Seismic Surveys in Ice-Covered Waters

Abstract

The master’s thesis ‘Seismic surveys in ice-covered waters’ describes several methods within the maritime seismic industry to acquire data concerning the Earth’s strata. It is the objective of this thesis to present a viable solution enabling the seismic industry to perform surveys in ice influenced waters.

The hardware conducted for conventional seismic surveys are introduced and explained. Arctic area and ice issues in regards to marine seismic surveys are investigated. A suitable theoretical solution to the issues discussed is described and argued.

Development and description of Submergible Depth Controlled Bodies (SDCBs) are presented. Dynamic finite element model - 3D simulations are conducted with the software package OrcaFlex 3D. The simulations evaluate the characteristics of the SDCBs in regards to response time.

Results of the simulations imply that the SDCBs will have the desired effect and the response times for vertical effect of the configuration. The overall conclusion presents a theoretical solution for a seismic capable system able to operate within ice-influenced waters.