Number of seismic sources
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Series | Geophysical References Series |
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Title | Problems in Exploration Seismology and their Solutions |
Author | Lloyd P. Geldart and Robert E. Sheriff |
Chapter | 12 |
Pages | 469 - 484 |
DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/1.9781560801733 |
ISBN | ISBN 9781560801153 |
Store | SEG Online Store |
Contents
Problem 12.4a
Whereas seismic ships sometimes tow several streamers, only rarely do they use more than two source arrays. Why?
Solution
The ship must move at a steady rate to keep the towed equipment under control. Also it must travel an appreciable distance between air-gun releases to avoid overlap of the recordings from successive shots. A speed of 6 knots means about 3 m/s. The data received by the streamer ordinarily lasts for about 15 s following a source release, so that the source firing interval must be at least this large if overlap of data is to be avoided. During 15 s, the ship travels about 45 m, about the maximum without excessive smearing. With two source arrays firing alternately, minimum source spacing is thus about 90 m. The use of more than two sources would result in unacceptable source spacing and gaps in the continuous coverage.
Problem 12.4b
Why do some surveys use more detector locations than source locations whereas others do the opposite?
Solution
The cost of a seismic survey depends primarily on the time required. Depending on local conditions, laying out detectors may be either fairly rapid or slow, and similar considerations apply to movement of the source. Hence the optimum combination of numbers and disposition of detectors and sources in order to achieve a given density of coverage varies from situation to situation.
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Effect of crosscurrents | Circle shooting |
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Geologic interpretation of reflection data | Specialized techniques |
Also in this chapter
- Spatial sampling restrictions
- Bin size in marine work
- Effect of crosscurrents
- Number of seismic sources
- Circle shooting
- Ocean-bottom cable surveys
- Vibroseis land survey
- Loop layout for a 3D survey
- Fault interpretation using time slices
- Acquisition direction for marine 3D surveys