Patent ID: 6483774
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
A method for acquiring marine seismic data using a seismic source towed by a seismic vessel, the method comprising:(a) determining a first desired source position; (b) activating the seismic source substantially at said first desired source position and propagating acoustic energy into the earth; (c) recording a response of the earth to said acoustic energy for a predetermined shot record time length; (d) determining at least one new desired source position; (e) determining a position of the source vessel; (f) determining whether the position of the source vessel is on a side of the at least one new desired source position opposite the first desired source position and determining if the source vessel has passed said at least one new desired position; (g) activating the seismic source and repeating steps (c) through (f) if said source vessel has passed said at least one new desired source position; (h) if said source vessel has not passed said at least one new desired position, delaying activation of the seismic source until the source vessel is substantially at said at least one new desired source position; and (i) activating the seismic source substantially at said at least one new desired source position and repeating steps (c) through (f).