Revealing York’s deep geothermal target with high-resolution 3D seismic
From acquisition to insight in 60 days
The University of York commissioned Echo experts to deliver a high-resolution 3D seismic dataset to support the planning of a future geothermal well beneath the city in the United Kingdom.
With limited geophysical data covering the project area, significant uncertainty remained around the depth and thickness of the target Carboniferous limestone and the location and extent of two principal faults.
Echo experts designed and delivered the survey to produce a clear picture of the deep subsurface, generating the structural insight needed to inform well planning, refine the drilling target and reduce risk before drilling.
The project at a glance
| Customer |
|---|
| University of York |
| Location |
| York, UK |
| Project objective |
| To understand the deep geology beneath the city before progressing plans for a future geothermal well. |
| Size of investigation area |
| 30 km2 |
| Target depth |
| More than 4,000 metres |
| Survey type |
| 3D reflection seismic survey |
| Receiver points deployed |
| 4,320 |
| Receiver system used |
| STRYDE Nimble Seismic System |
| Source points shot |
| 3,800 |
| Source system used |
| Vibroseis |
| Data processing delivered by |
| RealTimeSeismic |
| Customer | University of York |
|---|---|
| Location | York, UK |
| Project objective | To understand the deep geology beneath the city before progressing plans for a future geothermal well. |
| Size of investigation area | 30 km2 |
| Target depth | More than 4,000 metres |
| Survey type | 3D reflection seismic survey |
| Receiver points deployed | 4,320 |
| Receiver system used | STRYDE Nimble Seismic System |
| Source points shot | 3,800 |
| Source system used | Vibroseis |
| Data processing delivered by | RealTimeSeismic |
The challenge
The existing 2D seismic datasets did not provide sufficient imaging of the deep geological targets under consideration for York’s geothermal development. Located more than 4,000 metres beneath a combination of rural land and densely populated urban areas, the target presented both technical and logistical challenges.
Survey planning therefore had to carefully account for:
- Landowner permissions
- Highway approvals and lengthy application lead times
- Road and site-access restrictions
- Existing buildings, utilities and infrastructure
- Seasonal disruption caused by York’s Christmas market
- The need to achieve sufficient data density within a highly constrained urban environment
Our solution
A 3D reflection seismic survey was designed around York’s existing roads and tracks, allowing the project team to acquire data across both urban and rural areas while limiting disruption to residents and local infrastructure.
The survey incorporated:
- 4,320 receiver locations
- 3,800 vibroseis source points
- A field crew of approximately 24 people
Detailed planning with Echo experts began several months before acquisition to ensure that the fixed project schedule could be maintained.
Expert planning. Proven processes. Rapid insight.
Meticulous survey design, deep domain expertise, advanced imaging technology, and accelerated processing workflows enabled the delivery of actionable subsurface intelligence in less than 60 days.
Deployment
5
days to deploy +4000 nodes
Recording
21
days to shoot and record the seismic data
Processing
14
days to process the seismic data
Imaging
14
days to interpret results
The "Node in a Garden" scheme
Producing a high-quality 3D seismic image beneath York required receivers to be distributed across the entire survey area, including residential neighbourhoods. Relying only on public roads and open spaces would have created gaps in the survey geometry, potentially limiting subsurface coverage and image quality.
To secure the additional receiver locations needed, EchoVision and the University of York launched the “Node in a Garden” initiative. Residents learned about the project and were invited to host compact seismic nodes temporarily in their gardens.
More than 100 volunteers participated, providing secure, low-disturbance recording locations that strengthened survey coverage while involving the community directly in York’s geothermal research.
Improved survey continuity
Reduced gaps in the receiver geometry and supported more consistent seismic coverage across the urban survey area.
Better recording conditions
Private gardens provided secure locations away from some sources of traffic and pedestrian disturbance.
Better subsurface images
Denser, more evenly distributed measurements supported the quality and continuity of the final 3D dataset.
Reduced operation risk
Early engagement secured access to strategically important locations and reduced the likelihood of coverage limitations during acquisition.
"Despite the challenges of operating in an urban environment with existing infrastructure, complex topography, and permitting constraints, the survey was successfully acquired with no impact on local residents.
Detailed planning and execution ensured full coverage across the target area, including the deeper objectives that could not be adequately imaged using legacy 2D data. The combination of high-quality 3D seismic acquisition, rapid data processing, accelerated interpretation, and integration with historical well control has provided a far clearer understanding of the subsurface, enabling more confident development decisions."
Mark Rees
Operations Director
The results
The project was completed safely, on schedule and within budget, without significant objections or complaints from the local community. The seismic results are now supporting the next stage of geothermal development by helping the project team:
- Select a drilling trajectory that reduces the risk of intersecting faults
- Estimate the required casing depths more accurately
- Refine the final well configuration
- Plan the geothermal well using a new, site-specific 3D structural model
Why this project matters
Although the full value of the dataset will ultimately be confirmed once the well is drilled, the survey has already provided considerably stronger evidence for well planning than was previously available.
This project demonstrates how carefully planned 3D seismic imaging can provide geothermal developers with greater confidence before committing to drilling. By revealing the depth, geometry and structural complexity of the target formation, Echo helped turn an assumed subsurface model into an evidence-based foundation for well design.
Planning a geothermal project?
Speak to our team about how EchoVision can help you understand the subsurface and reduce uncertainty more effectively.
Contact us
Fill in this form and a member of our team will be in touch soon.