Current‐Induced Noise in Ocean Bottom Seismic Data: Insights From a Laboratory Water Flume Experiment

The ocean-bottom currents are believed to be largely responsible for the high noise level in ocean bottom seismograph (OBS) data, particular on horizontal components. Due lack of in-situ experiments and measurements, generation mechanism characteristics current-induced still poorly understood. In this paper, we designed an experiment explore features noise. A sensor module from a typical passive-source OBS was installed water flume that can produce controllable steady flows. We measured analyzed recorded with changing current velocities, without shielding. With other sources, such as infragravity waves precluded, demonstrates generate low-frequency noise, particularly <0.1 Hz. depends velocity well frequency. While affects components significantly, its impacts vertical component appear negligible. shows has dominant direction approximately perpendicular currents, pattern consistent actual flank Mariana Trench, where is supposed along trench. Shielding plastic casing substantially suppress indicating shielding practical, low-cost scheme reduce