Ocean Bottom Seismometers for Research: A Reassessment

Abstract

An analysis of current ocean bottom seismometer technology has revealed that conventional, free-fall devices which simple rest on the surficial seafloor sediments could provide portable stations with short period performance only equivalent to the higher noise land stations located on islands. However, by emplacing borehole-type seismometers beneath the surficial seafloor sediments, the broadband performance of ocean bottom stations could prove superior to the best land stations. In fact, by combining 'state of the art' broadband digital seismometers with modern deep sea drilling and ocean acoustic or satellite telemetry methods, permanent subseafloor stations with essentially real-time communication are entirely feasible. A plan for preliminary seismic research is suggested.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 30, 1978
Accession Number
ADA064871

Entities

People

  • Douglas W. Mccowan
  • Joseph D. Phillips

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Amplitude
  • Background Noise
  • Data Storage Systems
  • Deep Oceans
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Ridges
  • Seabed
  • Seismological Stations
  • Seismology
  • Seismometers
  • Sonar Projectors
  • Stations
  • Telemetry

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Oceanography.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites