Experience in the Application of Pulsed Elastic Wave Excitation in Complex Near-Shore Conditions

This paper presents the experience of using non-explosive pulsed electromagnetic excitation of elastic waves during 2D and 3D seismic surveys at the Karazhanbas field. Due to environmental restrictions on using conventional (explosive or vibratory) sources in the northern Caspian Sea’s coastal and protected areas, the technology was applied as an alternative solution. For the first time in Kazakhstan, wave excitation was carried out in motion across the land–sea transition zone, without the need for drilling or stop-and-go operation. The use of electromagnetic sources enabled subsurface imaging to depths of up to 5 km in 2D profiling and up to 2 km in 3D acquisition. High source density and stable signal propagation provided data of good quality and resolution. A comparison with legacy data from 2005 demonstrated significant improvements in phase clarity, depth continuity, and reflector visibility. The technology proved especially effective in shallow-water and low-bearing soils of the Caspian region. It is safe for nearby infrastructure, highly mobile, and economically efficient - reducing field costs by 30-40% compared to heavy vibroseis systems. The method has shown its applicability for geophysical operations in areas with limited access and is recommended for exploration and appraisal of hydrocarbon fields under similar environmental and logistical constraints.