The next generation offshore CSEM acquisition system

Offshore electromagnetic methods have proven to be a useful addition to seismic exploration. But next to the need to be imbedded in a seismic analysis, the main restriction was its limited penetration depth. To change this limit and its restriction to certain geological settings, we set out to improve the existing system a hundred-fold. To achieve this goal the positioning of the multi-component seabed receivers and their noise floor was improved 10-fold. Additionally, the source system was completely redesigned to allow for amplitudes up to 10 000 amperes. The system is designed to record beyond 3 km water depth and can reach targets down to 4.5 km beneath the seabed. We have tested the new system together with the standard CSEM equipment in several field tests in the Norwegian Sea and the results shown here confirm the envisioned improvements, which open most areas worldwide for CSEM exploration.