U.S. Department of Energy-funded research is pushing vertical seismic profiling (VSP) technology closer to fulfilling its promise as ?designer seismic? for America's oil and gas operators. VSP, which entails placing seismic signal receivers in boreholes and sources at the surface, allows the recording of much higher frequencies and higher-resolution images than does surface seismic, which has both receivers and sources at the surface. The result is an enhanced picture of the subsurface that helps operators reduce drilling risk and optimize oil and gas recovery. While VSP and other types of borehole seismology have been around for decades, its high costs, data processing hurdles, and industry's inherent reluctance to adopt new technology have limited its use. However, research projects managed by DOE?s National Energy Technology Laboratory are advancing the science of VSP data acquisition and processing, demonstrating a broader applicability for VSP, and reducing the costs of this promising technology.