Photo: COWI

Seismic source 

COWI's Minivib II® energy source, which is a 4-wheel all-terrain vehicle produced by IVI, is centrally mounted on the Minibuggy.
The Minivib II® energy source is a hydraulic unit with a maximum energy output of approximately 54 kN with an output bandwidth within 10 to 350 Hz. The output energy can be regulated in many different modes.

Due to the linear relationship between the signal-to-noise ration with energy output, operating the vibrator at the maximum energy reduces the effect of noise from the surroundings significantly. Additionally, the higher energy output results in increased depth penetration.

The higher energy output increases the likelihood of producing high-resolution data collection in thick unsaturated zones where the seismic source signal often is severely dampened.