Abstract: The maximum output of a seismic source array may be reduced by activating the individual seismic sources within these seismic source array in a pattern that is extended in time rather than by the presently employed conventional simultaneous activation of a large number of individual seismic sources. Methods are disclosed which take data shot with patterned sources and may use a sparse inversion method to create data with the about same image quality as that of conventional sources. In this manner the output of the maximum impulse of a seismic source array may be reduced by an amplitude factor of about 10 in the examples shown here, corresponding to a reduction of about 20 dB while maintaining virtually the same seismic image quality. The disclosed methods may be used in combination with any simultaneous sourcing technique. In addition, the disclosed methods may be used with a plurality of source arrays.

Abstract: A resonant source element configured to generate seismic waves. The resonant source element includes a housing; a high-pressure system configured to be discharged inside the housing; and a first conduit attached to an opening of the housing, wherein a distal end of the first conduit freely communicates with an ambient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for conserving power while conducting an ocean bottom seismic survey. Sensor nodes placed on an ocean floor may be configured to operate in at least an idle mode and an active mode. When a seismic source boat approached the sensor node, the node may adjust its mode of operation from an idle mode to an active mode. After the seismic source boat is no longer near the sensor node, the idle mode may be entered again to conserve power.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a marine element towed in water and related methods are provided. The cleaning device includes a body configured to enclose the marine element; at least one wing attached to the body and configured to impart translational and rotational motion to the body when interacting with the water; a switching and locking mechanism configured to change an orientation of the at least one wing between a first orientation and a second orientation when contacting a stopper and also to lock the selected orientation; rotating means attached to an internal surface of the body and configured to contact the marine element, the rotating means having axles that make a fix angle with a longitudinal axis of the body; and a cleaning tool attached to the body and configured to clean the marine element.

Abstract: A resonant source element is configured to generate seismic waves in water. The resonant source element includes a housing having two openings covered by first and second pistons, wherein the first and second pistons are configured to freely translate relative to the housing to generate the seismic waves; and a high-pressure system configured to discharge inside the housing and to actuate the first and second pistons. The first and second pistons are configured to oscillate after the high-pressure system is fired to generate low-frequency seismic waves.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for performing marine geophysical surveys that utilize a streamer having variable stiffness. An embodiment discloses a sensor streamer comprising: an outer surface; tension members within the outer surface extending along a length of the sensor streamer; spacers disposed within the outer surface along the length of the sensor streamer; a geophysical sensor disposed in an interior of one of the spacers; and an actuator assembly configured to apply tension to the tension members.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a solid-core streamer with particle motion sensors disposed within the solid core. Some embodiments may additionally include one or more pressure sensors that are disposed outside of the solid core. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also include one or more electromagnetic sensors. Also disclosed are various methods of operating an apparatus that includes a streamer with particle motion sensors disposed within the solid core of the streamer.

Abstract: A method for detecting hydrocarbons is described. The method includes performing a remote sensing survey of a survey location to identify a target location. Then, an underwater vehicle (UV) is deployed into a body of water and directed to the target location. The UV collects measurement data within the body of water at the target location, which is then analyzed to determine whether hydrocarbons are present at the target location.

Abstract: One or more portions of a streamer or other equipment of a seismic survey system (e.g., birds, buoys, deflectors, etc.) are covered with protective removable skin sections. A protective removable skin section includes a flexible sheet and a reversible closure system configured to join edges of the flexible sheet. The protective removable skin section may be mounted onboard of a vessel, when the equipment is deployed.

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: There is provided herein a method of seismic acquisition that utilizes an arrangement of marine sources where each source is positioned at a water depth shallow enough for the surface ghost notch to fall at a frequency greater than or equal to the maximum radiated frequency of interest. If the marine seismic source has a ratio of signal bandwidth to maximum frequency that is less than one half, then it is possible to deploy it at a greater depth at which ghost notches fall below and above its frequency band but not in it. Further, by placing two or more sources at different depths for the same frequency, any undesired nulls in the radiation pattern caused by the deeper tow can be filled in.

