Description

High resolution Seismic Reflection Profiling or "Sub-Bottom Profiling" as it is often referred to is a method whereby an acoustic impulse is directed down to the seabed from a transducer. Part of the sound wave then reflects off the seabed and returns to the transducer (transceiver) or an independent receiver, thereby acting in a similar way to a standard echo sounder. However, due to the differing frequency (typically between 2 kHz and 400 Hz) some of the sound energy also penetrates below the seabed until they too are reflected back to the receiver. In this way various acoustic discontinuities are highlighted below the seabed. These differences can then be correlated to geological characteristics.

There are a number of different devices used in sub bottom profiling and include, "Chirp, Pinger, Boomer, Sparker and Airgun". Each has its particular strength, with Chirp and Pinger generally used to resolve features less than 0.5m thickness whilst boomer, sparker and airgun is used to resolve larger objects below the seabed and provide greater penetration.

EGS owns a number of industry standard systems including:

• C-Boom
• The GeoAcoustics Chirp and Pinger
• ORE Pingers
• Klein combined pinger and side scan sonar

In addition, EGS has invested a great deal into their own Boomer technology and runs a large number of in-house developed systems.

EGS is a world leader in Boomer technology and has used the system to great effect in a number of industries including construction and telecommunications.

* See the “Download” section to obtain PDF file brochures.