Some Remarks on Single-Channel and Multi-Channel Seismic in Offshore Engineering Geological Exploration

Abstract

Single-channel and multi-channel seismic exploration have become two important geophysical methods in offshore engineering geological investigation. Both of the two methods can present high sensitivity and high resolution information about the strata under the seafloor. However, the single-channel seismic prospecting method has some limitations in high resolution engineering surveys. For example, (1) When the depth of water is relatively shallow, the system cannot get zero offset profile; (2) The reflective events will be distorted if the terrain of the seafloor is complex, and thus make the interpretation much more difficult; (3) We cannot remove the influence of the complex multiples in single-channel seismic data processing; (4) We cannot get the lithological and physical properties directly using single-channel seismic method; and, (5) The spatial resolution of single-channel is also lower than that of multi-channel seismic method. In this paper, we presented some examples, and the above problems have been discussed to compare the two methods. All those can give a good guide for selecting appropriate exploration methods.