Patent ID: 9116257
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: performing a marine seismic survey in a survey area where sea water due to sea current is moving in a prevailing first direction relative to an underlying seabed, using an acquisition system comprising a vessel towing a seismic energy source adapted to emit acoustic energy towards the underlying seabed and a streamer carrying a plurality of receivers adapted to receive part of the acoustic energy returned from underlying structures of the seabed for collecting seismic data, the method further comprising, navigating the acquisition system with a longitudinal axis thereof in a direction substantially different from the prevailing direction of the sea current, and with a velocity relative to the sea water having a) a first velocity component directed oppositely of and being of substantially equal magnitude to the sea current velocity, and b) a second velocity component that is directed generally perpendicular to the prevailing first direction, so as to move the acquisition system across the survey area along spaced apart sail-lines in alternating, respectively opposite first and second directions and being generally perpendicular to the prevailing first direction, and operating the seismic energy source and receivers and collecting seismic survey data while located within the survey area.