Page 32 - Acquisition and Processing of Marine Seismic Data

1.2 MARINE ACOUSTIC METHODS 23

TABLE 1.7 Applications, Advantages and Shortcomings of 2D and 3D Conventional Seismic Surveys

2D seismic Advantages
• Equipment and applications are much more economical
• Data processing is less complicated and relatively faster
• Acquisition is relatively less complicated
Shortcomings
• It provides data only along the 2D survey lines
• It is used today for academical and reconnaissance purposes only
• It is not possible to collect data from more than one single azimuth angle
• 3D effects are considered as significant noise
3D seismic Advantages
• It is possible to obtain 3D image of the sub-surface
• It is used for detailed exploration especially before drilling
• It is possible to collect data in different azimuth angles
• 3D effects are the data itself
Shortcomings
• Data processing is more complicated and less economical
• Navigation of the vessel and in-sea equipment is extremely important
• Equipment and applications are more complicated and expensive

FIG. 1.16 (A) Schematic representation of a 3D data volume, and (B) extracted sections from a 3D volume in any direction.