Accelerated weight drop configurable for use as a shear wave seismic energy source and a method of operation thereof

A method for operating an accelerated weight drop for use as a seismic energy source, comprising:

• positioning an accelerated weight drop over a surface, wherein positioning the accelerated weight drop comprises:
• positioning a strike plate on said surface;
• positioning a striker over said strike plate;
• at least partially surrounding said striker with a housing;
• rigidly coupling an impact isolator to said housing and slidably coupling said impact isolator to said strike plate, wherein said impact isolator comprises a plate having a slot formed therein;
• rigidly coupling an anvil to said strike plate;
• coupling a pin to said anvil and slidably coupling said pin within said slot to facilitate self-alignment of said strike plate;
• slidably coupling a compressed gas spring, to said striker and said striker and said compressed gas spring rotatably coupled to said strike plate about an axis;
• positioning a first cushioning element proximate said compressed gas spring to dissipate reflected energy occurring through said striker during creation of seismic waves;
• and
• driving said striker toward said strike plate using said compressed gas spring to create seismic waves within said surface.

A seismic survey system, comprising:

• an accelerated weight drop, including;
• a strike plate positionable on a surface;
• a striker positionable over said strike plate;
• a housing at least partially surrounding said striker;
• an impact isolator rigidly coupled to said housing and slidably coupled to said strike plate, wherein said impact isolator comprises a plate having a slot formed therein;
• an anvil rigidly coupled to said strike plate;
• a pin coupled to the anvil, said pin slidably coupled within said slot, wherein said pin facilitates self-alignment of said strike plate;
• a compressed gas spring, said striker slidably coupled to said compressed gas spring, and said striker and said compressed gas spring rotatably coupled to said strike plate about an axis, said compressed gas spring configured to drive said striker toward said strike plate, thus creating seismic waves within said surface;
• and
• a cushioning element positioned proximate said compressed gas spring and positioned to dissipate reflected energy occurring through said striker during creation of said seismic waves;
• at least one geophone placed proximate said surface, said at least one geophone configured to collect information from said seismic waves;
• and
• a seismic recorder connected to said at least one geophone, said seismic recorder configured to record said collected information.