Sub-bottom profiling is used to map the subsurface structure of sediment and rock formations beneath the seabed. It employs a technique known as Reflection Seismology that uses reflected seismic waves to produce an image of the subsurface profile. It requires a controlled seismic source of sound energy which travels down to the seafloor and penetrates the layers beneath.
The energy reflects off the differing layers with different intensities depending on the density of the rock, and these reflected energy waves travel up through the sea and are received by one or more surface hydrophones. Once received, the reflected energy waves can be recorded and processed to create an image of the seabed geology.
Reflection seismology is widely used in the exploration for hydrocarbons, oil and natural gas reservoirs, within the sub-surface rock formations. Armed with a map of the seafloor profile, geologists and geophysicists can interpret the data for potential new reserves.
It is also used in geological seabed surveys prior to offshore construction works such as ports, flood defences and wind farms, to select the optimum route for cables and pipelines and to locate imbedded objects.
Applied Acoustic Engineering manufactures a variety of sub-bottom profiling systems to accommodate the range of challenges faced by geophysicists. These can vary from coastal or deep waters to soft sediment or harder rock layers. With component system configuration, the optimum package can be tailored to the application.