SUB BOTTOM PROFILERS (SBP)

BENTOS Servicios y Equipos Marinos Ltda.

Avda. Suecia 3005, uoa, Santiago

Telephone: (56 2) 296 373 60
Fax: (56 2) 296 373 77
E-mail: info@bentos.cl
A SUB BOTTOM PROFILER (SBP), WHAT IT IS

The seismic profiler consists of a geophysical exploration system based on the seismic principles of vertical
reflection and the use of an acoustic wave generating seismic source and one or more receivers of the
reflected signal. The SBP obtains recordings of the low frequency acoustic signal reflected by the marine
subsoil, thereby enabling the discernment of the interfaces of the different layers or horizons of subsoil
materials. Different wave generation and signal processing systems are used depending on the required
penetration of the marine sub bottom, bandwidth of operation, spectral resolution and geometry, as well as
the absorption of the signal by the aquatic medium and sub bottom being explored.

When viewed in terms of the differentiation of the existing types of profiler systems according to the
different seismic sources and signal receivers used: The pinger type marine subsoil profilers use ceramic
transducers and make it possible to obtain high resolutions with a small amount of output power, achieved
by means of the modulation of the signal with CHIRP type signal emitters. The boomer type sources, which
are of greater signal power, use electronic condensers to discharge high voltage electricity through a coil
that contracts to produce the mechanical wave source. The plasma arc source systems, or sparkers, produce
a front of waves of very low frequency by means of the discharge of a voltaic arc. The signal receiver
systems, in case of ceramic sources, can be incorporated in the same ceramic transducer emitter array. For
boomer or sparker type sources, an array of hydrophones is distributed to receive the signal reflected by the
marine sub bottom.

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THE BOOMER TYPE SBP SYSTEM, HOW IT FUNCTIONS

The general principle of functioning of the boomer type SBP system features the emission of sound waves
through the boomer plate toward the marine bottom at a characteristic frequency,, with these waves then
striking the existing interfaces (water-sediment, sediment-rock and between sediments of different acoustic
properties), thereby generating the reflection of the waves back toward the surface at sea level where they
are received by a streamer receiver. Unlike the pinger type SBP, the boomer type SBP system requires the
deployment of a receiver that is a separate unit from the emission source as shown on the following figure.

Power source
Boomer plate fitted to catamaran

8-elements single channen streamer

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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BOOMER SBP SYSTEM

The principal characteristic of the boomer type SBP systems, including the hybrid system that is operated by
BENTOS, is the generation of a pulse on a broadband spectrum that provides a good compromise between
penetration capacity and resolution. This trait makes it possible to reach an energy level of 280 Joules, a
penetration depth of up to 150 m when penetrating fine grain sediments (e.g., clay) and a penetration depth
of as much as 25 m when penetrating coarse grain sediments (e.g., gravel). The boomer plate, model
AA200, makes it possible to achieve a vertical resolution of 10 cm in thickness at 200 Joules. In general the
boomer systems make it possible to discriminate sedimentary strata of between 0.5 and 2 m in thickness.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BOOMER SBP SYSTEM

Geophysical descriptions of marine sedimentary strata have a wide range of applications, in which those
applications that are most requested include: The determination of the thickness of unconsolidated
sedimentary packets (maps of sediment thicknesses), the delineation of the rock stratum (bedrock), support
for geotechnical exploration work, the preparation of dredging cost estimates, the detection of buried
structures or pipelines, submarine archeology, the detection of deposits of biogas, environmental monitoring
and ecological studies, among others.

Example of the detection by means of a

boomer type SBP system of sets of faults
that interrupt the lateral continuity of a
stratified sedimentary packet. By estimating
the wave propagation velocity the
thicknesses in terms of depth in meters are
estimated.

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PRINCIPAL APPLICATIONS OF THE BOOMER SBP

Marine soil

Bedrock

Example of the delineation of bedrock and a stratified sedimentary packet laid down subparallel
to the marine soil through use of the boomer type SBP system at Etn, Peru.

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THE PINGER TYPE SBP, WHAT IT IS

The pinger type SBP is a profiler system based on a ceramic transducer as its seismic source, made up of
four basic devices: a signal generator transmitter, a transducer (or array of transducers), a receiver and a
control and data recording computer. This system can obtain greater resolution than possible when using
boomer sources that have lower levels of penetration in the marine sub bottom.

BENTOS operates a monochannel pinger type system of StrataBox 3510 model made by SyQwest, which
operates on two frequencies: 10 kHz (normally with one transducer) and 3.5 kHz (with an array of four
transducers).

SyQwest StrataBox 3510

10 khZ

3,5 khZ

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THE PINGER TYPE SBP, HOW IT FUNCTIONS

The general principle of functioning of the pinger type SBP system features the emission of sound waves
through the transducer (or array of transducers) toward the marine bottom at a characteristic frequency,
with the waves striking the existing interfaces (water-sediment, sediment-rock) thereby producing a wave
that is reflected and returns to the transducer.

