The main consideration when choosing the sound source system is the trade-off between depth of penetration and resolution.
AAE’s sound sources have been designed to provide the best possible combination of penetration capability and resolution and consist of electrodynamic boomer plates and sparker assemblies.
A boomer plate, or ‘boomer’, emits acoustic impulses or pressure waves, known as the transmission pulse, from its floating position on the sea surface through the ocean to the seafloor and beyond.
The two boomer plates manufactured by Applied Acoustic Engineering are used with a catamaran (two designs available).
AA201 Maximum 200 Joules per shot
AA301 Maximum 350 Joules per shot
(ideal for use with the CSP-D)
A seismic sparker generates an acoustic pulse by discharging an electrical pulse between electrodes located on the tips and a ground point on the sparker body, in the conducting medium of seawater.
The Sparker Assemblies yield better penetration of the seabed geology than the Boomer Plate, but resolution is less sharp. However, by altering the voltage or capacitance in the power supply, resolution and penetration can be varied.
Squid 500 Maximum 600 Joules per shot
Squid 2000 Maximum 2400 Joules per shot
Delta Sparker Maximum 12,000 Joules per shot