Instrumentation

OBIC’s ocean-bottom instruments are based on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography LC2000 system, but have been, and are continuously being developed to perform more efficiently. The design allows the instrument to be broken down into components that are easily handled by two people, allowing for quick construction on deck prior to deployment.

The instruments are configured prior to deployment with the desired sample rate, gain and start time for recording. They are then sealed, mounted and secured in their chassis ready for deployment. Deployment is usually carried out by the ships’ crew, and involves using a pelican hook to release the instrument when the ship is in the correct location.

When the instrument is due to be recovered, an acoustic signal is sent to the seabed which instructs the instrument to drop its anchor, allowing it to float to the surface. The untreated metal or concrete anchor is left on the seabed to degrade naturally.

OBIC’s current pool of equipment consists of over 50 instruments, and is constantly developing and evolving.

LC-LJ1

The LC-LJ1 is the latest generation of the LC series of ocean-bottom seismographs. The design is optimised for rapid data download and QC, so that the instrument can be re-deployed within a short time after recovery. The system is modular and allows for a variety of sensors to be used.

Specifications
Depth Rating 5500m
Deployment Weight 180 kg
Release Mechanism Acoustically activated burn wire
Anchor Material Steel or Concrete
Location Equipment Flag
Xeos XMB-11K VHF Beacon
Xeos XMF-11K Flasher Beacon
Xeos XMA-11K Argos Beacon (Option)
Power Supply Lithium Batteries
Endurance 240 days
Sampling Rates up to 4khz on 4, 8 or 12 channels
Storage Up to 1Tb

Sensors

Primary Usage Frequency Response
Active Source Geophone Sercel L-28 Resonant Frequency 4.5Hz
Hydrophone High-Tech Inc. HTI-90-U > 2 Hz
Passive Differential Pressure Gauge SCRIPPS DPG approx 0 - 2Hz
Electromagnetic Ag-AgCl electrodes 2 horizontal, optionally 1 vertical 10-30hz