Abstract: There is a method for acquiring seismic data over a survey area. The method includes deploying streamer and source vessels to acquire seismic data along a survey line; performing one pass with the streamer and source vessels along the survey line for collecting wide azimuth (WAZ) data; and performing another pass with the streamer and source vessels along the survey line for collecting narrow azimuth (NAZ) data.

Abstract: Embodiments describe methods, devices and systems for marine seismic surveying which prevent or inhibit marine growth thereon. Towed seismic array elements which can become fouled given their presence in the water for extended time periods are coated with a hydrophobic coating, e.g., a superhydrophobic nanocoating applied manually via an aerosol can or brush. Application of the hydrophobic coating can be performed on board the towing vessel, or even potentially in the water.

Abstract: A far-field detection apparatus for measuring a far-field signature of a seismic source includes a main tow cable, a depth control device, sensor lines, at least two deflectors and seismic sensors. The depth control device is attached to the main tow cable. Each of the sensor lines has a first end attached to the main tow cable. Each of the deflectors is attached to a second end of the sensor lines, respectively. The deflectors are configured to generate forces pulling the sensor lines away from the main tow cable. The seismic sensors are attached between the first end and the second end of each of the sensor lines. The seismic sensors are configured to measure seismic waves generated by the seismic source.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for using tension feedback from steerable deflectors to adjust vessel turn time. In one example, a maximum tension for a second steerable first towed on a first side of the survey vessel may be determined. A radius of a turn of the vessel at a preselected speed may further be selected such that the tension on the first steerable deflector is less than the maximum tension. The vessel may be turned while moving at the preselected speed, wherein the turning of the vessel has the selected radius. Tension may be measured on the first steerable deflector during the step of turning the vessel.

Abstract: A method for estimating a position of a first acoustic linear antenna relative to a second acoustic linear antenna belonging to a network of towed acoustic linear antennas on which are arranged a plurality of nodes. The method includes: setting a first plurality of nodes arranged on the first antenna to act as sender nodes and a second plurality of nodes arranged on the second antenna to act as receiver nodes; forming a first group of sender nodes each sending a same first acoustic signature; for each receiver node: obtaining a propagation duration and establishing a geometrical figure representative of potential positions of a sender node, based on the propagation duration and the first acoustic signature; determining a set of common points between the geometrical figures; estimating the position of the first antenna relative to the second antenna based on the set of common points.

Abstract: A merged particle velocity signal is generated by merging a recorded vertical particle velocity signal, scaled in an upper frequency range using a time-dependent arrival angle as determined by velocity analysis, with a simulated particle velocity signal, calculated in a lower frequency range from a recorded pressure signal using a time-varying filter based on the time-dependent arrival time. Combined pressure and vertical particle velocity signals are generated by combining the recorded pressure and merged velocity signals.

Abstract: Apparatus, computer instructions and method for processing seismic data related to a subsurface of a body of water. The method includes inputting data indicative of recordings made by detectors provided on a depth-changing profile in response to an acoustic wave reflected from the subsurface; applying a matched mirror migration procedure to the data, where (i) actual positions of the detectors on the depth-changing profile and corresponding recordings, and (ii) fictitious mirror positions of the actual detectors on the depth-changing profile and corresponding recordings with a changed sign are added in the matched mirror migration; and generating a final image of the subsurface based on the matched mirror migration procedure.

Abstract: A method for attenuating noise in marine seismic signals includes cross ghosting pressure responsive marine seismic signals and contemporaneously acquired motion responsive marine seismic signals. A difference is determined between the cross ghosted signals. The difference is used to attenuate noise in at least one of the pressure responsive signals and the motion responsive signals.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to marine seismic vibrators for use in seismic surveying and associated methods of use. An embodiment provides a marine seismic vibrator comprising: a shell having a spring constant selected to provide a first resonance frequency within an operational frequency range of about 1 Hz and about 300 Hz; a driver disposed within the shell and having a first end and a second end; and a spring element coupled to the shell between the first end and the second end of the driver, wherein the spring element has a second mode of oscillation that provides a second resonance frequency within the operational frequency range.

