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Abstract

Summary

We conducted a study to explore ways to reduce underwater noise that might disturb harbor porpoises. Our marine trial aimed to test the hypotheses that high-frequency underwater noise from seismic surveys can be reduced using commercially available conventional or modified air guns, while still be obtaining a seismic image that meets the required standards.

In this study, we found that for sources with peak pressures ranging from approximately 11 to 29 barm (as derived from NFH’s), there is no significant difference in image quality in the frequency band between 1 and 30 Hz for depths up to about 3.8 seconds. However, this limit is determined by source-generated noise, not ambient noise. Therefore, we should prioritize minimizing source-generated noise before considering the use of stronger sources.

In a companion paper, we demonstrate various behavioral and physiological impact levels for the progressively smaller air gun arrays and a modified air gun array (eSource), showing a reduction of up to 20 dB when comparing the highest-impact source to the lowest-impact eSource.

Based on these results we accept our hypothesis and conclude that it is possible to reduce high-frequency noise from air gun arrays while maintaining image quality.

© EAGE Publications BV
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/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.2025101497
2025-06-02
2026-02-12

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References

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/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.2025101497
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Imaging with Compact, Low-Impact Sources
Conference Proceedings 2025, 1 (2025); https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.2025101497
/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.2025101497
/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.2025101497
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