Dr. Mark A. Meier is presently active in the field of new seismic measurement and techniques. He and his colleagues are developing several highly promising technologies to enable active seismology exploration at frequencies two or more octaves below present-day commercial capabilities. Active seismic measurements at these frequencies also need to be accompanied by development of new seismic data analysis, imaging and inversion methods that can make effective and optimal use of the new frequency band. Existing methods are built on assumptions that, though perhaps reasonably met in the conventional frequency band, may be detrimentally violated in the new frequency band. Theory and development of seismic wave propagation in complex media is a fundamental component of the work. Solid state and plasma physics are also involved in the seismic transducer development. The design and fabrication of working experimental prototypes involves leading edge engineering skills. Rigorous experimental methodology is essential to designing field experiments that, using the new experimental prototypes, will provide clear and explicit tests and support scientific conclusions. Advanced data analysis methods are also key to the research.

When completed, the counter rotating eccentric mass seismic vibrator will be capable of delivering 400 kN ground force down to a frequency of one hertz. Observations with these frequencies will reveal and teach us many new things about the earth.

The marine dipole concept allows us to safely produce low frequency seismic waves in the marine environment. The principles have been experimentally tested and verified using this laboratory scale prototype.

A new transducer concept which responds directly to pressure gradient without measuring pressure is under development. The underlying principle is theorized from a combination of solid state and plasma physics.