Subbottom Profile Surveys

Subbottom profiling surveys use seismic reflection systems to ‘map’ the stratigraphy of the sediments in the subsurface.  Ocean Surveys uses several types of state-of-the-art subbottom profilers, operating over a wide range of frequencies, in order to provide both high resolution and adequate depth of penetration into the subbottom layers.  A typical system includes a towed vehicle housing transducers.  The system sends out an acoustic signal (sound wave) and records the time it takes and the strength of the sound wave energy reflected off of successive interfaces, or layers in the subsurface, allowing for the construction of a cross-sectional profile of the subsurface.  Geotechnical data such as vibratory cores or borings are used to correlate the acoustic reflectors with sedimentary interfaces to provide our clients with important insight into the composition and thickness of the subsurface material.

Examples of subbottom profiling data utilization include:

• Location of relic channels, subsurface boulders, and bedrock depth
• Mapping sediment borrow area horizontal and vertical extents
• Calculating the volume of material available for removal, as well as the amount of overburden material
• Locating buried utilities such as pipelines and cables

Representative Projects