Biodegradable ground contact sleeve for a seismic data acquisition node

A biodegradable ground contact sleeve for a seismic data acquisition node, comprising:

• a ground contact sleeve having a substantially tubular shaped body insertable into the surface of the earth and having an internal opening at one longitudinal end for receiving a seismic data acquisition node and making acoustic coupling thereto;
• wherein the ground contact sleeve is formed of biodegradable material;
• wherein said tubular body has an open lower longitudinal end opposite the one longitudinal end;
• the open longitudinal end of the tubular body comprising slots to provide longitudinally extending fingers angularly spaced about the lowermost end of the tubular body;
• and
• an insertion tool comprising an insertion pole arranged to pass through the open longitudinal end, a grip handle and a stop flange arranged to fit flush against a flange on the one longitudinal end of the ground contact sleeve, the insertion tool further comprising a plurality of rotary extending cutting cam pawls disposed on a lowermost end of the insertion pole.