Wavelet Inc. (Head Office: 2-3-21 Kōraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Sumitomo-Fudosan Iidabashi Building 3F Room 6, CEO: Tomoyuki Iwamoto) has visualized fault structures reaching depths of approximately 1,000 meters through an seismic survey conducted in a domestic geothermal field. In addition to traditional vehicle-based seismic sources, the survey utilized a portable seismic source device known as “PASS,” enabling data acquisition in topographically challenging areas where vehicles cannot enter.
Background of the survey
In geothermal development, precise exploration of underground fault structures is critical. However, most geothermal resources in Japan are located in mountainous regions with limited vehicle access, and it has been difficult to collect seismic survey data using conventional vehicle-mounted seismic sources.
By employing “PASS,” a portable seismic source developed by the Tsuji Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, the Company aims to expand exploration coverage to areas that were previously inaccessible due to topographic constraints.
Overview and Outcomes
The survey combined traditional vehicle-mounted seismic source with the portable PASS device. Since PASS can be carried by hand, it contributing to data acquisition in previously unexplorable areas.
As a result, elastic wave propagation to depths of approximately 1,000 meters was confirmed, and fault structures deep underground were successfully visualized. The survey results were also consistent with past geological studies and data obtained through other exploration methods in the same region, supporting the effectiveness and reproducibility of the technology.
Future outlook
Wavelet plans to continue accumulating knowledge through exploration in various regions and further proceed development in the following directions:
- Increasing the power of seismic sources to expand exploration depth and enabling surveys by PASS alone
- Developing new analysis methods for deeper subsurface imaging
- Enhancing portability to expand target exploration areas
- Expanding applications into civil engineering and carbon capture and storage (CCS) fields
About Wavelet Inc.
Wavelet Inc. is a startup company founded in 2022, based on research from the University of Tokyo. Utilizing seismic measurement technology developed in Professor Tsuji’s laboratory at the University of Tokyo, the company contributes to solving challenges in various fields, including CO₂ underground storage, underground monitoring, resource development, and geothermal power generation.
Official website: https://wvl.co.jp/en/
■Contact Information
Wavelet Inc. Public Relations Contact Email: info@wvl.co.jp
