Description: Multibeam bathymetry raw data was recorded in the North Pacific during cruise SO96/1 that took place between 1994-06-09 and 1994-06-27. The data was collected using the ship's own Atlas Hydrosweep DS echo sounder.

Description: We provide seismic refraction and wide-angle data from two profile shot across the marine fore-arc of Nicaragua, Central Maerica. Profiles NIC20 and NIC50 were obtained aboard the US R/V Maurice Ewing cruise EW00–05 in 2000. All profile run across the condinantal margin and provide in total 26 digital record sections.

Description: Introduction Since the discovery of ‘bright spots’ associated with hydrocarbon deposits, ever increasing interest in determining lithological subsurface parameters has been a driving force for technological development in the hydrocarbon exploration industry. Quantification of lithological parameters is of utmost importance for reservoir prediction and monitoring. Amongst various attempts to determine these, attribute analysis of pwave data and the direct observation of shear wave data are the most visible and successful methods applied. The direct observation of shear waves in the marine environment has been attempted by several means, mainly using ocean bottom cables (OBC) that have three-component geophones (3C) and a hydrophone in addition (thus 4C in total). Some manufacturers offer two component geophones with only one horizontal component. These cables are laid out on the seafloor, sometimes even buried using specialized tools like ROVs (remotely operated vehicles). Data transfer is through the cables as in streamers or land operations, recording is made on a boat or platform where the cable terminates. Geophones are housed in tubes with a self-levelling gimballed mounting system, damped by a viscous fluid. This technique is regarded as proven technology and has been widely accepted. Especially in production areas with many man-made obstacles, this technique also offers a safe operation, and is especially suitable for monitoring purposes (4D–4C seismic). Any desired geometry and density of receivers can be laid out. Direct shear wave observations have been made by several academic institutions, both for active seismic exploration as well as for passive seismological monitoring of earthquakes. These institutions have built ocean bottom seismometers (OBS), which are also four component, two sensor instruments. Unlike OBC, they are autonomously lowered to the seafloor, record within specified time windows, and are later brought back to the surface. Amongst the various instruments designed over the past decades is the OBS range built at GEOMAR, which – due to its modular design – has been used for a wide range of applications.