2009 Canada Basin seismic reflection and refraction survey, western Arctic Ocean: CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent expedition report

Abstract

The 2009 Canadian Polar Margin Seismic Reflection and Refraction Survey was a tremendous success, in large part due to the experience and innovation of its technical staff. The principal objective was to acquire multichannel seismic reflection and refraction data along positions that serve to establish sediment thicknesses along Canadian and US western Arctic continental margins. Secondary objectives included bathymetric sounding at specific locations along this margin to validate bathymetric data acquired by other means (e.g. satellite altimetry) in order to establish baseline information such as the 2500 m contour position. Strategic ship track lines were established to complement existing data to meet UNCLOS and scientific objectives. In addition to the geoscience program, samples and measurements were taken of Arctic Ocean water for chemical and physical oceanographic studies. Seismic system calibration experiments were also conducted to quantify sound signal intensity levels produced by the seismic system. 4069 line-km of high quality multichannel seismic reflection data were acquired, in addition to seismic refraction data recorded from 51 sonobuoys deployments. 8355 line-km of single beam bathymetry were achieved, in addition to 177 helicopter spot soundings. The physical/chemical oceanographic portion of the program resulted in 7 rosette water sample stations seven CTD/SVP casts and 72 XCTD casts.