Part of the energy emitted by the

transducer is reflected at it passes
through the different interfaces of
unconsolidated sedimentary strata
(Types, I, II, III and ROCK) until the
signal becomes attenuated.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STRATABOX 3510 SBP PINGER SYSTEM

The principal characteristic of the pinger type SBP systems is their exploration capacity for discontinuities
located down to some tens of meters depth into the marine subsoil, with depth of penetration being variable
in accordance with the acoustic nature of the sub bottom, which is generally correlated with sediment grain
size.

The StrataBox 3510 system achieves nominal discrimination of sedimentary strata 6 cm thick when using
one 10 kHz transducer, and with an array of four transducers (3.5 kHz), this system achieves the
discrimination of sedimentary strata 15 cm thick.
http://www.syqwestinc.com/

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PRINCIPAL PINGER SBP APPLICATIONS

The pinger type profilers are used for the preparation of geophysical descriptions of the structure of the
marine subsoil in a wide range of applications, including: support for geotechnical exploration work through
the delineation of the thickness of unconsolidated sedimentary packets along with the delineation of
bedrock, studies of the consolidation of materials for the preparation of dredging cost estimates, the
detection of buried objects for submarine archeology work, the detection of deposits of biogas, pipelines
and geologic or anthropogenic structures as well as for environmental monitoring and ecological studies.

Buried
pipeline

Example of the detection of a pipeline buried in an unconsolidated sedimentary packet through

the use of the StrataBox 3510 system employing an array of four transducers (3.5 kHz).

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PRINCIPAL APPLICATIONS OF THE PINGER SBP

Shipwrecks partially buried

Example of the detection of three shipwrecks partially buried in an unconsolidated sedimentary

packet using the StrataBox 3510 system with one 10 kHz transducer in the Baha de Valparaso
embayment, Chile.

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PRINCIPAL APPLICATIONS OF THE PINGER SBP

Example of the detection of the sediment-rock interface for the purpose of estimating dredging
costs in unconsolidated sediments using the StrataBox 3510 system with an array of four
transducers operated at 3.5 kHz. When the Jet Probe (JP) method is used, the direct
measurement of sediment thicknesses is implemented, Melchorita, Peru.

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THE CHIRP TYPE SBP, WHAT IT IS

The SBP with CHIRP modulation is a profiler system that uses ceramic transducers to enable greater
resolution to be obtained by means of the modulation of the waves. It is made up of four basic devices: a
signal generator transmitter, a transducer (or array of transducers), a receiver and a control and data
recording computer.

BENTOS operates the CHIRP profiler system with double channel resolution (3.5 and 10 kHz) model
Bathy2010PC made by SyQwest, with a nominal depth resolution of 0.01 m.
http://www.syqwestinc.com/

SyQwest Bathy2010PC

10 KHz

3,5 KHz

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PRINCIPAL APPLICATIONS OF THE CHIRP SBP

High-resolution seismic section slide, including

the interpretation of the last sedimentary
reflector for use in the estimation of sediment
thickness (above), performed through use of the
Bathy2010PC CHIRP profiler with an array of
four ceramic transducers at 3.5 KHz. Map of the
distribution of sediment thicknesses (on the
right). Baha de Concepcin embayment, Chile.

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PRINCIPAL APPLICATIONS OF THE CHIRP SBP

3D sidebar prepared by combining the model of

elevations of a high-resolution multibeam bathymetry
output along with two high-resolution seismic sections,
acquired through use of the CHIRP profiler, Baha de
Concepcin embayment, Chile (BENTOS, 2013).

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EXPERIENCE

CHILE

Official Multibeam Bathymetry, Marine Geophysics (Sub Bottom Profiler, Side Scan Sonar, Marine Magnetometry
and Piston Corer). Puerto Lirqun, Baha Concepcin, Eighth Administrative Region. OCTOPUS LNG Project.
GEOVENOR EXPLORA SpA. 2013.

Multibeam Bathymetric and Marine Sub Bottom Profiler Survey, Baha Chapaco, Third Administrative Region,
COMPAA MINERA DEL PACFICO S.A. (CAP-MINERA), 2012.

Multibeam Bathymetric and Marine Sub Bottom Profiler Survey, Baha Chapaco, Third Administrative Region,
COMPAA MINERA DEL PACFICO S.A. (CAP-MINERA), 2011.

Marine Geophysical Exploration, Mejillones, Second Administrative Region, Gas Atacama Project.
GASATACAMA CHILE S.A., 2011.

Marine Geophysical Exploration, First Administrative Region, Quebrada Blanca Project, Phase 2. COMPAA
MINERA TECK QUEBRADA BLANCA S.A., 2011.

Multibeam Bathymetric and Marine Sub Bottom Profiler Survey, Baha Cumberland, Robinson Crusoe Island, Fifth
Administrative Region, Chile. PREPARATORY COMMISSION FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR TEST-
BAN-TREATY ORGANIZATION (CTBTO). 2010-2011.

