Multiple sedimentological features have been identified in high-resolution seabed data collected in deepwater portions of the Gulf of Mexico. These features show deepwater depositional and erosional processes indicative of strong erosive bottom currents, abundant sediment sources, episodic seafloor failures, and deposition of coarse sediments far from the shoreline. The features are seen on high-resolution datasets collected over a multi-year period, primarily at production facility sites being cleared of seabed and shallow hazards.

The three data types examined are multibeam echosounder (MBES) for detailed bathymetric mapping, sidescan sonar for seabed imaging, and subbottom profiler for analysis of shallow marine sedimentary layers. These data were gathered using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) which provides co-located digital datasets for visualization and interpretation. This presentation will include a fly-through of datasets in 3D space to illustrate observed sedimentological features and implied processes that are analogous with ancient deepwater conditions.

In a project sponsored by BP’s Upstream Innovation Board, these datasets have recently been donated to a group of geoscience departments at North American universities. The schools are using the high-resolution deepwater data in research projects and in teaching activities. This will lead to the development of specialized expertise in the students with research results available to improve the understanding of geotechnical, geological, and engineering concepts in deepwater areas. Datasets were donated by BP and co-owners BHPBilliton, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell.

Unnumbered figure

Unnumbered figure