China is on the brink of completing its inaugural deep-water stratigraphic structure map, propelled by the country’s homegrown “Haijing” system. This innovative marine seismic exploration and acquisition equipment, utilizing submarine cables, is pioneering the way in a 3,000-meter ultra-deep seabed geology exploration.
The Haiyang Shiyou 720, also known as Offshore Oil 720, a substantial deep-water geophysical exploration vessel, is currently making strides in the last block of this ambitious mission, situated nearly 500 kilometers south of Zhuhai City after over a month of intensive exploration.
The utilization of submarine cable-enabled seismic exploration technology stands out as the most direct, cost-effective, and efficient method worldwide to unveil the intricate geological structures of the seabed.
The successful completion of this project is poised to significantly advance China’s understanding of deep-sea geology, paving the way for future marine exploration and resource utilization.
What is a stratigraphic map?
A stratigraphic map is a type of geological map that represents the distribution and arrangement of rock layers (strata) in a specific geographic area or region. These maps use various symbols, colors, and patterns to illustrate the different rock units and their relationships to each other in terms of age, composition, and geological history.
The primary purpose of a stratigraphic map is to show the relative positions and characteristics of different layers of rocks or sedimentary deposits within the Earth’s crust. It provides a visual representation of the geological structure and the sequential arrangement of rock layers over time. This information is crucial for understanding the geological history, evolution, and tectonic processes that have shaped a particular area.
Stratigraphic maps often include labels, legends, and key information about the age of the rock layers, the types of rocks present, and any significant geological features, such as faults, folds, or unconformities. Geologists use these maps to analyze the geological history of an area, make predictions about the subsurface, locate potential natural resources, and plan further geological investigations.
