Publications

We present a case study located offshore New Zealand in which innovative approaches were used to efficiently acquire data in a challenging, environmentally sensitive area. Recent advances in technology have enabled reduction in acquisition time whilst increasing the coverage area by using an integrated approach of survey design, modeling, acquisition, and data processing techniques to reduce the environmental footprint and improve productivity. A survey design and modeling study was used as a first step to understand and deliver a solution to reduce non-productive time. Based on these results, three advanced acquisition technologies were chosen to obtain high-quality, efficient broadband seismic data. This case study is one of the first to seamlessly deploy three cutting-edge acquisition technologies concurrently: 1) a constant depth-gradient (slant) streamer design that enables temporal bandwidth extension, 2) continuous acquisition of data during line turns which facilitates vessel optimization and increased efficiency and, 3) a fan-mode streamer configuration designed to minimize the need for infill and therefore further reduce survey duration. In an area of variable water depths (30 – 330 m), a dynamic streamer depth steering approach was used to provide a broadband solution not limited by shallow water. Finally, an equally important aspect to the efficient seismic acquisition approach described here is effective processing of these data. In this paper we will discuss not only the specific aspects of the broadband data processing but also how we handled the increased noise levels encountered in shooting during turns and the changes required in the depth imaging strategy.