Sparker system
The sparker system is a medium power and frequency seismic energy source used for sub-bottom profiling surveys. It consists of EG&G 136 tip towed array and an Applied Acoustics CSP2200 high voltage power supply. The sparker uses a high voltage electrical discharge between the sparker tips and the array frame (via the sea water) to provide the seismic source. The CSP2200 can provide a maximum energy output of 2200 joules.

The sparker system provides a higher resolution image than the airgun system, but the trade off with high frequency is a lower sea-bed penetration approximately 700-1000 m of the return signal from the sparkarray (seismic source) is captured by a seven channel hydrophone and digitally recorded and processed using a Coda Octopus DA200 system.

Sparker control
Sparker
Sparker Image

Enquiries:- David Smith
Contact British Geological Survey Marine Operations & Engineering
2a Nivensknowe Road Loanhead Midlothian EH20 9AU