A Deep-Towed Explosive Source for Seismic Experiments on theOcean Floor

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This award will support the construction of a new seismic sound source that, for the first time, will allow precise measurements to be made of the structure of the uppermost igneous crust in the deep ocean at scales of 10-100 meters. The optimal way to carry out such an experiment is to place all of the equipment on the seafloor. Although ocean-bottom seismometers have existed for a number of years, there has been no ability to generate acoustic energy in deep-sea environment. The towed, high-power, low frequency seismic source to be developed will allow researchers to tackle problems on a scale, and with a precision, that has previously been unapproachable. As many as 35 explosive charges can be detonated in one lowering of the instrument package, allowing long profiles of sea-flow features such as hydrothermal vent fields, axial volcanoes and basalt flows. A prototype system has been developed and used previously. The present award will allow construction of a final system.