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A Southeast Atlantic Deep-Ocean Observatory: First Experiences and Results
Limnology and Oceanography: Methods
  • Michael F. Vardaro, Oregon State University
  • Philip M. Bagley, Aker Solutions - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
  • David M. Bailey, University of Glasgow - United Kingdom
  • B. J. Bett, University of Southampton - United Kingdom
  • Daniel O. B. Jones, National Oceanography Centre - Southampton, United Kingdom
  • Rosanna Milligan, University of Glasgow - United Kingdom
  • Imants G. Priede, University of Aberdeen - United Kingdom
  • Craig M. Risien, Oregon State University
  • Gilbert T. Rowe, Texas A&M University
  • H. A. Ruhl, University of Southampton - United Kingdom
  • Bomba B. Sangolay, Instituto Nacional de Investigacao Pesqueira - Luanda, Angola
  • Kenneth L. Smith, Jr., Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
  • Anne Walls, BP Exploration - Sunbury-on-Thames, United Kingdom
  • Jim Clarke, BP Exploration - Sunbury-on-Thames, United Kingdom
ORCID
0000-0002-8296-4780
ResearcherID
J-3058-2014
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2013
Abstract

The DELOS (Deep-ocean Environmental Long-term Observatory System) project is a long-term research program focused on understanding the impacts of oil and gas extraction on deep-sea ecosystems. We have installed two seafloor observation platforms, populated with ROV-serviced sensor modules, at 1400 m water depth in the Southeast Atlantic off the coast of Angola. The ‘impact’ Near-Field platform is located 50 m from subsea oil production facilities. The ‘control’ Far-Field platform is 16 km distant from any industry seafloor activity. Each platform includes oceanographic, acoustic, and camera sensor modules. The latter carries two still cameras providing close-up and wide-angle views of the seabed. The Far-Field platform is also equipped with a sediment trap that deploys to 100 m above the seafloor. The instrumented platforms were installed in Feb 2009, and the sensor modules subsequently serviced in Aug 2009, Feb 2010, and Aug 2010. Here, we report on our first experiences of operating the observatories and present some of the first data. The oceanographic data (temperature, salinity, oxygen concentration) and biological observations (demersal fish and benthic invertebrates) suggest that the two study sites have near identical environmental characteristics. We, therefore, believe that these sites are appropriate as control and impact locations for long-term monitoring of potential anthropogenic effects referenced to natural background environmental variation. We suggest that DELOS-type observatories, particularly operated as pairs (or in networks), are a highly effective means of appropriately monitoring deep-water resource exploitation—both hydrocarbon extraction and mineral mining.

DOI
10.4319/lom.2013.11.304
Comments

©2013, by the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, Inc.

Citation Information
Michael F. Vardaro, Philip M. Bagley, David M. Bailey, B. J. Bett, et al.. "A Southeast Atlantic Deep-Ocean Observatory: First Experiences and Results" Limnology and Oceanography: Methods Vol. 11 Iss. 6 (2013) p. 304 - 315 ISSN: 1541-5856
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/rosanna-milligan/19/