Continuous seismic data acquisition having variable density source geometry

A method for seismic surveying, comprising:

• deploying a plurality of seismic receivers proximate an area of subsurface to be surveyed;
• moving at least one seismic energy source in a path that circumscribes a center, wherein positions of the plurality of seismic receivers remain fixed;
• wherein at least one of a distance between the path and the center changes monotonically as the at least one seismic energy source traverses the path, or the center moves in a selected direction as the at least one seismic energy source traverses the path;
• actuating the at least one seismic energy source at selected times as the at least one seismic energy source traverses the path, wherein a spacing between positions of the at least one seismic energy source along the source path and transverse to the source path varies between successive actuations of the at least one seismic energy source
• wherein an average curvilinear distance between positions of the at least one seismic energy source upon successive actuations thereof is substantially constant and the curvilinear distance between positions of the at least one seismic energy source varies randomly about the average curvilinear distance;
• and
• detecting seismic energy at the plurality of seismic receivers resulting from actuating the at least one seismic energy source.