Abstract: Embodiments of a configurable acquisition unit are disclosed together with applications for configurable acquisition units. In one embodiment, an acquisition unit includes a seismic data collection module that with a first housing. The acquisition unit also includes a second module with a second housing. The first housing is releasably coupled to the second housing, and when the first housing is coupled to the second housing, an outer surface of the first housing abuts an outer surface of the second housing.

Abstract: A method, system and a marine node for recording seismic waves underwater. The node includes a first module configured to house a seismic sensor; bottom and top plates attached to the first module; a second module removably attached to the first module and configured to slide between the bottom and top plates, the second module including a first battery and a data storage device; and a third module removably attached to the first module and configured to slide between the bottom and top plates, the third module including a second battery.

Abstract: A marine seismic system having a tow vessel; a first tow member connected to the tow vessel; a second tow member connected to the tow vessel; a first distance member having a first end connected to the first tow member and a second end connected to the second tow member; and a first attachment device connecting the first end to the first tow member, the first attachment member operational between an engaged position securing the first end of the distance member in a fixed position relative to the first tow member and a disengaged position permitting the first attachment device to move along a portion of the first tow member.

Abstract: Apparatus, computer instructions and method for processing seismic data related to a subsurface of a body of water. The method includes inputting data indicative of recordings made by detectors provided on a curved profile in response to an acoustic wave reflected from the subsurface; applying a matched mirror migration procedure to the data, where (i) actual positions of the detectors on the curved profile and corresponding recordings, and (ii) fictitious mirror positions of the actual detectors on the curved profile and corresponding recordings with a changed sign are added in the matched mirror migration; and generating a final image of the subsurface based on the matched mirror migration procedure.

Abstract: Computing device, system and method for calculating a far-field signature of a vibratory seismic source. The method includes determining an absolute acceleration of a piston of the vibratory seismic source while the vibratory seismic source generates a seismic wave; calculating, based on the absolute acceleration of the piston, a far-field waveform of the vibratory seismic source at a given point (O) away from the vibratory seismic source; and cross-correlating the far-field waveform with a driving pilot signal of the vibratory seismic source to determine the far-field signature of the vibratory seismic source.

Abstract: A streamer usable underwater for a marine seismic survey has a portion adjacent to a protuberance covered by an adhesive antifouling tape or substrate. The tape, which may be made of copper or copper alloy is configured to be fast fastened, may be applied when the streamer is deployed and may be covered by a protective jacket during recovery.

Abstract: A method of performing a seismic survey including: deploying nodal seismic sensors at positions in a survey region; activating a plurality of seismic sources; and using the nodal seismic sensors to record seismic signals generated in response to the activation of the plurality of signals.

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: An embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure for conducting a marine survey includes a survey spread comprising a plurality of receivers and an energy source that is towed along a selected course while a signal is emitted from an energy source. A plurality of receivers receive data comprising a detection sampling frequency and a survey sampling frequency. The survey sampling frequency is monitored to detect a cetacean vocalization and to position the cetacean at least while conducting the seismic survey. Pursuant to the location of the cetacean actions can be taken to protect the cetacean and to minimize disruptions in conducting the seismic survey.

Abstract: Discloses herein is a system of acquiring seismic date in a marine environment, which includes: seismic streamers towed by a vessel; and means for detecting and/or locating marine mammals, characterised in that said marine mammal detection and/or location means are secured to said seismic streamers.

Abstract: A probe assembly (1) suitable for use with apparatus for use in the investigation and/or analysis of an underwater floor of a body of water such as, for example, a seabed. The apparatus includes a depth penetration device (10), and an underwater floor testing tool (11, 12). The probe assembly (1) includes a first coupling for operatively connecting the probe to the depth penetration device (10) and a second coupling for operatively connecting the probe assembly (1) to the underwater floor testing tool (11, 12). The probe assembly (1) further includes a signal processing module (5) for processing information from the tool, a data transmission module (2) for the transmission of data from the signal processing module (5), a power source (3) for operating the data transmission module (2) and the signal processing module (5) and a switch module (4) for selectively connecting from the power source (3) to the data transmission module (2) and signal processing module (5).

