The Advanced Prototype of the Geohydroacoustic Ice Buoy

Abstract

The new-generation geohydroacoustic buoy prototype is designed for simultaneous acquisition of acoustic, hydroacoustic, and seismoacoustic data in various environmental conditions, including onshore and offshore boreholes, yet is specifically targeted for operation in Arctic seas as an element of the distributed ice-class drifting antennas. Modular structure of the geohydroacoustic ice buoy incorporates the advanced data logger and a combination of sensors: vector–scalar hydroacoustic (0.01–2.5 kHz) accelerometer, broadband molecular–electronic (0.03–50 Hz) velocimeter, as well as optional hydrophones. The distinguishing feature of the geohydroacoustic buoy is its low power consumption responsible for consistent autonomous operation of the entire measurement system for at least one week. Results of continuous laboratory tests carried out at the geophysical observatory of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences (GS RAS) in Obninsk are presented. It has been confirmed via comparative analysis of recorded time series featuring microseismic noise and teleseismic earthquakes that the prototype well meets the high standards of modern seismology.