many elements to developing a groundwater flow model. Two of the most basic
elements are:
1. Hydraulic conductivity distribution (e.g. the general framework is nicely expressed in
the 2D seismic)
2. Recharge distribution.
The 2D seismic has been utilised to gain the general hydraulic framework and spatial
awareness of the Northern Gnangara Mound. With respect to better understand and define
recharge distribution, it is considered that Radar is more useful. In particular, as Ground
Penetrating Radar can express the difference between:
1. sand
2. clay
3. limestone and,
4. various water retentive layers: These are layers that retard the vertical progress of
water. They typically exist above the regional watertable in the superficial formation.
Data acquisition for Radar was completed along two long transects related to Tuart and
Clover Roads. The Department of Water radar data concentrates on resolving recharge
distribution in the Northern Gnangara mound. The Tuart Road and Clover Road transects fit
within a much wider program of Radar acquisition (i.e. some 400 km of Radar data has been
collected) that cover a large portion of the Gnangara Mound and is designed to resolve
recharge distribution over ~ 1000 square km. The wider GPR program was commissioned by
Water Corporation of Western Australia.
The location of the two transects within the Northern Gnangara Mound are located within
the 3D land surface image below.
58
FIGURE 69.
LOCATION OF TUART ROAD AND CLOVER ROAD GPR TRANSECTS
LOCATED IN 3D. THE TUART ROAD TRANSECT IS LOCATED TO ABOUT 5KM TO THE
NORTH OF CLOVER ROAD.
TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3A AND 3B + EXTENSION

The depth corrected Tuart Road 250 MHz Radar section is illustrated below. The section is ~
15.5 km long with trace spacing about 10 cm, as such the figure below can only provide a
broad indication of data quality. Although not the intent of this document to provide
interpretations; however, the data shows the transition from patchy shallow reflectors and a
clear watertable as a single clear shallow reflector in the east.
FIGURE 70.
EXAMPLE OF ~ 15KMS OF PROCESSED TUART ROAD RADAR DATA
59
The next two figures show higher resolution 250 MHz GPR data for Tuart Road, which
demonstrate good data quality. Each figure shows structure below the vegetated sand dunes
being resolved along with layers above, at and below the watertable itself.
FIGURE 71.
EXAMPLE FOR ~100M OF PROCESSED TUART ROAD GPR DATA SHOWS
GPR DATA QUALITY.
FIGURE 72.
EXAMPLE OF ~25 M OF PROCESSED TUART ROAD RADAR DATA
60
CLOVER ROAD, TRANSECT 4

As with the 2D seismic data, the 250 MHz radar transect along Clover Road is of high
quality. The east to west extent of the Gnangara Mound is almost completely surveyed by
the Clover Road transect. The presence of a strong shallow reflector in the east.
FIGURE 73.
EXAMPLE OF ~21 KMS OF PROCESSED CLOVER ROAD GROUND
PENETRATING RADAR (GPR) DATA. AS WITH THE TUART ROAD, GPR DATA ALONG
CLOVER ROAD IS GOOD.
61
CONCLUSIONS
This report spans the acquisition and processing of geophysical data sets along Tuart Road
and Clover Road in the Northern Gnangara Mound for the Department of Water. It does not
provide detailed interpretations or new research topics, as this work is still ongoing.
Field conditions were challenging; however, all data sets were collected without incident.
All data sets are backed up at Curtin Universitys Department of Exploration Geophysics
and have been made available to DoW. As improvements are made (e.g. improved
processing), any updated processed data sets are provided.
The objectives of the geophysics surveys in the Northern Gnangara Mound were:
a) to collect high quality geophysical data sets that may be used to interpret the
complex and important hydrogeological framework of the Northern
Gnangara Mound and,
b) to obtain data sets that will stimulate new insight and research activity in both
hydrogeology and geophysics.
It is considered that the objectives have been achieved. The framework and
hydrostratigraphic complexity of the top 1000 m of Northern Gnangara Mound has been
captured in the 2D seismic data. There is further detail and higher resolution that has been
detected in the top 20 m of the soil profile from the 250 MHz Radar. Vertical Seismic
Profiling, Full-Wave Form sonic, and core analysis has provided important support data for
understanding and interpreting the 2D seismic. This data was important for developing the
application of acoustic methods in hydrogeology.
Numerous research activities have been stimulated by the detailed geophysical acquisition
work completed within the Northern Gnangara Mound for DoW. A large numbers of
undergraduate have been exposed to hydrogeophysics. For example the 2008 Curtin
Geophysics third year field trip was to the Northern Gnangara Mound and included five
staff and nearly 30 students.
At present, there are two PHD students and three Honours students doing independent
research related into acoustic and electromagnetic methods in the Perth Basin. This number
is expected to increase in 2010 and 2011. Research into hydrogeophysics in Western Australia
has evolved rapidly over the past three years to become one of the most active programs in
the application of seismic and ground penetrating radar methods for hydrogeology in the
world.
62
APPENDIX 1: SEISMIC DATA PROCESSING - OVERVIEW

The notes below have been compiled by Milovan Urosevic and provide a general
explanation of many of the core 2D seismic processing steps completed for Tuart and
Clover Road Transects. Examples may not be from Tuart or Clover Road.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Processing of seismic reflection data involves numerous mathematical operations. Those can
be however grouped into three main categories:
I.
Time corrections
II.
Signal to noise improvement
III.
Repositioning or inverse modeling
Time corrections involve:

a) Static corrections which aim to equalise travel times through typically low velocity
near surface weathered layer or so-called regolith in hard-rock environment. For this
computation we utilise waves which totally refract at the weathering/fresh rock
interface. This wave is a diving wave (Figure A1). For land seismic data this step is
of crucial importance since time delays through the regolith layer could completely
misalign reflected signals and result in destructive summation during the process of
stacking. Computed refraction statics cannot however fully compensate the travel
time differences through the weathered layer (regolith) due to the nature of head
waves which are diving through highly rugose intervals (Figure A1). Consequently
additional computations are required to fine-tune reflection events.
b) Residual statics. Those are conventionally computed using reflection events, again in
a surface consistent manner. We can also use here a modified procedure, which we
developed recently for the case of a low fold data and very week signal. The
procedure consists of the following steps:
-
Time correct refracted events using linear equation (linear moveout or LMO)
with a velocity of the fresh rock derived under step a).
Sort and stack refraction events.

63
Pick horizon along refractions and select time window that encompasses only
refracted events.
Compute residual statics using the algorithm devised for reflection data.
c) Dynamic corrections involve flattening reflection hyperbolae with appropriate

velocity (NMO velocity for short offset) in preparation for data summation (Figure
A2 and A3). The correction is based on the travel time equation (Figure A2) which is
derived for a single layer, constant velocity case. The same equation is valid for a
multi layer case as long as they are horizontal. The actual correction is implemented
on a sample by sample basis using the normal-move-out (NMO) equation (Figure
3A). Before this step can be carried out we need to define the velocity of the layers.
Clearly the best velocity will be the one which flattens reflection hyperbolae. This
flattening or search for the best velocity involves interactive velocity analysis
(Figure A4). Velocities are typically analysed in regular intervals along seismic line.
Signal to noise improvement:

