METHOD FOR ACQUIRING SEISMIC DATA, COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM, NON-TRANSIENTIAL AND NAVIOSEISMIC

Abstract

SEISMIC DATA ACQUISITION WITH VARYING RELATIVE DISTANCE BETWEEN MULTIPLE SEISMIC VESSELS. The present invention generally relates to marine seismic prospecting and, in particular, to seismic prospecting using multiple vessels. During seismic data acquisition, a distance [D] between a first seismic vessel [110] and a second seismic vessel [120] can be adjusted according to a predefined function so that data are collected at a variety of displacements.

Description

1 / 18 Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for METHOD FOR ACQUIRING SEISMIC DATA, NON-TRANSIENT COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM AND SEISMIC VESSEL. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

[001] This request claims priority for the Provisional Request US no. 61 / 914.836, SEISMIC DATA ACQUISITION WITH A RELATIVE DISTANCE VARYING BETWEEN MULTIPLE SEISMIC SHIPS, filed on December 11, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference into the present document in its entirety and for all purposes. BACKGROUND FIELD

[002] The present invention relates generally to marine seismic prospecting and, in particular, to seismic prospecting methods using multiple vessels. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE

[003] Petrochemical products such as oil and gas are ubiquitous in society and can be found in everything from gasoline to children's toys. Because of this, the demand for oil and gas remains high. In order to meet this high demand, it is important to locate oil and gas reserves on Earth. Scientists and engineers conduct research using, among other things, seismic wave exploration techniques to find oil and gas reservoirs within the Earth. These seismic exploration techniques often involve controlling the emission of seismic energy within the Earth with a seismic energy source (e.g., dynamite, air guns, vibrators, etc.), and monitoring the Earth's response to the seismic source with one or more receivers in order to create an image of the Earth's subsurface. Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, p. 8 / 39 2 / 18

[004] Each receiver may include, for example, a pressure sensor and / or a particle motion sensor in close proximity to each other. The pressure sensor may be, for example, a hydrophone that records scalar pressure measurements of a seismic wave field. The particle motion sensor may be, for example, a three-component geophone that records vector velocity measurements of the seismic wave field. By observing the reflected seismic wave field detected by the receiver(s) during the survey, geophysical data relating to reflected signals can be acquired and these signals can be used to form an image indicating the composition of the Earth near the survey site.

[005] Marine seismic surveys generally involve towing one or more streamer cables comprising a plurality of receivers with a seismic vessel. The number of receivers placed on the streamer and the relative distance between the receivers generally determine the quality of seismic data that are recorded. Improving seismic data collection traditionally involves increasing the length of the streamer cables and the density of receivers included on them. However, the longer the streamer cables, the more difficult it becomes to keep the streamer cables separated and in a desired configuration, for example, when turning the seismic vessel or maneuvering the seismic vessel in icy or obstructed waters. SUMMARY

[006] The present invention generally relates to seismic prospecting, and in particular to seismic prospecting using multiple ships. During the acquisition of seismic data, a distance between a first seismic ship and a second seismic ship can be adjusted according to a predefined function so that data are collected at a variety of displacements and / or azimuths. Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, p. 9 / 39 3 / 18 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[007] In order that the aspects, advantages and objectives of the present invention described above may be obtained and understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be taken by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[008] Figures 1A-C illustrate an exemplary seismic survey according to an embodiment of the invention.

[009] Figures 2A-C illustrate exemplary distance functions according to embodiments of the invention.

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates dynamically adjusting the distance functions according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] Figures 4A-C illustrate the relative positioning between seismic vessels according to the embodiments of the invention.

[0012] Figure 5A illustrates the distance functions adjusted during multiple passages through a navigation line, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Figure 5B illustrates exemplary seismic receiver coverage across an area of ​​interest during multiple passes through a navigation line, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary control system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Figure 7 is a flowchart of exemplary operations performed during a seismic survey, according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference is made hereto to embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Instead, any combination Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, page 10 / 39 4 / 18 of the following aspects and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, are contemplated for implementing and practicing the invention. Furthermore, in several embodiments the invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. However, although embodiments of the invention may obtain advantages over other possible solutions and / or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is obtained by a given embodiment is not limiting the invention. Thus, the following aspects, embodiments, and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly described in a claim(s).Similarly, reference to the invention should not be interpreted as a generalization of any subject matter of the invention disclosed herein and should not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly stated in a claim(s).

