Subsurface surveys
It is important to investigate whether the seabed is suitable for placing offshore wind installations. The wind turbines need to be anchored to the seabed in a way that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Subsurface surveys are therefore the first step towards considering whether an announced area is suitable for placing a wind farm.
The mapping can identify potential risks that could lead to challenges in the establishment of an offshore wind farm; for example:
- Suitability of the seabed (movement, irregularities, stability, etc.)
- Large boulders on the seabed or in the subsurface that create instability for the placement
- Gas pockets in the subsurface that could create instability
Thorough surveys
A subsurface survey involves geophysical measurements carried out using three sets of instruments:
Hull-based data acquisition
- Bathymetry
- Backscatter data
- Sub-bottom profiles
- Water column data
Towed array
- Magnetometer
- Side scan sonar
Seismic
- Ultra-high resolution 2D with sparker source
Data obtained from the subsurface surveys will be compiled to map potential irregularities in or on the subsurface that
Updated: 03/04/2024