This sequence of processes involves a large number of diverse mathematical operations.
They are however all aimed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Initial steps here are
compensation of reflection amplitudes. Two main type of amplitude corrections aim to
compensate losses due to natural wavefront spreading and losses at each interface
(reflection, refraction and mode conversion processes). While the first correction is
readily specified, the latter one is of an exponential type but hard to determine explicitly
(Figures A5 and A6). Consequently the total amplitude correction is estimated by testing
and visual inspection.
A large group of operations is aimed at removing all but primary reflection energy from
seismic data. These techniques are either single-channel operations such are band-pass
filtering and deconvolution or multi-channel operations such are F-K filtering, tau-pi
filtering, etc. The basic principles of these techniques with data examples are shown in
Figures A7-A12.
64
Finally the most powerful and the simplest technique we have for enhancing the
primaries is stacking, that is summation of a number of traces which contain signals,
which originates from the same depth point for various source-receiver separations, into
one trace. Hence in general larger is the fold the better the signal to noise ratio. The main
problem with the stacking method is that it assumes that all of the traces, which go into
summation, carry exactly the same information that is contained in the signal recorded
from the same depth point. Strictly speaking this is only true for a layer-cake earth
model. The summation process is effective even for the dipping structures but it becomes
discriminative if a range of different dips, particularly conflicting dips, are present in the
data.
Repositioning or inverse modeling
If dipping events are recorded in the data they need to be repositioned in their true
location since seismic traces are plotted vertically. This provides geometrical explanation
of the migration process (Figure A13a). The actual process after stack is accomplished by
using wave equation (inverse modeling) and commonly the exploding reflector principle
for the imaging condition. All of the migration schemes naturally produce a depth
section (true inverse modeling). In practice they are modified to produce time migrated
images which contain no immediately recognisable errors, until the interpretation results
(maps, horizons or time-section) are converted to depth.
65
STATIC corrections travel time equalisation

through weathered layer
Source
Datum
R1
Surface elevation
E
R239
R240
R2
Base
regolith
t1
t240
t2
Diving wave
Fresh rock
S = t regolith +
H + (D E)
=
V fresh rock
H
Vregolith
H + (D E)
V fresh rock
t1-t2 = receiver static difference, reciprocity for shots

Average (in various ways) 120/240 differences for each shot and receiver
Various methods: ABS, Delay Time, GRM, DRM
Figure A1. Computation of travel times and weathering depth from totally refracted
(head) waves. This is accomplished in a surface consistent manner, using reciprocity
Dynamic corrections (NMO)

S
R
NMO hyperbola
Reflector
SMR = S|R
H
S|
x2 4 H 2
x2
Travel time S R =
+
=
+ T02 = T
2
2
2
V
V
V
|
Figure A2. Travel time equation reflection hyperbolae, derived for a single layer case.
Note that SR is square time as well as T.
66
offset
x2
t = T0 +
+ T02
2
V
time
t1
t2
t3
V = VSTK non physical

i.e. velocity that produces
the best looking stack section
Dor dipping events (dip angle Q)
V=VSTK/cosQ
(eg.5000m/s can go to 7000m/s)
t1> t2> t3
Figure A3. The actual dynamic correction t is known as normal moveout (NMO)
correction.
Figure A4. An example showing interactive velocity analysis display.
67
Amplitude decay =
1
2
RMS
Figure A5. Various mechanisms causes seismic waves to gradually lose their energy.
Spherical divergence is a consequence of the wavefront spreading, resulting in natural

reduction of energy density with depth or time. The spreading rate is proportional to
wave velocity. Correction is shown in blue box.
Energy partitioning
Sr
Pr
Pt
St
P
S
Figure A6. Reflection energy can be greatly decreased if the sedimentary section contains
units which posses strong contrast in elastic properties. Then the amount of energy
dissipated via refractions, reflections and mode conversions can be exceptionally large. In
such case more powerful seismic sources may be required. This type of correction that is
compensation is usually empirical. Parameters are determined by visual estimates.
68
Signal and noise
Filtering (bandAmplitude
Direct P
Head
Filter
(F)
Amplitude
spectrum
Reflections
Frequency (Hz)
Air blast
Filtered trace = FFT-1(S xF)