[0017] One embodiment of the invention is complemented as a program product for use with a computerized system. The program(s) of the program product define(s) functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein) and may be contained in a variety of computer-readable media. Illustrative computer-readable media include, but are not limited to: (i) information permanently stored on non-recordable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM discs readable by a CD-ROM drive); (ii) changeable information stored on recordable storage media (e.g., floppy disks within a floppy disk drive or hard disk drive); and (iii) information transported to a computer by a communications medium, such as via a wireless network. The latter Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, page 11 / 39 5 / 18 embodiment specifically includes information downloaded from the Internet and other networks. Such computer-readable media, when carrying computer-readable instructions that direct the functions of the present invention, represent embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the invention may be part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, module, objective, or sequence of instructions. The computer program of the present invention typically comprises a multiplicity of instructions that are translated by the native computer into a machine-readable format and, therefore, executable instructions. Also, the programs comprise variables and data structures that reside both locally in the program and are found in memory or on storage devices. Furthermore, several programs described below can be identified based on the application for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of the invention.However, it should be appreciated that any particular program nomenclature that follows is used merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use only in any specific application identified and / or implied by such nomenclature.

[0019] Figure 1A illustrates an exemplary chemical survey according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 1A, a first seismic vessel 110 and a second seismic vessel 120 can collaboratively conduct a seismic survey. In one embodiment, the first seismic vessel 110 can be configured to tow one or more seismic sources 111 and one or more streamer cables 112. The second seismic vessel 120 can also be configured to tow one or more seismic sources 121 and / or one or more streamer cables. Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, p. 12 / 39 6 / 18 122, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1A.

[0020] Although Figure 1A shows the first ship 110 and the second ship 120 each towing their respective sources and pennant cables, in alternative embodiments, the sources and pennants may be arranged differently between the first and second ships. For example, in one embodiment, one of the first ship 110 and the second seismic ship 120 may tow one or more sources and one or more pennant cables, while the other of the first seismic ship 110 and the second ship 120 may tow only one or more pennant cables. In another embodiment, one of the first seismic ship 110 and the second seismic ship 120 may tow one or more sources and one or more pennant cables, while the other of the first seismic ship 110 and the second seismic ship 120 may tow only one or more sources.In yet another configuration, one of the first seismic vessel 110 and the second seismic vessel 120 can tow only one or more sources, while the other of the first seismic vessel 110 and the second seismic vessel 120 can tow only one or more pennant cables.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first seismic vessel 110 and the second seismic vessel 120 may be configured to tow only one or more sources each; in such embodiment, a seismic vessel may also be included in the survey to tow one or more streamer vessels close to the first and second seismic vessels. In another embodiment, the first seismic vessel 110 and the second seismic vessel may be configured to tow only one or more streamers. In such embodiment, an additional seismic vessel may be included in the survey to tow one or more sources close to the first seismic vessel and the second seismic vessel.

[0022] With reference back to figure 1A, seismic sources 111 and 121 may each be an air gun array configured to release a burst of compressed air into the water column. Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, p. 13 / 39 7 / 18 towards the seabed 130. A burst of compressed air from air guns 111 and / or 121 generates seismic waves that can travel downwards towards the seabed 130, and penetrate and / or reflect off submarine subsurface surfaces. The reflections from the subsurfaces can be recorded by seismic sensors 113 as seismic data. Exemplary seismic sensors include any one or a combination of hydrophones, geophones, particle motion sensors such as accelerometers, and the like. The seismic data acquired through the seismic sensors 113 can be processed to reveal an image of the subsurface layers. These images can be analyzed by geologists to identify areas likely to contain hydrocarbons or other substances of interest.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, seismic sources 111 and 121 can be configured to operate simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Simultaneous source operation generally involves firing two sources in an overlapping mode with a predefined time delay. Interference between sources can also be created by firing sources simultaneously at predefined spaced locations between the sources. Multiple sources that are fired simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) from different locations can provide better coverage, for example, in obstructed areas, and can provide greater azimuthal diversity for the survey.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the size of the seismic receiver arrays (formed by cables 112 and 122) towed by the seismic vessels can be the same. However, in alternative embodiments, each vessel can tow an array of a different size.Examples of factors that determine array size include one or more of the number of cables, the spacing between the cables, the length of the cables, and the like. Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, p. 14 / 39 8 / 18

