SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING A SEISMIC ACOUSTIC SIGNAL

A method for correcting for distortions in a seismic acoustic wavefield produced by a seismic vibrator that is immersed in a fluid, the method comprising: applying a pilot signal to the vibrator such that an acoustic wavefield travels outwards from the interface between the vibrator outer surface and the fluid: using a sensor located within the fluid so as to be sensitive to a property of the wavefield in the fluid to monitor the property of the wavefield as a function of time: and using the measured property to determine a change in wet volume of a component of the vibrator as a function of time V(t) or derivatives of V(t), and using the determined wet volume V(t) or its derivatives to correct for distortions in the seismic data produced by the vibrator.