Understanding the Arctic Sea Floor for Engineering Purposes.

• Other Authors: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC SEAFLOOR ENGINEERING
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1982
• Subjects: Physical and Dynamic Oceanography; Mining Engineering; *Ocean bottom; *Arctic Ocean; Soils; Permafrost; Hydrates; Natural gas; Frost heave; Thawing; Soil erosion; Sediments; Sea ice; Offshore; Gas hydrates; Ice scouring; Frozen soils; Seismic activity; Arctic; Arctic Ocean; Beaufort Sea; Chukchi; Ice; permafrost
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA119773; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA119773

This report identifies and assesses those artic seafloor phenomena that influence the design and operation of facilities and platforms for exploring and producing oil, gas, and hard minerals both on and under the sea floor. It also identifies knowledge that is needed of seafloor phenomena and conditions, and, for several areas of major concern, recommends specific research. These recommendations are intended to enhance the ability of the engineer and operator to anticipate and avoid problems that may be posed by seafloor and coastal phenomena, and guard against the effects of such events as thaw subsidence and erosion. Permafrost, often thought to be found only on land, is found extensively beneath the sea floor of the Beaufort Sea, and, to an extent not well known, under the Chukchi and Bering seas. A relict of the geological past, it was covered by rising artic oceans. Permafrost can deteriorate because of natural or man-induced effects and can reform again.