[0025] Figure 1A further illustrates a distance D that is maintained between the first ship 110 and the second ship 120 during the acquisition of seismic data. In one embodiment of the invention, the distance D can be determined by a predefined variable function. The predefined function can be configured to adjust a parameter, for example, speed, velocity, acceleration, or the like, of two or more seismic ships so that the distance between the seismic ships varies in a desirable manner. The predefined function is sometimes referred to herein as a distance function or predefined distance function.

[0026] For example, in one embodiment, the distance between the first ship 110 and the second ship 120 can be reduced from a first distance to a second distance during a first time period. Then, the distance between the first ship 110 and the second ship 120 can be increased from the second distance to the third distance in a second time period. The distance between the first ship and the second ship can be varied continuously by repeatedly moving the first ship 110 and the second ship 120 closer and then further apart, in one embodiment.

[0027] The distance D can be determined based on any two predefined points, for example, seismic vessels 110 and 120, seismic cables or arrays 112 and 122, sources 111 and 121, or the like. In a particular embodiment, distances can be determined based on any reasonable predefined points on the first vessel 110 and second vessel 120, for example, the bow, stern, center of the vessel, etc. In one embodiment, GPS devices can be provided at one or more locations associated with the seismic vessels or items being towed by the seismic vessels. The distance between can therefore be determined based on the relative distance. Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, p. 15 / 39 9 / 18 between GPS devices.

[0028] Figure 1B illustrates a chemical research according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown in Figure 1B, a first seismic vessel 150 and a second seismic vessel 170 can tow respective seismic sensor arrays 151 and 171. A third seismic source vessel 180 can tow a seismic source array 181. During acquisition, vessels 150 and 170 can vary the distance between them based on a predefined distance function D. In one embodiment, source vessel 180 can travel at a substantially constant speed associated with the average speeds of vessels 150 and 170 and provide the source pulses to record seismic data on sensor arrays 151 and 171. In an alternative embodiment, source vessel 180 can vary its respective speed while maintaining an average speed associated with the average speeds of vessels 150 and 170.

[0029] Figure 1C illustrates a chemical survey according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown in Figure 1C, a first source vessel 191 and a second source vessel 192 can tow the respective seismic source arrays 193 and 194. A third seismic streamer vessel 195 can tow a seismic sensor array 196. During acquisition, vessels 191 and 192 can vary a distance between them based on a predefined distance function D. In one embodiment, the seismic streamer vessel 195 can travel at a substantially constant speed with the average speeds of vessels 191 and 192. In an alternative embodiment, the seismic streamer vessel 195 can vary its respective speed while maintaining an average speed associated with the average speeds of vessels 191 and 192.

[0030] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary functions for varying the distance between seismic vessels, according to a modality of Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, page 16 / 39 10 / 18 invention. Figure 2A illustrates the sinusoidal variation of the distance D between the first vessel 110 and the second vessel 120 from a distance d1 to a distance d2. The distances d1 and d2 can be any pre-selected distances. For example, in one embodiment, the distance d1 can be at or near 0 (zero) or as close as operationally possible for one seismic vessel to be near the other. Figure 2B illustrates an alternative distance function, where the distance D between the first vessel 110 and the second vessel 120 varies in a linear aspect. Any slope of inclination and slope of decline can be used and, moreover, the slope of inclination does not need to have the same magnitude as the slope of decline.

