Microseismic · DAS · VSP

See every fracture.
Optimize every stage.

GHC Consulting delivers microseismic monitoring, distributed acoustic sensing, and vertical seismic profiling for hydraulic fracturing — from field acquisition to processing and interpretation.

What we do

Three sensing technologies, one integrated picture

Each service stands on its own — combined, they give you the most complete view of your stimulation available.

Microseismic Monitoring

Real-time detection, location, and interpretation of microseismic events during hydraulic fracturing — so you can see fracture growth as it happens.

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Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)

Turn every meter of fiber into a sensor. DAS delivers continuous acoustic and strain measurements along the entire wellbore.

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Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP)

Downhole geophones, surface sources, and high-resolution images around the wellbore — VSP bridges the gap between well logs and surface seismic.

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Why GHC Consulting

Built by people who process the data themselves

Processing & interpretation in-house

We don't just acquire data — we process it and interpret it, so your reports come from the team that saw every trace.

Purpose-built software

Our STV seismic trace viewer — free public software — was built for fast, accurate review of large seismic datasets: the same tooling behind our deliverables.

QC at every step

Acquisition QC, processing QC, and interpretation review are baked into the workflow, not bolted on at the end.

Reports you can act on

Clear maps, cross-sections, and recommendations written for completions engineers — not just data dumps.

How we work

From program design to final report

  1. 1

    Scope

    We review your well plan, geology, and objectives, then design the monitoring program — array geometry, fiber deployment, VSP survey design, and processing flow.

  2. 2

    Acquire

    Field acquisition with continuous QC: microseismic arrays, DAS interrogators, and VSP downhole tools monitored through every stage.

  3. 3

    Process & interpret

    Event detection, location, magnitude, and source mechanisms — plus DAS and VSP analysis — reviewed by experienced interpreters.

  4. 4

    Deliver & advise

    Maps, cross-sections, and plain-language recommendations you can take straight into your next frac design.

Common questions

Frac monitoring, explained

What is microseismic monitoring?

Microseismic monitoring listens for the tiny seismic events created when hydraulic fracturing breaks rock. By detecting and locating thousands of these events in real time, we map where fractures are growing, how far they extend, and whether they interact with neighboring wells.

What deliverables do I get from a monitoring program?

Every program ends with an event catalog, map and cross-section views of the event cloud, magnitude distribution, and a written interpretation with concrete recommendations for your next stages — not just raw data.

What is the difference between DAS and VSP?

DAS (Distributed Acoustic Sensing) turns a fiber-optic cable into thousands of acoustic sensors along the wellbore — ideal for continuous monitoring of fluid movement and frac hits. VSP (Vertical Seismic Profiling) places geophone arrays downhole and records energy from surface seismic sources, producing high-resolution images of the geology around and below the well. DAS watches the well; VSP images the rock.

Do my wells need fiber-optic cable for DAS?

DAS needs a fiber-optic cable in or near the wellbore — installed behind casing, on tubing, or in an observation well. VSP uses conventional downhole geophone arrays instead, so no fiber is required. If you're planning a frac program, talk to us before completion so the deployment matches your monitoring goals.

Can you interpret data acquired by another provider?

Yes. We regularly provide second opinions and reprocessing of existing microseismic, DAS, or VSP datasets, including data acquired by other providers. Bring us the data and your questions.

Should I combine microseismic, DAS, and VSP?

Each technology answers different questions: microseismic shows where the rock is breaking, DAS shows how energy and fluid move along the wellbore, and VSP provides high-resolution images around the wellbore to calibrate depth and velocity. Combined on one program, they give the most complete stimulation diagnostic available.

Knowledge base

Tech Notes

Evergreen technical references on the methods behind our work — moment tensor inversion, sonic log analysis, seismic modeling, and reservoir characterization, with downloadable documents.

Moment Tensor Inversion

Source-mechanism analysis: introduction, SNR / moveout / full-waveform workflows, and glossary.

Open group

Sonic Log Analysis

LAS curves for VTI and isotropic models, user guides, and example data.

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Finite Difference Modeling

Model inputs, the advanced ray tracer proposal, and performance notes.

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Reservoir Characterization

Pressure-diffusion methods and key references.

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FAQ

Troubleshooting and workflow questions on MTI analysis.

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References

Key publications on MTI and microseismic source mechanisms.

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Core Technology

The methods our consulting work stands on.

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User Manual

MTI manual and client deliverable guides.

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Talk to us about your next frac program

Tell us about your wells and monitoring goals — we'll recommend the right combination of microseismic, DAS, and VSP.