FEATURE
Offshore Seismic Survey T
he process of obtaining an offshore seismic survey permit begins with an application. This document must be submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The review timeframe will vary depending on the region and the type of survey. BOEM will also need to review incidental take authorizations from the Department of Commerce and the Interior. If these are all granted, the seismic survey can begin. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will then send the permit to the marine exploration company. The seismic survey is a process that involves sending sound pulses into the ocean. The sound waves reflect off of the seafloor and are read by special equipment to determine the potential oil or gas reserves. During the survey, scientists can study the sounds that marine animals make. This information will help them avoid predators and locate mates. The resulting information will then be analyzed to detect oil deposits. There are several methods of seismographic acquisition. The single streamer cable method is the most basic and cost-effective method. A cable is paid out from the aft of the vessel and towed along a track line. Hydrophones and air guns are used to collect the required data. “Hydrophones are sensors that detect seismic waves in water bodies. They are to water what geophones are to land. They could be coupled
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January-February issue l 2022
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