Raleigh
waves
Figure A7. Various coherent noise
trains generated by the source or by

conversion at geological interfaces.
We aim to remove or attenuate all
Figure A8. Real part of the forward Fourier
transform of a seismic trace produces amplitude

spectrum. Multiplication is the frequency domain
with a trapezoid and inverse Fourier transform
yields band-pass filtered seismic trace. In time
domain this is equivalent to convolving seismic
Figure A9. Estimation of the frequency content of the primary signal is usually
accomplished by visual inspection of a narrow-band filtered record. Both the low-cut and
the high-cut filter points are determined with such tests.
69
F-K filtering
Filter design
Filter application
Aliased
K wave-number; Kmax=1/2*geophone separation
Figure A10. Two-dimensional Fourier transform is the basis for multi-channel filtering. In
this domain events separate by the apparent velocity and frequency content. The reason is
that an even with apparent slope maps into frequency-wavenumber domain with slope
90-. Piece-slice, velocity or polygonal (shown here) type of filtering is often used to
attenuate coherent noise which has low apparent velocity. This is typically not possible for
air blast which has a wide frequency content and velocity too low to allow for adequate
spatial sampling.
70
Deconvolution
A seismogram is the convolution of the source wavelet w,
with the earths impulse e (defined by the reflection
coefficient R=z2-z1/z2+z1), plus noise. That can be
represented as:
Optimum Wiener Filtering
r1 .... rn1 a0 g0
r0
.
a g
r
.
.
n2 1
= 1
.
.
.
. . .

rn1 rn2 .... r0 an1 g n1
Autocorrelation of the input wavelet
(the desired
Desired
filter coeff.
There are five choices of desired outputs:
Cross(the
correlation of the
desired output
with the input
Type 1. Zero-lag spike (Spiking Deconvolution)

Type 2. Spike at arbitrary lag
Type 3 Time advanced form of input series (Predictive
Figure A12. Principles of deconvolution and computations required.
71
Migration geometrical consideration

x
Vt1
tan=sin
Vt2
reflector
- dip on CMP stack

- true geological dip
C
D
Plotted
a)
D
CD true position
CD CMP stack section
Wave equation migration (after stack)

surface
V1
CMP Data
reflector
surface
V1/2
Exploding
reflector Model
reflector
Exploding Reflector (imaging principle)
The CMP stack as being equivalent to

a wavefield P(x,y,t) observed at the earth
Figure A13. Repositioning of seismic reflection energy into its true spatial
position: a) geometrical aspect of migration and b) imaging principle (exploding

reflector) commonly used for wave equation based migration techniques after
stack.
72

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Acquisition and Processing Report:

Seismic Reflection and Ground

LOCATION OF 2D SEISMIC TRANSECTS .......................................................... 5

LOCATION OF 2D SEISMIC TRANSECTS MAPPED OVER DIGITAL ELEVATION

LOCATION OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR TRANSECTS ....................... 6

LOCATIONS OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR TRANSECTS MAPPED OVER

EXAMPLE OF VEHICLES PASSING ON NARROW TRACKS WITHIN THE YEAL

EXAMPLE OF LONG NARROW TRACKS ACROSS VEGETATED SAND DUNES.

EXAMPLE OF DEEP SAND ALONG NARROW TRACKS AT YEAL ...................... 8

TRACKED BOBCAT WITH 1400 KG CONCRETE BREAKER WEIGHT DROP ..... 11

CONCRETE BREAKER (700KG WEIGHT DROPPED FROM ~ 1M) AND THE

SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON OF STACKED SECTION USING SAME SHOT AND

ILLUSTRATION SHOWING SPLIT SPREAD SURVEY GEOMETRY..................... 14

BASIC DATA FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3A GEOMETRY CORRECTED

BASIC DATA FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3B GEOMETRY CORRECTED

BASIC DATA FOR CLOVER ROAD GEOMETRY CORRECTED SHOT RECORD

PHOTOGRAPH OF HYDROPHONE STRING USED FOR VSP SURVEYING ...... 17

EXAMPLE SHOWING OF 11 VSP SHOT RECORDS FROM BORE HOLE NG8A18

FWF SONIC TOOL USED TO ACQUIRE FWF SONIC DATA AT NG3-CORED

EXAMPLE OF FWF SONIC DATA COLLECTED AT A SINGLE DEPTH (71.5M)

