Simultaneous imaging of BSR for methane hydrate exploration and ocean current fine structures

Imaging both Bottom Simulating Reflectors (BSRs) and ocean fine structure can be achieved through careful process of long-offset Multi-Channel Seismic (MCS) data. Interpretation and classification on type locality, sedimentation environment and spatial distribution of BSRs with potential methane hydrate production are exploited. Both patchy and continuous distributed BSRs can be identified and may well correspond to different sediment dispersal processes in the frontal and real segment of active accretionary wedge that belongs to active continental margins offshore of SW Taiwan. Our results indicated fluid/gas migration in the active margin may controlled by the tectonic structure control and/or local seismic activity. The image of ocean currents reveals different dynamic processes occurred at different depth. Near-surface current are characterized by continuous, nearly horizontal stratified layers indicate air-sea surface interaction features. More apparent wavy shaped, less continuous with varying in impedance contrast, relative clear top and bottom reflections with low internal amplitude reveal the feature of eddy currents can be identified at the intermediate depth range. Through quantitative analyses, the spatial distribution features of internal waves and others such as eddies, mass movement, turbulence and current mixing are all helpful in promoting our understanding of dynamic ocean processes across different scale constrained by seismic frequency band.