Abstract: A seismic streamer system for acquiring seismic data includes a plurality of first cable sections each employing a first sensor configuration therein, and at least one second cable section operatively connected to one or more of the first cable sections and employing a second sensor configuration therein. In various embodiments of the streamer system, one or more of the second cable sections are sparsely integrated into a streamer, a streamer array and/or a seismic spread. The first sensor configuration may, e.g., include a conventional hydrophone distribution, and the second sensor configuration may, e.g., include multicomponent sensors such as at least one of a particle velocity sensor, a pressure gradient sensor, an accelerometer and a combination thereof. The present invention is useful for attenuating noise in the measured seismic data as well as deghosting the data.

Abstract: Container systems used in storage, deployment or retrieval of a seismic cable array comprise a container, at least two coiling elements attached to a bottom side of the container, and storage means for allocating or accommodating, in an ordered arrangement, a number of seismic stations and/or a number of couplers/splices and/or other discontinuities which are being interconnected by sections of the seismic cable. Said storage means is arranged between said coiling elements and are attached to the bottom side of the container. The seismic cable is spooled or wound around said coiling elements. Corresponding methods of storing a seismic cable and deploying/retrieving the seismic cable are based on the use of at least two coiling elements and storage means for allocating or accommodating a number of seismic stations and/or a number of couplers/splices and/or a number of other discontinuities and arranged between said coiling elements.

Abstract: An inventive method provides for control of a seismic survey spread while conducting a seismic survey, the spread having a vessel, a plurality of spread control elements, a plurality of navigation nodes, and a plurality of sources and receivers. The method includes the step of collecting input data, including navigation data for the navigation nodes, operating states from sensors associated with the spread control elements, environmental data for the survey, and survey design data. The positions of the sources and receivers are estimated using the navigation data, the operating states, and the environmental data. Optimum tracks for the sources and receivers are determined using the position estimates and a portion of the input data that includes at least the survey design data. Drive commands are calculated for at least two of the spread control elements using the determined optimum tracks. The inventive method is complemented by an inventive system.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for enabling anti-twist functionality in marine geophysical streamers. An embodiment discloses a method comprising: towing a streamer behind a survey vessel in a body of water, wherein the streamer comprises rotation sensors and streamer rotation devices; receiving data from at least one rotation sensor indicative of streamer twist; and rotating a portion of the streamer with at least one streamer rotation device to reduce the streamer twist based, at least in part on the data.

Abstract: Method and system for improving offset/azimuth distribution. The system includes plural streamers towed by a streamer vessel; a central source towed by the streamer vessel; first and second front sources located in front of the plural streamers along a traveling direction of the streamer vessel; and first and second large offset front sources located in front of the first and second front sources along the traveling direction. The offset distance between the first and second large offset front sources, along a cross-line direction, is larger than an offset distance between the first and second front sources.

Abstract: Variable depth multicomponent sensor streamer. At least some of example embodiments are methods including designing a depth profile for first portion of a sensor streamer by determining a first target depth for a first hydrophone-geophone pair, the first hydrophone-geophone pair at a first offset along the sensor streamer, the determining based on a first projected geophone noise floor at the first offset and a first expected spectral notch of a hydrophone of the first hydrophone-geophone pair; and determining a second target depth for a second hydrophone-geophone pair, the second hydrophone-geophone pair at a second offset along the sensor streamer, the second offset greater than the first offset, and determining the second target depth based on a second projected geophone noise floor in the sensor streamer at the second offset and a second expected spectral notch of a hydrophone of the second hydrophone-geophone pair; wherein the second target depth is greater than the first target depth.

Abstract: Node, system and method for collecting seismic data. A node for collecting seismic data includes a base configured to land on the ocean floor; and a head connected to the base through a connecting member and configured to bury itself into the ocean floor. The head includes a seismic sensor configured to detect seismic data and first to third burying units configured to bury the head.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a marine seismic streamer usable underwater for marine seismic surveys. The marine seismic streamer includes: a lead-in section; at least one bird section; at least one data acquisition module; and at least one vibration module configured to vibrate the marine seismic streamer, wherein the lead-in section, the at least one bird section, the at least one data acquisition module and the at least one vibration module are connected together to form the marine seismic streamer.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a vibration isolation section for use in a seismic streamer system, the section including: a resilient sheath arranged to be connected end-to-end in a seismic streamer system and receive axial loads transmitted through the system, wherein the resilient sheath is configured to stretch upon receiving an axial load and substantially convert the axial load into a radial stress; and a support structure housed within the resilient sheath, the support structure including one or more members having substantially constant diameter under load which provides a reaction to the radial stress, thereby providing attenuation to the received axial load.

