Waterborne Geophysical Methods
Geophysical methods deployed in waterbodies are becoming more commonplace in the environmental and hydrogeological sectors. Historically, marine seismic and other waterborne geophysical methods were used exclusively for petroleum and resource extraction. However, numerous geophysical methods (e.g., magnetic susceptibility, resistivity, and temperature) are increasingly being adapted for waterborne surveys, producing high resolutions images in near-surface and environmental investigations.
The geophysical theory for waterborne applications comparable to those for surface and downhole applications. Though, slight modifications exist and account for instrument water submersion, electrical conductivity of the surrounding water (i.e., fresh, saline, or brackish), and signal-coupling considerations.
The applications of waterborne geophysical methods abound similarly to surface and borehole. Such applications may include debris or object location, mapping the sub-bottom geology, or characterizing groundwater–surface water interactions. The following list includes the most commonly applied waterborne methods: