Work

Marine Seismic Exploration with Distributed Acoustic Sensing

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Marine seismic exploration is traditionally conducted using towed streamers to investigate the geological structure of sea shelves and identify mineral deposits. Conventional streamers typically use piezoelectric hydrophones or fiber-optic interferometric hydrophones, which are complex, costly, and challenging to manufacture. In this study, we introduced a fiber-optic marine towed streamer seismic acquisition system based on distributed acoustic sensing technology. This system features a simplified design by removing the need for optical components within the streamer, thereby streamlining system architecture and manufacturing. The system’s effectiveness was validated through a sea trial conducted in the slope zone of a basin, with water depths ranging from 500 to 2000 m. Notably, this study represents the first successful application of distributed fiber-optic towed streamers for marine seismic exploration, enabling the effective detection of complex sedimentary structures in the surveyed area. The results underscore the significant potential of distributed fiber-optic towed streamers for seismic exploration, paving the way for advancements in marine seismic technologies.

Source: Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2025.04.007