A marine acoustic source system has relativley densely packed energy sources
arrayed
in a tandem-like fashion along a horizontal plane. Preferably, a longitudinal axis
of each source lies orthogonal to a pre-determined towing direction. The system
includes protective tubes that encloses supply lines and auxiliary equipment, and
a harness. The harness provides the primary mechanical connection for towing the
sources through the water. To minimize bending of the supply lines, connectors
having angular portions connect the sources to the supply lines. Further, the sources
can be arranged such that source connection interfaces for receiving power, hydraulic
fluid, or data point alternately in opposing directions. During use, the sources,
e.g., air guns, are supported at a predetermined depth beneath the water's surface
by a floatation buoy. Upon activation, the sources of a cluster each release individual
air bubbles into the water. Because the air guns are relatively densely packed,
the individual air bubbles coalesce into a single bubble that produces the desired
acoustical signal.