Exploration geophysics has been advancing by the increasing production of geologic information. That is, more physical parameters of the stratigraphic column are being measured to finer resolution.

In seismic prospecting, continuous determination of seismic wave velocity is beginning to be used routinely while attenuation measurements are being made experimentally. Binary-gain digital recording with 24- and 48-fold multiplicity is proving necessary for these measurements. At sea, magnetic, gravimetric, and other surveys are being conducted concurrently with seismic surveys.

In some areas, if detailed reflection data are combined with seismic velocity and attenuation values and supplemented with detailed gravity and magnetic measurements, the local stratigraphy and lithology can be uniquely defined.

Field techniques of transport and navigation have improved markedly so that useful results can be obtained almost anywhere in the world and the results can be displayed on maps that are consistent on a worldwide basis.

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