Abstract: To estimate a far-field signature of a seismic source having plural source elements, seismic receivers are provided to receive signals from the seismic source elements of the seismic source. Seismic receivers are dynamically associated with different seismic source elements over time, and the far-field signature of the seismic source is computed according to the measurement data taken by the seismic receivers.

Abstract: There is a method for finding a best distribution of source elements that form a vibratory source array. The method includes inputting plural constraints for the source elements; generating plural distributions of the source elements that fulfill the plural constraints; calculating for each distribution a performance index characterizing the source array; and selecting the best distribution from the plural distributions based on a value of the performance index.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition system is configured to collect seismic data. The system includes a marine source array configured to be attached to a fixed structure floating at the water surface and including vibratory source elements; and a controller configured to control the vibratory source elements so that a beam formed by the source array is steerable.

Abstract: A passive listening acoustic system and method of use may include source means for providing continuous, pulsed, or pulse coded acoustic signals at two or more frequencies and at least two acoustic sensors or hydrophones which detect and record a signal for use within a Seabed Logging system to determine the position and/or orientation of instruments in the system.

Abstract: A surface structure is provided for reducing drag and/or for reducing turbulence on or proximate any element of a streamer cable or towed sensor array. The surface structure comprises a non-uniform surface having ridges, channels, expanding channels, dimples, bumps, backward facing diamonds, a saw tooth pattern, or the like integrated into, adhered to, wrapped, and/or coated onto a surface of the streamer cable. The sharkskin like material, coating, or surface is optionally an array of denticles or a sheet that is also useful for fuel reduction and/or ease of guidance due to lower resistance and noise reduction in towed sensors due to reduction/breakup of localized zones of turbulence.

Abstract: A technique includes a technique includes providing a plurality of acquisition components for performing a survey of a geologic region of interest, where the plurality of acquisition components comprising receivers and at least one source. The technique includes using at least one marine unmanned vehicle to position at least one of the receivers in the survey; and deploying at least at one of the acquisition components in a well or on land.

Abstract: A method for determining a sail plan for a towed-array marine seismic survey includes: dividing a survey area into a regular grid of tiles; and identifying a subset of the tiles as nodes around which continuously curved sail lines are defined. The nodes define regular pattern further including: a first subpattern of nodes; and a second subpattern of nodes offset from the first subpattern. A method for conducting a towed array marine survey includes: traversing a plurality of continuously curved sail lines across a survey area, each sail line being relative to a node; and acquiring seismic data while traversing the continuously curved sail lines. The set of nodes defining a regular pattern further including: a first subpattern of nodes; and a second subpattern of nodes offset from the first subpattern.

Abstract: A control system for use in a marine seismic survey is provided. The system may include one or more processors configured to receive a desired position for one or more seismic streamers during the marine seismic survey. The one or more processors may be further configured to determine a current position for the one or more seismic streamers and to adjust a position of a steering device on each streamer, based upon, at least in part, a comparison between the current position of the one or more seismic streamers and the desired position of the one or more seismic streamers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for marine survey acquisition are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is provided that may deploy a marine seismic spread that includes a first seismic source, a second seismic source and a streamer with a receiver. The second source may be disposed at a distance from the first seismic source in an inline direction. The distance may be selected to produce one or more pairs of shot points during a seismic survey. The shot points within a pair may be disposed within a range that is used to calculate a pressure source gradient between the shot points within the pair. The method may shoot the first seismic source and the second seismic source substantially simultaneously. The method may record seismic data associated with shooting the first seismic source and the second seismic source. The method may calculate the pressure source gradient for respective pairs of shot points.

