May Technical Talk
Putting Seismic Within Reach for Small Operators: Economical, Small-Crew Seismic Acquisition in 2026
By Shawn Clark & Ryan Fairfield
Seismic data has transformed petroleum exploration and development by reducing subsurface risk and providing the interpretive framework that connects sparse well control. Since the widespread adoption of 2D seismic acquisition in the late 1960s and the expansion of 3D seismic acquisition in the 1980s, seismic methods have become indispensable across much of the industry. However, many prospecting geologists and small operators continue to rely primarily on well control and geologic interpretation when generating prospects. This limited use of seismic data is commonly driven by acquisition cost, lack of seismic interpretation experience, limited access to geophysical software, and the absence of in-house geophysical expertise.
Recent advances in field technology are changing this economic and operational equation. Wireless geophone systems, compact recording equipment, and more economical portable seismic sources now make low-impact seismic acquisition increasingly practical for smaller operators and targeted exploration programs. These developments provide an opportunity to acquire fit-for-purpose seismic data at a scale and cost more compatible with smaller prospect inventories and limited exploration budgets.
This presentation will review the capabilities of modern wireless geophone systems and evaluate current options for nimble, low-environmental-impact seismic sources beyond conventional large vibroseis trucks and dynamite. A comparison of several lower-cost seismic source alternatives will be presented, followed by a detailed discussion of the design, development, and field application of two source concepts intended to improve seismic accessibility for small operators: a 500 kg weight-drop source and a portable electromagnetic vibroseis source for near-surface seismic applications.
Field examples will include 2D seismic data acquired with the 500 kg weight-drop source and compared against data acquired using a 32,000 lb vibroseis truck. Additional 2D seismic examples acquired using the 500 kg weight-drop source in combination with wireless geophones will be shown to demonstrate data quality, operational efficiency, and practical limitations. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of the economic viability of this acquisition approach and its potential role in reducing exploration risk for small operators.
SHAWN CLARK of R.T Clark Co.
Shawn Clark is an experienced professional in the geophysical and seismic equipment industry, specializing in the application, integration, and development of advanced geophysical systems. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2004 and is a second-generation owner of R.T. Clark Co., Inc., a company dedicated to manufacturing and developing seismic and geotechnical equipment.
Founded in 1983 by his father, Rory Clark, R.T. Clark has grown into a globally recognized provider of both new and secondhand geophysical equipment. In 2017, Shawn assumed co-ownership alongside his sister, Tiffany Clark, continuing the family legacy while helping guide the company into a new phase of growth and innovation.
Based in Oklahoma City, the company operates with a strong international focus, with the majority of its business conducted overseas. Shawn works closely with customers around the world, supporting projects ranging from near-surface investigations to deeper seismic exploration.
His expertise lies in bridging technical capability with real-world application. Shawn collaborates directly with clients to engineer custom solutions tailored to their specific challenges, whether that involves configuring complete acquisition systems, modifying existing equipment, or developing entirely new approaches.
He has also played an active role in the development of R.T. Clark’s proprietary product line, including innovative seismic energy source technologies designed for portability, efficiency, and performance. In parallel, Shawn maintains strategic partnerships with some of the largest geophysical equipment manufacturers globally, helping align product capabilities with evolving market needs.
Combining technical depth, global experience, and a practical, solutions-oriented mindset, Shawn continues to contribute to advancements in geophysical equipment and seismic technology worldwide.
RYAN FAIRFIELD, Principal Geophysicist and Founder, Rhino Geophysical LLC
Ryan Fairfield graduated with his B.S. in Geology from Eastern Illinois University in 1995, followed by his M.S. in Geology with concentration in Geophysics from Southern Illinois University in 1997.
He started his petroleum geophysics career in 1997 with Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville, OK in the seismic processing group before rotating to various interpretation assignments thru 2005. In late 2005, Ryan accepted a position in Tulsa with Avalon Exploration as their sole geophysicist in charge of Deep Anadarko basin prospecting. There he commissioned the first of its kind pre-stack geostatistical inversion of the Anadarko Basin resulting in numerous gas prospects. In 2009 he accepted a position with SM Energy as a Geologist/Geophysicist working the granite wash play of western Oklahoma. While there he presented a paper at the 2013 Unconventional Resource Technology Conference on the application of post stack seismic attributes to map the granite wash. It was specially invited to be presented at the SEG Convention in 2014 and has since been referenced in published papers. In 2015, Ryan moved to Laredo Petroleum as Geophysical Advisor working alongside his friend Kent West on the company’s Midland Basin position where he helped oversee a 720 sq mi pre-stack merge, PSDM and pre-stack inversion. In 2018, Ryan was recruited by WPX Energy as their Sr. Staff Geophysicist gaining further experience in the Permian’s Delaware Basin with the application of multivariate analytics, induced seismicity, deep learning neural networks integrating seismic attribute and inversion products, 3C processing and inversion, and serving as geophysical project lead building a 6600 sq mi depth model of the Delaware Basin. In 2021, Ryan started his consulting business, Rhino Geophysical, providing seismic interpretation, post stack inversion and seismic acquisition services for clients. He is an active member of AAPG since 1994, an active member of SEG since 1998 and has served in various positions for the GST.
When: Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:30 am Where: Baxter's Interurban Grill 717 S Houston Ave Ste 100, Tulsa, OK 74127 |
"Geophysical Society of Tulsa (GST)" is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Oklahoma, P.O. Box 2784, Tulsa, OK 174101