Research and Development of a Permanent OBC System for Time-lapse Seismic Survey and Microseismic Monitoring at the Offshore CO2 Storage Sites

Abstract Over the past 30 years, towed streamer has evolved into a mature and highly effective technology for 3D subsurface imaging. Time-lapse 3D seismic monitoring at Sleipner in the North Sea has clearly demonstrated the practical usefulness in monitoring CO 2 injected into the deep saline aquifers. Although sometimes it is unsafe to towed streamers when acquiring data in areas of shallow water or surface infrastructures associated with production platforms and fishing gears. That is why seabed seismic worth considering in some situations. In addition, the quality of time-lapse 3D seismic acquisition depends strongly upon the positioning of seismic sources and receivers. Improving the resolution of seismic data has been selected as the most important factor in increasing the value of seismic data. A permanent OBC (Ocean Bottom Cable) system offers a number of potential benefits for obtaining increased resolution by permanently deployed seismic sensors on the seabed or under the seabed. Compared to the towed streamer the permanent OBC also offers the opportunity to record shear waves, not only the P-waves. We are developing a permanent OBC system to meet requirements of Japanese offshore CO 2 sequestration in coastal areas.