Güralp and Sonardyne Partner on Seabed Research Tech

Seismic monitoring instrumentation and solutions provider Güralp and Sonardyne have signed an agreement to cooperate in the provision of multidisciplinary ocean bottom research technology, including capabilities for earthquake or tsunami detection.

The official ‘Teaming Agreement’ between Güralp and Sonardyne, announced at the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) conference in London, will enable the two companies to collaboratively provide more advanced and efficient technology for in-situ seismic and seabed monitoring.

At the heart of the cooperation is Güralp’s new Aquarius Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS). Comprising of a digital feedback tri-axial broadband seismometer, three-axis magnetometer, a micro-electric mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer and absolute pressure gauge, Aquarius is also equipped with Sonardyne’s 6G Wideband low-mid frequency (LMF) acoustics.

Aquarius is compatible with a range of other Sonardyne technologies, including Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) positioning and telemetry, as well as its unmanned surface vehicle (USV) GPS-Acoustic payload box and Tsunami Detection System.

Geraint West, global business manager, Ocean Sciences, Sonardyne, says, “We really welcome closer cooperation with Güralp. Our overlapping markets and complementary technologies mean that we have the potential to transform what we can individually offer to our customers.”

Neil Watkiss, commercial director, Güralp, says, “The Sonardyne technology that we are utilising in the Aquarius is allowing us to re-define what is possible with broadband OBS. This agreement offers potential for further exciting product advancements on both sides and we look forward to further exploring the possibilities with the Sonardyne team.”