Methods and systems for efficiently acquiring towed streamer marine
seismic data are described. One method and system comprises positioning a
plurality of source-only tow vessels and one or more source-streamer tow
vessels to acquire a wide- and/or full-azimuth seismic survey without
need for the spread to repeat a path once traversed. Another method and
system allows surveying a sub-sea geologic feature using a marine seismic
spread, the spread smartly negotiating at least one turn during the
surveying, and shooting and recording during the turn. This abstract is
provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, allowing a
searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the
technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will
not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37
CFR 1.72(b).