Study predicts seabed response to climate change

Peter Dinham
Thursday, 15 October 2009 07:09

Science - Climate

Offshore infrastructure connected to oil and gas reserves is potentially at risk from the likely impact of climate change on the Australian seabed, according to the CSIRO following its completion of a five-year study.

In their first preliminary predictions, scientists at the CSIRO have identified potential high-risk areas which may be impacted due to seabed movement, erosion and changes in reef growth.

According to the CSIRO’s Wealth from Oceans Flagship project leader, Dr Cedric Griffiths, the interaction between the ocean and the seabed is poorly understood, and he says “we have more information about the surfaces of the Moon and Mars than we do about the seabed surrounding Australia, let alone the effect that climate change may have on it.

“Over 92 per cent of Australia’s identified oil and gas resources lie offshore, and will be produced from facilities that are connected in some way to the seabed. The lack of knowledge of the magnitude and location of future seabed changes is not only potentially putting our offshore infrastructures, such as petroleum pipelines and platforms, at risk, but can also cause over-design.

“This research can help companies and authorities plan and manage coastal and offshore resources more effectively.”

Dr Griffiths and his team applied a numerical sediment transport model called sedsim to ocean and seabed data, over a range of possible climate scenarios across Australia’s entire marine territory. The model, further developed by CSIRO, is most often used to assist offshore petroleum exploration.

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