Abstract: A method for water monitoring about a deviated well is disclosed. The method includes positioning a series of electromagnetic (EM) receivers in a completed deviated wellbore, said receivers being spaced along substantially the length of the well located in a region of a reservoir to be monitored. The method also includes positioning an electromagnetic (EM) source at a first Earth surface location. Then the EM source is activated for a first survey measurement of the reservoir, and an EM field detected at each EM receiver is recorded. The EM source is moved to a second Earth surface location, and activated for a second survey measurement of the reservoir, and an EM field detected at each EM receiver is recorded. From the first and second survey measurements at each of the receivers, an inversion is performed to determine position of water about (and specifically below) the horizontal well.

Abstract: Embodiments related to restriction of gas flow in a marine acoustic vibrator to compensate for gas spring effects. An embodiment provides a marine acoustic vibrator, comprising: an outer shell; and a variable gas flow restrictor disposed within the outer shell; wherein the marine acoustic vibrator has a resonance frequency selectable based at least in part on the variable gas flow restrictor.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting geophysical information may include a geophysical information station disposed along a seismic communication cable. A bypass circuit responsive to a command signal is in communication with a switching circuit that is operable to route electrical power, commands, data or a combination to bypass the geophysical information station in response to the command signal. An exemplary method for bypassing a geophysical information station in a geophysical information collection system includes sending a command signal to a bypass circuit and activating one or more switching circuits using the bypass circuit to route electrical power, commands, data or a combination to bypass the geophysical information station in response to the command signal.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a multilayer jacket for a seismic streamer is disclosed. The multilayer jacket comprises an outer layer comprising a water-resistant and wear-resistant material. The multilayer jacket further comprises an inner layer comprising a hydrocarbon impermeable material.

Abstract: Disposable antifouling covers for geophysical survey equipment. At least of example embodiments are methods including deploying marine geophysical survey equipment. The deploying may include: installing a disposable antifouling cover of plastic material on a portion of the marine geophysical survey equipment, wherein the disposable antifouling cover occludes a majority of an exterior surface of the portion of the marine geophysical survey equipment; and placing the marine geophysical survey equipment in a body of water.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for acquiring marine seismic data to generate images or determine properties of an interior section of the Earth using simultaneous marine vibrator sweeps and methods for processing the acquired seismic data. Phase of sweeps produced by the marine vibrator(s) are controlled to provide for removal of crosstalk. The phases between marine vibrator sweeps may be random or controlled to have a predetermined/desired phase difference. The predetermined phases may be determined to minimize the crosstalk between sweeps based on known seismic velocity of the survey area.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting a marine seismic survey is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure water pressure, a horizontal derivative of the pressure in two orthogonal directions, vertical particle velocity or acceleration of the water, and a horizontal derivative of the vertical particle velocity or acceleration in two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: Embodiments related to sound sources for marine geophysical surveys. An embodiment provides a sound source, comprising: an outer shell containing a first gas at a first gas pressure; and a compliance chamber in indirect fluid communication with the first gas, the compliance chamber containing a second gas at a second gas pressure, wherein the second gas pressure is lower than the first gas pressure. An embodiment provides a sound source for marine geophysical surveys, comprising: an outer shell; a mass coupled to the outer shell; and an actuator coupled to the outer shell. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments related to addition of a variable mass load to the shell of a marine vibrator to compensate for air spring effects. An embodiment provides a marine vibrator, comprising: an outer shell; a driver disposed at least partially within the outer shell and coupled thereto; and a mass load coupled to an exterior surface of the outer shell; wherein the marine vibrator has a resonance frequency selectable based at least in part on the mass load.

Abstract: A marine survey system includes a collar configured to be affixed to a tow member, to connect a separation member to the tow member and to release the separation member when a lock-release condition is met. Alternatively or additionally, the marine survey system includes a variable drag force mechanism configured to generate a first drag force pushing the collar downstream before the collar reaches a downstream element beyond which the collar cannot move, and to generate a second drag force after the collar has reached the downstream element.

Abstract: Method and vessel for performing marine acoustic survey of a subsurface. The vessel includes a launching module configured to deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) underwater; a recovery module configured to recover the AUV; a homing device mounted on the recovery module and configured to guide the AUV to the recovery module; and a management module connecting the launching module to the recovery module and configured to transport the AUV.

