GroundMetrics

About GroundMetrics

GroundMetrics, Inc. was established in 2010 by George E. Papadakis and Amanda M. Sparck, emerging from research conducted at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The company provides advanced geophysical survey and monitoring services tailored for the oil and gas, and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) industries. The core of their offering is a proprietary sensor technology that measures changes in underground electrical resistivity, providing a clearer picture of subsurface fluid movements. This technology assists clients in optimizing oil and gas production by identifying unswept pay and improving reservoir models. For carbon sequestration projects, it offers a means for long-term, cost-effective monitoring to ensure the secure and permanent storage of CO2.

The company's technology is rooted in controlled-source electromagnetics (CSEM) and leverages sensors originally developed for naval applications. This allows for the detection of subtle electrical changes deep underground, a capability that traditional seismic surveys may not offer with the same level of resolution for fluid-flow monitoring. GroundMetrics conducts surveys by deploying its sensor arrays across a client's field of interest. Data gathered from these sensors is then processed and analyzed by their team of geophysicists to deliver actionable insights. Their business model is service-based, generating revenue by conducting these specialized surveys and providing data analysis for energy companies. By offering a less invasive and more direct method of tracking subsurface fluid dynamics, the company aims to enhance the efficiency of resource extraction and the safety of geological storage projects.

Significant milestones for GroundMetrics include securing early-stage funding from investors like Shell Technology Ventures and Triton firm, which underscored the industry's interest in their electromagnetic survey solutions. The technology has been deployed in various challenging environments, including the Alaskan North Slope, demonstrating its robustness and applicability in diverse operational settings. The founders' backgrounds are integral to the company's development; George Papadakis brought expertise in electrical engineering and sensor technology, while Amanda Sparck contributed her knowledge in geophysics. Their combined experience created the foundation for adapting sophisticated electromagnetic measurement techniques for commercial energy applications, addressing a clear market need for better reservoir surveillance and monitoring tools.