Capabilities
TerraSond's highly skilled and trained professionals have the ability to plan for and execute hydrographic, geophysical and land surveys that range from the very simple to the very complex. Data is collected and measurements are taken from both onshore and offshore and in waters ranging from shallow coastal to deep ocean. Using industry standard state-of-the-art equipment, TerraSond collects, processes, and stores a vast amount of oceanographic and hydrographic data.
Geophysical Surveys
Marine geophysics is a subdiscipline of geophysics that is concerned with ocean phenomena.
TerraSond's marine geophysics experience includes marine hazard surveys, pipeline and cable route hazard surveys, design support for marine infrastructure and renewable energy infrastructure in the marine environment.
Systems and equipment TerraSond has used for geophysical surveying includes sub-bottom profilers, seismic reflection equipment, seafloor imaging software, side-scan sonar, and remotely operated vehicles.
2D and 3D Seismic Surveys
Marine seismic acquisition provides exploration companies with an invaluable tool for determining oil and gas prospectivity. Surveys are carried out on the continental shelf as shallow as 25 meters and into deep water areas.
High quality, large volume marine processing is also available, specializing in advanced m… 
Current Analysis
The ocean is constantly moving and how the water moves can influence climate and living conditions for plants and animals. The movement of the ocean also has an effect on the stability and longevity of man made items and understanding these currents can lead to better engineering solutions. Increasingly TerraSond is … 
Engineering Design Surveys
Solid information is the foundation of good engineering design. We can provide support that incorporates land, hydrographic and geophysical surveys. Our surveyors can work closely with your engineers and planners to design a data collection program that will get the information required and produce the GIS and CAD wor… 
Hazard Site Assessment
TerraSond has performed numerous hazard site surveys and associated drawings and reports in both Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico for oil platforms and drillships. The survey requirements vary depending on the region and intent but can include single and multibeam sonar, sidescan sonar, sub bottom profiling and magnetome… 
Magnetometer Surveys
Magnetometers are used in geophysical surveys to detect archaeological sites, shipwrecks, pipelines, cables and other buried or submerged objects. Gradiometers are a related type of instrumentation and can be used in the same fashion.
We own magnetometers and have provided this service in conjunction with cable and… 
Seawater Characteristics
Data is collected to analyze seawater characteristics. Those characteristics can include temperature, salinity, dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, etc. We have collected these parameters in support of Environmental Impact Statements as well as basic science. 
Sediment Sampling
Sediment sampling can be used to support engineering design, habitat mapping, EIS studies, sediment transport studies and nautical charting.
We have used a variety of samplers depending on the bottom characteristics and program goals. Samplers include the Van Veen shown, larger box samplers, gravity cores and pipe … 
Sediment Transport Studies
Sediment transport is the movement of solid particles due to the movement of the fluid in which they are immersed. This is typically studied in natural systems, where the particles are rocks (sand, gravel, boulders, etc.) or clay, and the fluid is air, water, or ice.
Sediment transport studies are most often used to… 
Side Scan Sonar Surveys
Side scan is useful for mapping, search activities, engineering corridors and also for habitat mapping. It can provide wider coverage in each pass than multibeam sonar and can often discern smaller objects.
TerraSond has used side scan for numerous projects and owns a large number of highly accurate and efficient s… 
Site Design Support
Careful planning is crucial to site selection and design. We have experienced staff and equipment that can support site design by providing accurate information on geological characteristics, marine habitats, shipping lanes and navigational areas, hazards, currents, and depth. 
Sub-bottom Profiling
Our geophysicists can provide information about sub-surface sediment structure using sub-bottom profilers. Sub-bottom profilers can be used to detect and measure the thickness of dredged material deposits, identify buried objects, detect hard substrate, and define the basement or bedrock layer. 
Wave Analysis
We use acoustic wave and current profilers to measure current and wave direction spectrums. This work helps in the engineering design of docks and other structures by providing information on the highest expected seas and what type of structure is needed.