Official Single Beam Bathymetric Survey and studies of the littoral protection zone (ZPL), beach line and currents,
waves and tides; official study of sea bottom quality by means of sub bottom profiler (SBP), Punta Padrones,
Baha Caldera, Third Administrative Region, Chile, COMPAA CONTRACTUAL MINERA CANDELARIA S.A.,
2010-2011.

Multibeam Hydrography, Geophysics, Coastal Topography and Soil Mechanics Studies for Submarine Power Cable
Studies; Alignments in the Tenth and Eleventh Administrative Regions, Chile, CENTRALES HIDROELCTRICAS
DE AYSN S.A., 2009 - 2010.
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EXPERIENCE
Hydrography, Geophysics (SBP), Beach Line and Coastal Topography Studies, El Morro Water Desalination Plant
Project, Third Administrative Region, Chile, HALCROW GROUP LTD. CHILE, 2009.

Marine Seismic Survey (SBP) at Baha Talcahuano, Eighth Administrative Region, Chile, GEOEXPLORACIONES
S.A., 2009.

Official Single Beam Bathymetric Survey and studies of the littoral protection zone (ZPL), beach line and currents,
waves and tides; official study of sea bottom quality by means of sub bottom profiler (SBP), Ro Bravo, Estero
Mitchell, Eleventh Administrative Region, Chile, CENTRALES HIDROELCTRICAS DE AYSN S.A., 2008 - 2009.

Oceanography, Hydrography, Marine Geophysics and Beach Line Studies with Approval by the Hydrographic and
Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy (SHOA) and Study and Design for the Improvement and Maritime
Connectivity of the Puerto Montt Chilo Palena and Caleta La Arena network, Tenth Administrative Region,
PRDW AV PORT WORKS ADMINISTRATION (DOP), 2008 - 2009.

Oceanography, Hydrography, Marine Geophysics (SBP) and Beach Line Studies with SHOA Approval and Study
and Design for the Improvement and Maritime Connectivity of the Puerto Montt Chilo Palena and Caleta
Puelche, Tenth Administrative Region, PRDW AV - PORT WORKS ADMINISTRATION (DOP), 2008 - 2009.

Location of Submarine Pipelines through Use of Marine Sub Bottom Profiler (SBP) Technology, Baha de San
Vicente, Eighth Administrative Region, Chile, CADE IDEPE INGENIERA Y DESARROLLO DE PROYECTOS
LTDA., 2007.

Marine Sub Bottom Profiler (SBP) Study Conducted in Baha de Quintero, Fifth Administrative Region, Chile, IPS
INGENIEROS LTDA., 2006.

Marine Sub Bottom Profiler (SBP) (SBP) Survey, Harbor Basin, Puerto de Arica, First Administrative Region,
Chile, TERMINAL PORTUARIO ARICA S.A. (TPA), 2006.

Acoustic Exploration Study of the Marine Subsoil (SBP) in Baha de Quintero, Fifth Administrative Region, Chile,
Quintero Single Buoy Mooring Capacity Increase Project, GEOVENOR S.A., 2005.

Study of Marine Subsoil Profiles, Baha Quintero, Fifth Administrative Region, Chile, Chile, GEOVENOR - ENAP
REFINERA ACONCAGUA, 2005.
EXPERIENCE

PERU

Marine Geophysics Studies (SBP), Single Beam Bathymetry, Side Scan Sonar, Directional Wave Measurements;
Puerto Eten, Chiclayo, Peru, LUMINA COPPER, 2009 - 2010.

Study of Wave Climate and Geophysical Exploration (Side Scan Sonar, SBP Seismicity and Bathymetry), El
Galeno Project, Pacasmayo, Peru, MTB PROFESSIONALS, 2008.

Geophysical Exploration, Melchorita LNG Project, Peru, JAN DE NUL, 2008.

Geophysical Exploration (SBP), Punta Vegueta Area, Peru, TRAMARSA S.A., 2008.

Geophysical Exploration, Baha Ancn, Peru, TRAMARSA S.A., 2007.

Study of Marine Sub Bottom Profiles, Zorritos, Tumbes, Submarine Pipeline Project for Pipelining Gas, BPZ
ENERGY INC., SUCURSAL PER, SEHIDRO, 2006.

URUGUAY

Multibeam Bathymetric Survey, Side Scan Sonar and Marine Sub Bottom Profiler (SBP). Directional Wave and
Current Measurements. Sedimentology Sampling, Rocha District, Uruguay, MINERA ARATIR S.A. - AUSENCO
MANAGEMENT, 2010-2011.

BRAZIL

Multibeam Bathymetry and Geophysics Study (SBP) for the URUCU-MANAUS Gas Pipeline, Amazonas, Brazil,
PLANAL SERVICOS DE ENGENHARIA, 2008.

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