[0031] Although Figures 2A and 2B illustrate continuous and periodic distance functions, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to such functions. In general, the distance function can be any type of function, whether periodic or aperiodic. Figure 2C illustrates an exemplary distance function that is not periodic. The function can be used to establish the distance between a first seismic vessel 110 and a second seismic vessel 120, for example, while acquiring seismic data on a predetermined navigation line.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, different distance functions can be defined for different types of areas of interest while conducting chemical research. For example, Figure 3 illustrates seismic vessels 110 and 120 approaching an area of ​​interest 310. Figure 3 also illustrates corresponding distance functions that can be implemented by vessels 110 and 120 while conducting the research. For example, in a first time period T1 when the seismic vessels are outside a zone Z associated with the area of ​​interest 310, the seismic vessels can operate based on a first distance function f1. Upon entering zone Z, seismic vessels 110 and 120 can begin to operate from Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, page 17 / 39 11 / 18 according to a second distance function f2. Then, upon leaving zone Z, seismic vessels 110 and 120 can return to operating according to the distance function f1.

[0033] Any number of different functions can be defined by any number of different types of areas of interest. In general, different distance functions can be defined so that a desired density of sensors is obtained for trigger collections in different types of areas of interest. For example, in Figure 3, areas of interest 310 may have a high probability of containing hydrocarbons and therefore a higher density may be desired for trigger collection to reveal a detailed and more reliable image of the subsurface. Consequently, as shown in Figure 3, seismic vessels 110 and 120 can be operated relatively closer to each other to improve the density of trigger collections.

[0034] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the exemplary relative positioning of seismic vessels 110 and 120. In one embodiment, seismic vessels 110 and 120 can be configured to move along the same navigation line L1, as illustrated in Figure 4A. Therefore, the distance function D can cause the first vessel 110 and second vessel 120 to move closer together and / or further apart along the same line L1. In another alternative embodiment, the first seismic vessel 110 can be configured to travel on a first line L2, and the second seismic vessel 120 can be configured to travel on a second line L3 that is offset from the first line L2, as illustrated in Figure 4B. The offset O can be any reasonable distance.In one embodiment, the displacement can be determined by the number of seismic pennant cables towed by the first seismic vessel and / or the second seismic vessel, the relative distance between the pennant cables, and the like. Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, p. 18 / 39 12 / 18

[0035] In one embodiment, varying the distance between the first seismic vessel 110 and the second seismic vessel 120 may involve varying the distance O illustrated in Figure 4B, thereby facilitating the acquisition of seismic data in a variety of azimuths. Any type of distance function, for example, the distance functions illustrated in Figures 2A-C, can be used to vary the displacement O. Although varying the distance along the displacement direction O and the straight-line direction is disclosed in this document, in alternative embodiments, the distance between the seismic vessels may vary in any direction, for example, the diagonal distance between the seismic vessels in Figure 4B. In some embodiments, the distance between the seismic vessels may vary along two or more directions. For example, the distance between the seismic vessels may vary along a straight-line direction as well as a displacement direction.

[0036] Figure 4C further illustrates another method for conducting a chemical survey according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, a first seismic vessel 110 can travel along a substantially straight navigation line L4. A second seismic vessel 120 can travel with the first seismic vessel 110 along a zigzagging path L5, as shown in Figure 4C. The speeds of vessels 110 and 120 can be selected and / or adjusted so that the distance between vessels 110 and 120 is varied according to a predefined distance function. Furthermore, because the second seismic vessel 120 travels in a zigzagging path, seismic data are collected along a variety of azimuths. For example, when the second seismic vessel 120 is in a first position P1, seismic data can be collected at a first azimuth angle A1, while in a second position P2, seismic data can be collected at a second azimuth angle A2.Although figure 4C illustrates a first one. Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, p. 19 / 39 13 / 18 seismic vessel 110 traveling along a straight navigation line and a second seismic vessel 120 traveling along a zigzag path, in alternative embodiments, both seismic vessels 110 and 120 may follow zigzag paths.

[0037] The implementation of the distance function D can be carried out in a plurality of ways. For example, in one embodiment, one of the seismic vessels 110 and 120 can maintain a constant speed while the other seismic vessels 110 and 120 can vary their respective speeds to obtain the distance function. Alternatively, both seismic vessels can coordinate the adjustment of their respective speeds to obtain a distance function. In embodiments where two or more seismic vessels vary their respective speeds, each seismic vessel can vary its direction while maintaining a predefined average speed, according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the average speed of each of the vessels can be substantially equal, but in other embodiments, different average speeds can be defined for each vessel.

