Characterization and application of submarine seismic ambient noise in the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea

Abstract

Submarine seismic ambient noise imaging combines current marine and on-land seismic detection technologies. Based on data from several broadband shallow-sea type ocean bottom seismometers (SOBSs) deployed in the Bohai Sea and north Yellow Sea, this paper analyzes the submarine seismic ambient noise characteristics. It explores the theory, technology, method and application of the submarine seismic ambient noise imaging using the single-point horizontal and vertical spectral ratio method (HVSR). The observations yield the following results: 1) Submarine seismic ambient noise has consistent and constant energy, making it an appropriate passive seismic source for submarine high-frequency surface wave investigation. 2) Using the HVSR approach, a single three-component OBS could differentiate between the basement and sediments. Array seismic observation could be utilized to extract the frequency dispersion curve and invert it to obtain the velocity structure for more accurate stratification. 3) The SOBS we use is suitable for submarine surface wave exploration. 4) Tomography results with greater resolution and deeper penetration could be obtained by combining active and passive sources in a simultaneous inversion of the HVSR and frequency dispersion curve. Seamless land-to-ocean seismic research can be accomplished with submarine seismic ambient noise imaging technologies.