Chapter 14 EM Studies at Seas and Oceans

Abstract

Publisher Summary The purpose of this chapter is to outline main trends in marine Electromagnetic (EM) studies, and to list key experiments and most important results obtained within the last 5–10 years. The technique of EM studies in seas and oceans differs in certain aspects from the technique used on the land. One of the main goals of EM marine studies is a better understanding of gas hydrate spatial distribution and its content in seafloor sediments. One of the main distinctions of marine EM studies is, of course, the necessity to use special equipment both to excite and observe EM fields on the sea floor, since the sea water is a well-conducting media. The measurements of EM field are carried out on the sea floor, which accounts for the differences in the excitation method and EM field's measurement. Gas hydrates are a mixture of methane and water in solid state. Some characteristics of modern acquisition systems to carry out marine EM studies are also described in the chapter.