SHEAR WAVE VERSUS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR DEPTH INTERVAL

SHEAR WAVE VERSUS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR DEPTH INTERVAL

SHEAR WAVE VERSUS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR DEPTH INTERVAL

SHEAR WAVE VERSUS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR DEPTH INTERVAL

SHEAR WAVE VERSUS EFFECTIVE CELL PRESSURE FOR DEPTH INTERVAL

QUALITY CONTROL TEST SHOWING SHEAR WAVE VERSUS CONSTANT

EXAMPLE OF NG3 CORE PLUGS COMPARE TO CORE PLUGS FROM WATER

RAW 250 MHZ RADAR DATA ACQUIRED ON TUART ROAD (MEAN

RAW 250 MHZ RADAR DATA ACQUIRED ON CLOVER ROAD (MEAN

TABLE OF PROCESSED DATA SETS................................................................. 28

EXAMPLE OF A SHOT RECORD FROM START OF CLOVER ROAD ................. 30

EXAMPLE OF A SHOT RECORD FROM THE SECOND SPREAD ALONG CLOVER

MAP SHOWING SIN_Y_COORD AND SIN_X_COORD AND ELEVATION

2D STACKING CHART FOR THE TUART ROAD 3A TRANSECT..................... 32

TUART ROAD 3A CDP ELEVATION AND C-STATIC CORRECTION. ........... 32

FOLD GEOMETRY AND ELEVATION ALONG TUART ROAD 3B .................... 33

MAP OF CDP_X AND CDP_Y SHOWING FOLD GEOMETRY ALONG LINE.. 33

TRACE MID-POINT MAP FOR CLOVER ROAD. ............................................. 34

OFFSET GEOMETRY CHART FOR CLOVER ROAD......................................... 34

CLOVER ROAD ELEVATION GEOMETRY. ...................................................... 34

STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD 3A PRIOR TO MIGRATION............... 35

STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD 3A AFTER MIGRATION ................... 35

EXAMPLE OF DATA QUALITY ALONG A 4.5 KM LENGTH OF THE TUART

COMPARISON OF FAULT IMAGING AND TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3A FROM

EXAMPLE OF MIGRATED STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT

EXAMPLE OF STACKED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3B PLOTTED

EXAMPLE OF STACKED AND MIGRATED SECTION FOR TUART ROAD

STACKED SECTIONS FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3A, TUART ROAD 3B

STACKED SECTIONS FOR TUART ROAD TRANSECT 3A, TUART ROAD 3B

STACKED SECTION FOR CLOVER ROAD WITHIN A 3D VOLUME LOOKING

ACQUISITION PARAMETERS FOR ZERO OFFSET VSP SURVEYING AT

EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORD IN MONITORING BORE

EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORD IN BORE NG3A............... 43

EXAMPLE SHOWS 11 ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORDS AT BORE NG8A

EXAMPLE SHOWS 11 ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORDS AT BORE NG8A.. 45

EXAMPLE OF ZERO OFFSET VSP FIRST BREAK PICKING AT NG10A PLOTTED

EXAMPLE OF COMBINATION OF 10 ZERO OFFSET VSP SHOT RECORDS

EXAMPLE OF DEPTH CONVERTED CORRIDOR STACK FOR ONE ZERO OFFSET

EXAMPLE OF FWF SONIC IMPORTED IN PROMAX FOR ANALYSIS ........... 49

EXAMPLE OF SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF TRACE AT 82.2M AND 81.4 M.......... 50

EXAMPLE OF VELOCITY PICKING FOR 15 KHZ FWF SONIC DATA. ............ 51

PROCESSED FILTERED FWF SONIC 15 KHZ TRANSMITTER CENTRE

COMPRESSIONAL WAVE VELOCITIES ALONG WITH A PSEUDO

STONELEY WAVE VELOCITIES RECOVERED FROM FILTERED 1 KHZ CENTRE