Heywood Experimental Seismic Survey Data From 1956

An experimental seismograph survey tested techniques for recording reflections through basalt cover in Victoria's Western District Basin during November and December 1956. The Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics conducted the work for Frome-Broken Hill Pty. Ltd., recording reflections from depths down to eleven thousand feet. Survey traverses tested single shot-hole, pattern, and air-shooting techniques under varied surface conditions.

Use Cases

• Compare reflection quality from single shot-hole versus pattern and air-shooting techniques using recorded seismic traces.
• Analyze the correlation between recorded reflection times (e.g., up to 5 seconds post-shot) and known stratigraphic horizons.
• Evaluate the success of seismic methods in areas with specific surface conditions like basalt cover versus tuff with basalt bands.
• Model subsurface structures to depths of eleven thousand feet using reflection data from traverses where basalt was absent.

Strengths

• Survey conducted multiple traverses to test a variety of surface conditions and seismic techniques.
• Reflections were recorded from significant depths, up to eleven thousand feet.

Limitations

• Data is from a single, historical survey conducted over two months in 1956.
• Survey report indicates unsuccessful recording attempts through tuff with basalt bands on Mt. Clay slopes.
• Specific data volume, row counts, and column details are unavailable.

Provenance

Source

Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics (Australia).

Collection Method

Experimental seismic survey using explosive charges and seismographs.

Time Range

November-December 1956.

Freshness

Historical data from 1956; metadata last updated April 2026.

Geography

Heywood area, Western District Basin, south-western Victoria, Australia.