Seismic imaging using omni-azimuth seismic energy sources and directional sensing

An apparatus for measuring a response of a sub-surface seismic scatterer in a geological structure to at least one seismic disturbance, the apparatus comprising:

• at least two substantially vertical arrays of sensors, each array including multiple directional sensing receivers substantially vertically aligned in the geological structure, the multiple directional sensing receivers adapted to receive the seismic energy produced from the seismic scatterer in response to the at least one seismic disturbance, the multiple directional sensing receivers further being adapted to provide a measurement of the received seismic energy;
• and
• a recorder for recording the measurement of the seismic energy received by said at least two substantially vertical arrays of sensors, the measurement of seismic energy suitable for use in producing a complete vector field for generation of a three-dimensional image.

A method for surveying a three dimensional sub-surface geological structure having seismic scatterers, the method comprising:

• establishing an acquisition system having at least two substantially vertical arrays of sensors disposed within the geological structure, wherein each array includes multiple directional sensing receivers adapted to receive seismic energy produced from the seismic scatterers in response to at least one seismic disturbance, the multiple directional sensing receivers further being adapted to provide a measurement of the received seismic energy;
• and
• recording the measurement of the received seismic energy and producing a complete vector field response of the seismic scatterers to the at least one seismic disturbance.