Abstract: A sea bottom station for registration of seismic waves with vertical and horizontal components, having a vertical axis, including—a submergible case with a lid and a bottom preferably twice thicker than the lid,—a geophone block, wherein one geophone registers the vertical component, the remaining geophones register the horizontal component and create geophone pairs being pairwise orthogonal-positioned, while the geophones of each such pair are located symmetrically to the vertical axis. The bottom station includes—a power supply unit formed of rechargeable batteries, circumferentially located and pairwise symmetrical relatively to the vertical axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deployment and retrieval of ocean bottom seismic receivers. In some embodiments, the system includes a carrier containing receivers. The carrier can include a frame having a mounted structure (e.g., a movable carousel, movable conveyor, fixed parallel rails, or a barrel) for seating and releasing the receivers (e.g., axially stacked). The structure can facilitate delivering receivers to a discharge port on the frame. The system can include a discharge mechanism for removing receivers from the carrier. In some embodiments, the method includes loading a carrier with receivers, transporting the carrier from a surface vessel to a position adjacent the seabed, and using an ROV to remove receivers from the carrier and place the receivers on the seabed. In some embodiments, an ROV adjacent the seabed engages a deployment line that guides receivers from the vessel down to the ROV for “on-time” delivery and placement on the seabed.

Abstract: A method for conducting seismic operations includes the steps of deploying a seismic streamer carrying an electrically powered device from a vessel into water having waves, providing an in-sea generator in electrical connection with the device, producing electricity from the in-sea generator by harvesting mechanical energy from the waves, and providing the produced electricity to the device.

Abstract: A seismic survey system records seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The system includes first and second clusters, each including a set of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs); each cluster being associated with a corresponding first or second unmanned surface vehicle (USV); and a central control unit located on a floating platform and configured to control the first and second USVs. The first USV follows its own path and the first cluster follows the first USV independent of the second USV or the second cluster.

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: In a first aspect, a method for use in a time lapse, marine seismic survey includes accessing a set of acquired, multicomponent seismic data; and interpolating a set of time lapse seismic data from the acquired seismic data. In other aspects, a program storage medium is encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computing device, perform the above method and a computing apparatus programmed to perform one or more of such methods.

Abstract: A very low frequency marine seismic source has a reservoir of water (47) feeding water to an aperture communicating with the surrounding water (13). The rate of water flow through the aperture is controlled by a rotor disc (11) and stator disc (9) having holes which overlap to a greater or lesser extent as the rotor rotates. The modulation of the flow of water produces modulated pressure signal which is radiated into the surrounding water. The device is intended to produce acoustic signals over a band extending down to 0.5 Hz or lower.

Abstract: Method and streamer/source head-float system for connecting to a head portion of a streamer or to a lead-in or providing information about a source. The system includes a head-buoy configured to float in water and connected through a cable to the head portion of the streamer or to the lead-in; a head-float configured to float in water; a connector connecting the head-float to the head-buoy; and positioning equipment attached to the head-float and configured to determine a position of the streamer or the source.

Abstract: Method for managing shots in a multi-vessel seismic system, including for each slave shooter vessel: a) computing first theoretical shot times, based on a speed a scheduler shooter vessel and shot points associated to the scheduler shooter vessel, associated next shots of the scheduler shooter vessel; b) computing, based on a speed of the slave shooter vessel and the shot points, second theoretical shot times associated to the next shots; c) computing, based on the first theoretical shot times, interpolated virtual shot times; d) computing, based on the first theoretical shot times, the interpolated virtual shot times and a minimum shot time interval, shooting time windows; e) for each next shot: if the second theoretical shot time is in the shooting time window, selecting as a predicted shot time the second theoretical shot time; otherwise, selecting a border of the shooting time window closest to the second theoretical shot time.

Abstract: A wide-azimuth marine seismic survey system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure may include a streamer array; a first source towed from a first vessel; a second source towed from a second vessel; and a supplemental offset source towed from the first vessel and the second vessel.