[0038] Although embodiments of the invention are described with reference to two seismic vessels 110 and 120, in alternative embodiments, any number of seismic vessels may be used while conducting a survey. Furthermore, when more than two seismic vessels are used, distance functions may be defined for any one or more pairs of seismic vessels.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of seismic vessels can repeat acquisition over a particular sail line two or more times. During each repetition, the distance function can be shifted so that acquisition occurs at a variety of different receiver positions. Figure 5A illustrates three different shifted distance functions that can be implemented through Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, p. 20 / 39 14 / 18 of a different navigation line that can be implemented through a sail / navigation line, according to one embodiment of the invention. A first distance function 510 can be implemented during a first pass through a particular sail line, a second distance function 520 can be implemented during a second pass through the same sail line, a third distance function 530 can be implemented during a third pass through the same sail line.

[0040] Figure 5B illustrates exemplary positions of seismic receiver arrays in an area of ​​interest 550 during a two-ship operation according to an embodiment of the invention. For example, area 561 may represent the position of a first seismic receiver array associated with a first seismic ship during a first pass through a given sail line while implementing a first distance function, for example, the distance function 510 of Figure 5A. Area 562 may represent the position of a second seismic receiver array associated with a second seismic ship during the first pass through the sail line while implementing the first distance function. As shown in Figure 5B, the distance between the first and second seismic receiver arrays during the first pass may be dx.

[0041] During a second pass through the same sail line, a different distance function, for example, the 520 distance function in Figure 5A, can be implemented. As a result, the distance between the first seismic receiver array and the second seismic receiver array can be dy while in area 550, thus positioning the respective arrays in areas 571 and 572. During a third pass through the same sail line, the seismic receiver array can implement a function of Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, p. 21 / 39 15 / 18 different distance, for example, function 530 of figure 5A which can position the arrays in areas 581 and 582. If seismic data are recorded when the receiver arrays are in areas 561, 562, 571, 572, 581, and 582 during the three passes, then seismic data can be collected for the entire area 550.

[0042] Therefore, embodiments of the invention obviate the need for excessively large and long seismic arrays that can be difficult to maneuver and control by providing a method for varying the relative positions between multiple seismic arrays during consecutive passes through a sail line, thereby providing necessary coverage of receiver positions for acquiring seismic data across specific areas of interest.

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary control system 600 according to an embodiment of the invention. The control system can be configured to implement a distance function between two seismic vessels as described above. As illustrated in Figure 6, the control system 600 may include one or more processors 611, a memory 612, a global positioning satellite (GPS) device 613, input / output devices 614, storage 615, and a communications interface 616.

[0044] Input / output devices 614 may include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touch screens, and the like, and output devices such as CRT monitors, LCD monitors, tablet computers, and the like. Storage device 615 stores application programs and data for use by the control system 600. Typical storage devices include hard disk drives, flash memory devices, optical media, network and virtual storage devices, and the like. Communication interface 616 may connect the system Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, page 22 / 39 16 / 18 control 600 to any type of data communications network, including both wired networks, wireless networks, or a combination thereof.

[0045] The 612 memory is preferably a random access memory large enough to hold the programming and data structures of the invention. Although the 612 memory is shown as a single entity, it should be understood that the 612 memory may in fact comprise a plurality of modules and that the 612 memory may exist at multiple levels, from high-speed registers and caches to slower, but larger DRAM chips.

[0046] For illustrative purposes, memory 612 contains an operating system 617. Well-known examples of operating systems include the Windows® operating system, Linux® operating system distributions, and IBM AIX and OS / 2® operating systems, among others. More generally, any operating system that supports the functions disclosed in this document can be used.

[0047] Memory 612 is also shown to contain a navigation program 618 which, when executed by processor 611, provides support for implementing a distance function during a chemical survey. For example, in one embodiment, the navigation software can determine the position of one or more seismic vessels conducting a survey (through, for example, GPS data from GPS device 613) and, based on the determined position, adjust the speed of one or more of the seismic vessels to obtain a desired distance function.

