Evaluation of a Marine Broadband Slanted Source

Results are presented on the processing of a 2D test-line acquired with a standard versus a broadband source. To control for potential differences due to weather, water velocity and cable feathering, the data for both experimental source and reference source were acquired along the same sail line with each source fired alternately. The datasets were processed using essentially identical pre-stack time migration sequences and an assessment made of relative imaging quality and signal-to-noise ratio on stacks. It is found that despite efforts aimed at achieving comparable bandwidth from both sources, there is more noise present in the final section of the line acquired with standard source. This noise is visible in the spectrum centered on the standard source’s ghost notch at 107 Hz, and takes the form of a reduction in the spatial coherence of the image.