Development of a Low Frequency, Deep Tow Geoacoustics System From a MultichannelSeismic System to a Dual Seismoacoustic Array with At-Sea Data Processing for Sediment Information

摘要

Over a decade ago, the need for better estimates of the geoacoustic properties ofdeep ocean sediments prompted the Navy to investigate various techniques for obtaining these data. Preliminary studies indicated that a deep-tow multichannel seismic system (an adaptation of commercial multichannel technology) would provide the best resolution of compressional velocities and structure within these sediments if both the hydrophone receiving array and seismic source are deployed near the seafloor. Data storage requirements and the desire for near real-time monitoring dictated that the data be telemetered to a recording system aboard ship. The initial development of this system (now known as the deep towed acoustics/geophysics system, or DTAGS) was carried out at the Naval Ocean Research and Development Activity (NORDA), which is now known as the Naval Oceanographic and Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NOARL). This article reviews earlier reports and journal articles on DTAGS2,3, discusses enhancements, results from use, and future plans for the system.