Abstract: The technologies described herein include systems and methods for reducing noise in seismic data. More specifically, implementations may determine an amount of over-sampling for a frequency range of seismic data. Then, implementations may determine frequency bands based on the over-sampling. For each frequency band minimum-noise seismograms may be selected from consecutively occurring blocks of seismograms, and the remaining seismograms within each block may be discarded. The minimum-noise seismograms may then be used to reconstruct the discarded seismograms. The reconstructed seismograms may contain less noise than the original seismograms and, consequently, the seismic data may contain less noise.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the use of a self-propelled underwater vehicle for seismic data acquisition. The self-propelled underwater vehicle is adapted to gather seismic data from the seafloor and transmit such data to a control vessel. The self-propelled underwater vehicle may be redeployed to several seafloor locations during a seismic survey. Methods for real-time modeling of a target zone and redeployment of the self-propelled underwater vehicle based on the modeling are also described.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technique includes a method for geophysical survey having at least one source and one receiver, wherein the survey has two sets of survey locations within the survey area, one set of survey locations for the source(s) and the other set of survey locations for the receiver(s), wherein the survey locations in one set are randomized.

Abstract: A disclosed direct velocity seismic sensor includes a housing, a proof mass suspended in the housing by a resilient component, and a motion dampener that damps oscillation of the proof mass to a degree that displacement of the proof mass relative to the housing is substantially linearly proportional to a rate of change of seismic displacements of the housing over a frequency range of interest. A described method for constructing a seismic sensor includes using a calculated resonant frequency to determine a damping factor that causes the displacement of the proof mass to be substantially proportional to the rate of change of seismic displacement of the housing. One illustrative disclosed system includes an optical velocity sensor and a detector where a light beam produced by the velocity sensor and a reference beam interfere at the detector, and the detector produces a signal indicative of a velocity experienced by the velocity sensor.

Abstract: A deployment and retrieval method for ocean bottom seismic receivers, the method employs a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) having a carrier attached thereto to carry a plurality of receivers. The receivers are individually placed on the ocean bottom floor by utilizing a conveyor to move the receivers along a linear path to remove the receivers from the carrier. In one embodiment, multiple linear conveyors may be operated independently to alter the relative positions of the receivers on the respective conveyors to adjust the weight distribution of the receivers within the carrier.

Abstract: A seismic cable including sensors, data transmission lines extending the length of the seismic cable for conveying data signals issued from the sensors. Controllers distributed along the seismic cable operate as an interface between the sensors and the data transmission lines. Power supplying lines supply power to the controllers and the sensors. X power supplying lines are alternately connected to one out of X successive controllers. Each controller is adapted for applying on a power supplying line detected as defective the electrical tension provided by another power supplying line. Y data transmission lines are alternately connected to one out of Y successive controllers. Each controller is adapted to redirect towards at least one adjacent controller the data associated with a data transmission line which is determined to be defective.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method of transferring seismic equipment to and from a marine vessel and subsurface location. In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel includes a deck having a plurality of seismic sensor devices stored thereon, two remotely operated vehicles, each comprising a seismic sensor storage compartment, and a seismic sensor transfer device comprising a container for transfer of one or more of the seismic sensor devices from the vessel to the sensor storage compartment of at least one of the two remotely operated vehicles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cable termination and sensor integration at a sensor station within an ocean bottom seismic (OBS) cable array are disclosed. The sensor stations include a housing for various sensor components. Additionally, the sensor stations can accommodate an excess length of any data transmission members which may not be cut at the sensor station while enabling connection of one or more cut data transmission members with the sensor components. The sensor stations further manage any strength elements of the cable array.

Abstract: An elongate body for parenteral injection at low velocity from a device is described. The body has at least one pointed end and comprises at least one active material. In addition, the body has a compressive strength of greater than or equal to 5 Newton and the pointed end has an included angle of between about 10-50°. A solid vaccine formulation for needle-free parenteral delivery, methods for making the body, packaging of the body and use of the body, packaging and suitable delivery device are also described.