[0048] Memory 612 can also contain distance functions. 619 and research data 620. Distance functions can define one or more distinct distance functions that can be used during a chemical research, for example, distance functions Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, page 23 / 39 17 / 18 illustrated in Figure 3. The research data 620 may include data relating, for example, to specific areas of interest. In one embodiment, the navigation software may use GPS data from the GPS device 613 to determine whether one or more research vessels are approaching areas of interest (for example, area 310 shown in Figure 3), and in response to the determination that one or more vessels are approaching areas of interest, adjust the distance function that is used, as described above.

[0049] In the embodiment of the invention, the control system 600 can be implemented in computer systems included in one or more seismic vessels conducting a survey. For example, the navigation software systems operating on each vessel can communicate with each other via the communications interface 616 to adjust the distance between one or more vessels, thereby obtaining a desired distance function. The navigation software operating on multiple vessels can use any reasonable communication model, for example, a master-slave configuration where the navigation software on a primary vessel controls the navigation software on other vessels.

[0050] In another embodiment, the control system 600 may not be located on the seismic vessels. For example, seismic vessels may be configured to communicate with a central computer system that may be located, for example, on land, and receive instructions to adjust speeds to obtain a desired distance function.

[0051] Figure 7 is a flowchart of exemplary operations that can be performed during a chemical survey, according to an embodiment of the invention. The operations generally comprise operating a first seismic vessel configured to tow at least one of one or more first seismic sources and one or more first Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, page 24 / 39 18 / 18 streamers comprising a plurality of seismic receivers, as illustrated in step 710. The operations further comprise operating a second seismic vessel configured to tow at least one of one or more secondary seismic sources and one or more secondary streamers comprising a plurality of seismic receivers, as illustrated in step 720. In step 730, the distance between the first seismic vessel and the second seismic vessel can be adjusted according to a predefined distance function in the seismic data acquisition.

[0052] Although the above is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the following claims. Petition 870220077905, dated 08 / 29 / 2022, page 25 / 39

Claims

1 / 8 CLAIMS 1. Method for acquiring seismic data comprising: operating a first seismic vessel (110) towing at least one seismic streamer comprising a plurality of seismic sensors (113); operating a second seismic vessel (120) towing at least one seismic source; and during the acquisition of seismic data, adjusting a distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) according to a first predefined function, wherein adjusting the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) comprises cyclically: reducing the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120); and increase the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120); characterized in that the predefined function is configured to adjust the speed of the seismic vessels (110, 120) so that the distance is varied in a predefined manner, in a linear direction.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) travel along the same predefined acquisition line.

3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first seismic vessel (110) follows a first predefined seismic acquisition line and the second seismic vessel (120) follows a second predefined seismic acquisition line offset from the first predefined seismic acquisition line.

4. Method, according to claim 1, characterized Petition 870260056525, dated 10 / 06 / 2026, page 10 / 26 2 / 8 by the fact that it further comprises: repeating the acquisition of seismic data along a path previously traveled by the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120), and during the repeated acquisition, adjusting the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) according to a second predefined function.

5. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second seismic vessel (120) is configured to tow one or more seismic sources and one or more streamers, and wherein the size of at least one first seismic streamer towed by the first seismic vessel (110) is different from the size of at least one second seismic streamer towed by the second seismic vessel (120).

6. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that adjusting the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) comprises: operating the first seismic vessel (110) at a first constant speed; and operating the second seismic vessel (120) at a second variable speed.

7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that adjusting the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) comprises: operating the first seismic vessel (110) at a first variable speed; and operating the second seismic vessel (120) at a second variable speed.

8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first seismic vessel (110) is configured to tow Petition 870260056525, dated 10 / 06 / 2026, p. 11 / 26 3 / 8 one or more seismic streamers and one or more seismic sources, and wherein a first seismic source towed by the first seismic vessel (110) and a second seismic source towed by the second seismic vessel (120) are configured to fire substantially simultaneously.

9. Non-transient computer-readable storage medium comprising a set of instructions which, when executed on a computer processor, is configured to perform an operation comprising: operating a first seismic vessel (110) towing at least one seismic streamer comprising a plurality of seismic sensors (113); operating a second seismic vessel (120) towing at least one source; and during the acquisition of seismic data, adjusting a distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) according to a first predefined function, wherein adjusting the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) cyclically comprises: reducing the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120); increase the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120);characterized by the fact that the predefined function is configured to adjust the speed of the seismic vessels (110, 120) so that the distance is varied in a predefined way, in a linear direction.

10. Computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, characterized in that the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) travel along the same predefined acquisition line.

11. Computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, characterized in that the first seismic vessel (110) follows a predefined first seismic acquisition line and the second seismic vessel (120) follows a predefined second seismic acquisition line offset from the predefined first seismic acquisition line.

12. Computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, characterized in that the method further comprises: repeating the acquisition of seismic data along a path previously traversed by the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120); and during the repeated acquisition, adjusting the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) according to a second predefined function.

13. Computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, characterized in that the second seismic vessel (120) is configured to tow one or more seismic sources and one or more seismic streamers, and wherein the size of at least one first seismic streamer towed by the first seismic vessel (110) is different from the size of at least one second seismic streamer towed by the second seismic vessel (120).

14. Computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, characterized in that adjusting the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) comprises: operating the first seismic vessel (110) at a first constant speed; and operating the second seismic vessel (120) at a second variable speed.

15. Computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, characterized in that adjusting the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) comprises: operating the first seismic vessel (110) at a first variable speed; and operating the second seismic vessel (120) at a second variable speed.

16. Computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, characterized in that the first seismic vessel (110) is configured to tow one or more seismic streamers and one or more seismic sources, and wherein a first seismic source towed by the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic source towed by the second seismic vessel (120) are configured to fire substantially simultaneously.

17. Seismic vessel being configured to: tow at least one or more seismic streamers and a seismic source; and during the acquisition of seismic data, adjust a distance from another seismic vessel according to a predefined function, wherein adjusting the distance from the other seismic vessel comprises cyclically: reducing the distance between the seismic vessel and the other seismic vessel; and increasing the distance between the seismic vessel and the other seismic vessel; characterized in that the predefined function is configured to adjust a speed of the seismic vessels so that the distance is varied in a predefined manner, in a linear direction. Petition 870260056525, dated 10 / 06 / 2026, p. 14 / 26 6 / 8 18. Seismic vessel, according to claim 17, characterized in that the seismic vessel is configured to travel at a variable speed to adjust the distance from another seismic vessel.

19. Method for acquiring seismic data comprising: operating a first seismic vessel (110) towing at least one first seismic streamer comprising a first plurality of seismic sensors (113); operating a second seismic vessel (120) towing at least one second seismic streamer comprising a second plurality of seismic sensors; operating a third seismic vessel (180) towing a seismic source; and during the acquisition of seismic data, adjust a distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) according to a predefined function, wherein adjusting the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120) comprises cyclically: reducing the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120); and increasing the distance between the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120);characterized by the fact that the predefined function is configured to adjust the speed of seismic vessels so that the distance is varied in a predefined way, in a linear direction.

20. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the third seismic vessel (180) is configured to operate at a constant speed, wherein the constant speed is determined based on an average speed of the first seismic vessel (110) and the second seismic vessel (120).

21. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the third seismic vessel (180) is configured to operate at a variable speed.

22. Method for acquiring seismic data comprising: operating a first seismic vessel (110) towing at least one first seismic streamer comprising a first plurality of seismic sensors (113); operating a second seismic vessel (120) towing a first seismic source; operating a third seismic vessel (180) towing a second seismic source; and during the acquisition of seismic data, adjusting a distance between the second seismic vessel (120) and the third seismic vessel (180) according to a predefined function, wherein adjusting the distance between the second seismic vessel (120) and the third seismic vessel (180) comprises cyclically: reducing the distance between the second seismic vessel (120) and the third seismic vessel (180); and increase the distance between the second seismic vessel (120) and the third seismic vessel (180);characterized by the fact that the predefined function is configured to adjust the speed of the seismic vessels (120, 180) so that the distance is varied in a predefined way, in a linear direction.

23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the first seismic vessel (110) is configured to operate at a constant speed, wherein Petition 870260056525, dated 10 / 06 / 2026, page 16 / 26 8 / 8 constant speed is determined based on an average speed of the second seismic vessel (120) and the third seismic vessel (180).

24. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the first seismic vessel (110) is configured to operate at a variable speed. Petition 870260056525, dated 10 / 06 / 2026, p. 17 / 26

Images