Publications

Marine seismic survey systems have evolved to a high degree of technical sophistication. Techniques and instrumentation used by different exploration companies vary in detail but the broad principles are common to all systems. The system described here is that used by Indonesia Surveys S.A. The survey vessels are relatively large ships capable of staying at sea for several weeks. The seismic source is the tuned airgun array which is highly efficient, inherently safe, economical and reliable. The recording streamer consists of a number of groups of acceleration cancelling hydrophones which have set new levels of sensitivity and noise reduction. The returning seismic signals are detected by the hydrophones, and are amplified and recorded on magnetic tape by Texas Instruments DFS I11 or DFS IV recorders. A satellite navigation system and/or a Shran system is used for positioning. Many logistical and navigational problems exist from supply difficulties in remote areas to obstructions such as fish traps, shoals, reefs and busy shipping lanes.