Abstract: An underwater seismic system for reducing noise due to ghost reflections or motion through the water from seismic signals. The system includes two motion sensors. One sensor has a first response and is sensitive to platform-motion-induced noise as well as to acoustic waves. The other sensor has a different construction that isolates it from the acoustic waves so that its response is mainly to motion noise. The outputs of the two sensor responses are combined to remove the effects of motion noise. When further combined with a hydrophone signal, noise due to ghost reflections is reduced.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently acquiring towed streamer marine seismic data are described. One method and system comprises positioning a plurality of source-only tow vessels and one or more source-streamer tow vessels to acquire a wide- and/or full-azimuth seismic survey without need for the spread to repeat a path once traversed. Another method and system allows surveying a sub-sea geologic feature using a marine seismic spread, the spread smartly negotiating at least one turn during the surveying, and shooting and recording during the turn. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, allowing a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An underwater base handles an autonomous underwater vehicle. The underwater base includes a storing part configured to store the AUV; a control part configured to control the storing part; and a support part configured to support the control part and the storing part and to prevent a burial of the underwater base into the ocean bottom. The control part is further configured to guide the AUV while approaching a desired target position on the ocean bottom.

Abstract: A method for performing a seismic survey in a water column includes providing a length of flexible cable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a cable handling device adjacent the cable storage device. The flexible cable comprises a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in the water column. The method further comprises routing the flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free end of the flexible cable into the water column, attaching at least one of a plurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes the workstation, and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotational speed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottom of the water column.

Abstract: Vibration transducers, sensors including the vibration transducers, and methods for manufacturing the same. The vibration transducer may include a magnet. The vibration transducer may include a bobbin disposed about the magnet. The vibration transducer may include a first coil disposed about the bobbin. The vibration transducer may include a controllable damping coil disposed about the bobbin. The first coil is movable relative to the magnet. The magnet is polarized with respect to the axis of the vibration transducer.

Abstract: System, medium and method for de-blending seismic data. The method for acquiring blended seismic data associated with a subsurface of the earth includes receiving coordinates of a sail line associated with first and second shot point locations; towing first and second source arrays in water along the sail line; shooting the first and second source arrays with a constant delay parameter so that a seismic trace recorded by a seismic sensor has at least a first uncontaminated portion that includes seismic energy generated substantially only by one of the first and second source arrays and a second portion that includes seismic energy generated by both the first and second source arrays; and recording blended seismic data generated by the first and second source arrays with the seismic sensor.

Abstract: A seismic survey system records seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The system includes at least two underwater bases and plural autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that carry appropriate seismic sensors. An AUV is housed by an underwater base and it is launched to a final destination from the underwater base. The AUV receives pinger signals from at least two underwater bases for correcting its trajectory toward the final destination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a source device for the emission of seismic waves designed to operate by being towed by a vessel. The source device according to the invention comprises at least three support-beams, a plurality of guns placed along each support-beam, a central hub receiving one end of support-beams and arranged such that support-beams can be deployed according to a star-like geometry, and the means to keep support-beams in this geometry during operation.

Abstract: Method and system for improving offset/azimuth distribution. The system includes plural streamers towed by a streamer vessel; a central source towed by the streamer vessel; first and second front sources located in front of the plural streamers along a traveling direction of the streamer vessel; and first and second large offset front sources located in front of the first and second front sources along the traveling direction. The offset distance between the first and second large offset front sources, along a cross-line direction, is larger than an offset distance between the first and second front sources.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a seismic survey. The system includes a first seismic source and a second seismic source configured for generating seismic signals. The first seismic source is configured for generating seismic signals ranging from about 4 Hz to about 120 Hz. The second seismic source is configured for generating seismic signals ranging from about 0 Hz to about 8 Hz. The system includes receivers to receive seismic data in response to seismic signals generated by the seismic sources.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus and method for deploying a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors (5) joined together by connection cables (6) in one or more “chains”, and connected to an input/output device (8). An input/output connection unit (7, 15) is provided on a carrier (10), and the sensors are held on or in deployment devices (14a-14e) mounted to the carrier with their connection cables (6) connected to the input/output connection unit (7, 15). The input/output device (8) may also be mounted to the carrier, and connected to the connection unit (7, 15). The carrier (10), sensors, and input/output device (8) may be delivered as a single package to the area where the sensor array is to be deployed. The sensors are then moved from the carrier to their final positions. The deployment devices (14a-14e) may be detached from the carrier and moved sequentially to the sensor positions, and a sensor may be removed from the deployment device at each sensor position.

