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GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

Deep-penetration seismic exploration and development surveys are conducted to obtain data on geological formations from the sediment near-surface to several thousand meters deep (below the sediment surface). A survey vessel or vessels tow a low-frequency acoustic source or sources (usually high- pressure air gun or air gun arrays), sending an acoustic signal that penetrates several thousand feet into the earth’s subsurface and is then reflected to surface receivers.

Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development Deep-Penetration and HRG Surveys

Two-Dimensional (2D) Surveys:

The 2D acquisition involves a single vessel towing a single acoustic array. The receivers are either towed behind the vessel on a long cable (streamer) or placed on the ocean bottom. The 2D acquisition involves a single vessel towing a single acoustic array. The receivers are either towed behind the vessel on a long cable (streamer) or placed on the ocean bottom
(cables or nodes)...

Three-Dimensional (3D) Surveys:

The 3D acquisition involves one or several acoustic source vessels towing multiple receiver cables (or cable/nodal receivers configured on the ocean bottom) to acquire a 3D volume of data. The 3D seismic data have enabled the industry to identify, with greater precision, where the most economical prospects may be located. The 3D technology is also used to identify previously overlooked hydrocarbon-bearing zones and new productive horizons

Nodes and Ocean Bottom Cable Surveys:

Ocean bottom cable surveys were originally designed to enable seismic surveys in congested areas such as producing fields with their many platforms and production facilities. 

Vertical Cable Surveys:

Vertical cable surveys, although now uncommon, are similar to ocean bottom cable surveys in that the receivers are deployed and then acoustic data are output by a source vessel.

 Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) Surveys:

These surveys are used to obtain wellbore information about the nature of the seismic signal, as well as more information about the geology surrounding the vertical array of sensors. 

Active Acoustic Source HRG Seismic Surveys and Equipment

This sea floor- to shallow-focused subbottom penetration surveys are used to identify potential:

• benthic biological communities/habitats,
• archaeological resources,
• sea floor bathymetry,
• geological hazards,
• sea floor engineering, and
• marine minerals.

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