Latest field trial confirms potential of new seismic method based on continuous source and receiver wavefields

Abstract

eSeismic is a novel seismic methodology based on the emission and recording of continuous source and receiver wavefields. One of the motivations behind developing the methodology has been the increased focus on the potential environmental impact of marine seismic acquisition, which the new methodology seeks to reduce. A particular focus has been placed on the peak sound pressure levels emitted from seismic sources and their potential impact on marine mammals and fish with swim bladders. Consequently, authorities across the world have started to introduce stronger regulations concerning the use of seismic sources. The industry has responded by engaging in the development of marine vibrator systems that emit lower-amplitude transient signals and hence are expected to comply with stricter environmental regulations. Different marine vibrator systems are currently being developed or tested but none have reached full-scale commercial readiness. The methodology described in this paper has not been developed with any specific marine source technology in mind. The desired signal for the outlined methodology is that of white noise, as this enables deconvolution of the data with the total source wavefield. Indeed any type of mechanical device that produces a source signal that approaches the properties of white noise can be utilized in the eSeismic method. As described later, existing air gun equipment used on board modern seismic vessels has been used to generate the results discussed here and is equally suited for this method as are any marine vibrator systems of the future.