Marine seismic source

摘要

Disclosed are a marine seismic source (200) and a system for performing offshore seismic exploration operations. The disclosure notes that conventional seismic surveys use artificial seismic energy sources such as explosives which can be harmful to marine life and can be incapable of generating energy only within a specified frequency range. The marine seismic source (200) provides a more controllable approach to seismic surveying by producing controlled frequencies. The marine seismic source (200) comprises housing (201) and a piston (210). The housing (201) has a central axis, an open end (201a) and a closed end (201b). The piston (210) extends coaxially through the open end (201a) of the housing (201). The piston (210) is adapted to axially reciprocate relative to the housing (201). The piston (210) has a first end (217) having a bullet shaped outer surface distal to the housing (201) and a second end (218) disposed within the housing (201). The system comprises a seismic vessel at the sea surface and an oscillating piston seismic source coupled to the seismic vessel and disposed below the sea surface.