Seismic techniques have provided key data over the past fifty years, allowing geoscientists to better understand Earth’s subsurface physical properties, stratigraphy and structure. Seismic data have also proven crucial for correlating outcrops and boreholes. In the next decade, marine earth scientists are poised to benefit from revolutionary advances in seismic technology. To assess the new technologies and their potential impact on planned major science programs, 50 academic and industry representatives with expertise in marine reflection seismology held a workshop in October 1999. An important subtheme was to explore ways to improve access to technology and data by the broader community of earth scientists.

Recommendations

1. Recognize that current seismic data acquisition levels will not support projected science programs. To achieve these programs’ minimum scientific objectives will require an eight-fold increase in seismic data acquisition activities over the next decade. Budgetary remedies must be explored.

2. Develop one or more facilities to support two classes of seismic operations:

• Portable 2-D and 3-D single channel seismic (SCS) and multichannel seismic (MCS) acquisition
• Large UNOLS single-ship 2-D and 3-D seismic acquisition

Provide a program of technology enhancement for these facilities. Establishing such NSF facilities should help meet the basic needs for the next decade. Many present shortcomings could be addressed by consolidating management and incorporating coherent community-based input to facilities operations.

3. Develop a seismic data archive facility to improve access for the broader scientific community and students. Currently there is no central archive or standard data formats.

4. Develop a multinational collaborative program for long-term contracting of commercial multi-streamer 3-D MCS. Major cost savings accrue with 6-month or longer contracts.

5. Begin planning for a UNOLS seismic vessel anticipating the retirement of the R/V Ewing in 2010-2015.