Abstract: Computational systems and methods for randomizing the order in which multiple sources are fired in simultaneous source acquisition are described. In one aspect, pseudo-randomly shifted time delays are generated for each shot interval of a marine-survey-time line. Each shifted time delay is assigned to one or the sources. The sources within each shot interval are fired based on the shifted time delays.

Abstract: A marine survey acquisition system. The system may include a vessel for towing a marine survey spread. The marine survey spread may include streamers, marine vibrators and a cable. The cable may be coupled to a respective streamer from among the streamers and one of the marine vibrators. The cable may power the respective streamer and the one of the marine vibrators. The one of the marine vibrators may emit energy at a high frequency range.

Abstract: A technique includes towing at least one seismic source in connection with a survey of a structure; and operating the seismic source(s) to fire shots, where each shot is associated with a frequency sweep. The technique includes varying phases of the frequency sweeps from shot to shot according to a predetermined phase sequence to allow noise in an energy sensed by seismic sensors to be attenuated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining marine seismic source configurations which produce a minimum error after the process of combining the wave fields to eliminate the responses of sources including the source ghost operated at multiple depths, without separating these wave fields, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes simulating, on a computer system, the performing of a seismic survey for one or more source configurations. An error term is calculated for each configuration simulated. Based on the calculated error terms, a configuration having the smallest error among those simulated may be determined.

Abstract: A method of performing a marine survey is provided. The method may include deploying, into a body of water, a towable streamer including one or more sensors for performing a subterranean survey. The method may also include receiving, from the sensors, information relating to the subterranean survey at a data storage device housed within a portion of the towable streamer. The method may also include storing the information within the data storage device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for acquiring seismic data in a marine environment using survey paths following a series of linked curved paths so as to obtain multi-azimuthal data over a sub-surface target. Marine vessels towing multiple seismic streamers may be configured to travel substantially along a series of linked deviated paths or a series of linked curved paths. Sources may be excited to introduce acoustic wave energy in the marine environment and into the subsea region. The acoustic wave energy then reflects and refracts from the subsea region to form reflected and refracted wave energy, which is detected by seismic receivers spaced along the streamers. The detected seismic data is then interpreted to reveal seismic information representative of the surveyed subsea region. Other enhancements include configuring the streamers in a flared configuration, where the lateral spacing increases rearwardly over the length of the seismic streamers.

Abstract: A seismic streamer and associated method are provided. The seismic streamer may include a seismic streamer core having a cylindrical configuration. A melt-processable thermoplastic layer may be coupled with the seismic streamer core, the melt-processable thermoplastic layer being extruded to form a first tube. An elastomeric layer may be coupled with the melt-processable thermoplastic layer, the elastomeric layer being extruded to form a second tube.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data representing measurements acquired by seismic sensors in response to energy that is produced by shots of a seismic source. The energy that is produced by the seismic source for each shot includes a plurality of discrete frequencies of discrete frequency bands that are within a frequency range of interest and are separated by at least one excluded frequency or frequency band. The data may be processed to determine at least one characteristic of a geologic structure.

Abstract: A marine seismic survey is performed in icy waters by initially planning a survey track traversing a survey area. The initial track is planned based on initial ice conditions in the survey area having the icy waters. After preparing the system, a seismic system is deployed into the water from a survey vessel at the survey area. This is typically done in an area relatively free of ice. At least one escort vessel escorts the survey vessel as it traverses the survey track and obtains seismic data. The survey vessel tows the seismic system under the surface of the icy water to avoid the ice. All the while, systems and operators monitor the survey area along the survey track for actual ice conditions. In this way, the escort vessel can handling the actual ice conditions along the survey track so the survey vessel does not need to halt.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to acoustically interfacing marine survey devices. In one embodiment, a system includes survey equipment, first and second acoustic transducers, and a first device. In this embodiment, the first acoustic transducer is coupled to the survey equipment and configured to perform at least one of receiving survey information and sending control information. In this embodiment, the first device is not directly coupled to the survey equipment. In this embodiment, the second acoustic transducer is coupled to the first device and configured to perform at least one of sending survey information and receiving control information. In one embodiment, the first acoustic transducer is included in or coupled to a streamer cable.