Geophysical Survey Strategies and Planning

Geophysical surveys are carried out for surface mapping with multibeam echosounder and side scan sonar, as well as for subsurface imaging with sub-bottom profiler and single and multi-channel seismics. Depending on the water and subsurface properties such as attenuation, signal properties have to be chosen for adequate imaging. Various case studies are discussed and critical factors such as frequency, attenuation, accuracy, temporal and spatial resolution, overlaps/redundancy are discussed. Material properties as well as (ambient) noise sources are considered to evaluate signal to noise ratios. Positioning approaches and quality is critically reviewed. Data representation through gridding and mapping are introduced as examples for typical commercial deliverables.

Seismoacoustic acquisition has to be carefully planned with consideration of (1) signal characteristics, (2) acquisition system, (3) target characteristics and size and (4) vessel characteristics. In the course, a commercial survey shall be planned using the purpose of the survey, information of the geologic features, and characteristics of equipment. This includes time and cost estimates, to be summarized and justified in a commercial-style document.

Project report

project exercise report

1st SWS: Introduction
2nd SWS: Acoustic Systems: Echosunder, Multibeam, Side Scan Sonar pt1
3rd SWS: Acoustic Systems: Echosunder, Multibeam, Side Scan Sonar pt2
4th SWS: Seismic Sources and Acquisition Systems pt1
5th SWS: Seismic Sources and Acquisition Systems pt2
6th SWS: Spatial Resolution of Survey Grids, Overlaps, Frequency pt1
7th SWS: Spatial Resolution of Survey Grids, Overlaps, Frequency pt2
8th SWS: Structural and Temporal Resolution pt1
9th SWS: Structural and Temporal Resolution pt2
10th SWS: Physical Parameters, Wave propagation pt1
11th SWS: Physical Parameters, Wave propagation pt2
12th SWS: Quality Control, Navigation and Positioning pt1
13th SWS: Quality Control, Navigation and Positioning pt2
14th SWS: Repetition