Impacts of environmental restrictions on 3D seismic survey design, operations and signal processing: Case study from offshore Exmouth, Western Australia

Abstract

Seismic acquisition in environmentally sensitive areas is governed by exacting Commonwealth and State regulatory frameworks. These are designed amongst other things to (1) minimise risks of adverse impacts to marine biota, and (2) minimise disturbance to other users of the marine environment. Seismic surveys today require an adaptive approach to survey design and operations to ensure exploration and environmental objectives are realised. This paper describes seismic survey design, operational practices and implications on signal processing of Gazelle 3D, a shallow water marine seismic survey off the coast of Exmouth in exploration permit WA-399-P. Survey design and operational practices were modified to meet regulatory charters. We describe the effects these had on signal processing and the techniques used to mitigate acquisition signatures on resultant seismic images.