The Earth is alive with its own activity, as well as that of us humans. And listening to the noise the Earth gives us insights into where the oils come from.

 

Speaking of which, HP has been developing micro-electro-mechanical systems accelerometers for the purpose of measuring vibrations, shocks and changes in velocity. This sensing technology is part of the Central Nervous System for the Earth [CeNSe] at HP. The vision from HP, according to Peter Hartwell at HP Labs, is that with enough sensors it’s possible to hear the “heartbeat” of Earth. 

 

These sensors are up to 1,000 times more sensitive than high-volume products currently available with the ability to track noise density performance in the sub-100 nano-g per square root Hz range. Also, the sensors can be used for applications from earthquake detection to construction analysis.

 

This latest announcement from HP was with Shell Oil about using the sensors on land for oil and gas exploration. The improvements in the sensing technology will be integrated by Shell into their imaging technology.

 

According to Gerald Schotman, CTO of Shell, this can be used explore “difficult oil and gas reservoirs, such as sub-salt plays in the Middle East or unconventional gas in North America.”

 

“These advances in technology to discover energy resources could transform the ability to pinpoint abundant new oil and gas reserves,” said Joe Eazor, senior vice president and general manager of HP Enterprise Services.

 

These sensors are part of the nanotechnology used by HP and incorporated in some of their print capabilities as well.