Three-dimensional high-resolution acoustic imaging of the sub-seabed

Chirp sub-bottom profilers are marine acoustic devices that use a known and repeatable frequency-modulated source signature to produce vertical seismic reflection cross-sections of the sub-seabed. Here a 3D Chirp system is described that operates in the frequency range of 1.5–13 kHz, to produce a three-dimensional image of the sub-seabed, with typical penetration of 10–30 m and decimetric horizontal and vertical resolution. The system design incorporates a rigid frame that contains the Chirp source array together with 60 receiver elements, with positioning provided by an integrated real-time-kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS). The system can be surface towed from a small survey vessel and can be applied to targets of marine geological, engineering, archaeological and defence interest. Data acquisition and processing are described for a case study which images a buried engineering structure in the Port of Southampton.