Locating Subsurface Energy Resources Activity Source: Society for Exploration Geophysicists Grade Levels: 6-12 Background Geophysical techniques are used to identify subsurface formations related to valuable energy resources, such as fossil fuels or geothermal sources, as well as rock layers that could be used for carbon sequestration. Each geophysical technique transmits a specific type of energy into the ground (e.g., electrical, magnetic, or mechanical) to create images of subsurface rock formations For example, seismic surveys send sound waves through the ground, and the reflection of these waves helps detect differences in the Earth’s subsurface (see video). [Read More]