MULTIBEAM SURVEYS AROUND AND UNDER OIL PLATFORMS

 
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Client:  Minerals Management Service                                       Completion Date:  2002                                    Contract Value:  $162K                                                                  

In 2001-2002, Sea Surveyor conducted a series of MULTIBEAM hydrographic surveys around 16

offshore oil platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel and Santa Maria Basin of California.  The

objective for these multibeam sonar surveys is to identify “shellmounds” or debris piles under the

platforms, and determine what factors (depth, slope, platform age, etc.) contribute to the presence

of shellmounds.  These surveys were conducted in support of the Minerals Management Service,

Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Program.

 

The seafloor under the offshore oil platforms ranged from 100’ to 1,000’ in depth.  A RESON  Model

8101 multibeam sonar system was used to survey the platforms in 100’-400’ water depths, and a

SEABEAM  Model 1180 multibeam sonar was used to survey under the platforms deeper than 400’. 

Survey lines were run at various orientations and distances from the platforms to ensure 100% sounding

coverage under the platforms.  Bathymetric contour charts and cross-sectional profiles were produced

and shellmound (debris pile) dimensions were measured.
 

 

               Bathymetric Contour Chart                            Cross-Sectional Profile under Oil Platform                      3-D Multibeam Chart
 

960-C Grant Street, Benicia CA 94510

(707) 746-1853 info@seasurveyor.com
 

Offshore Oil Platform