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Gulf of Mexico Seafloor Observatory

Gulf of Mexico Seafloor Observatory. A Cabled Ocean Observatory in the Gulf of Mexico. Goal. To build and operate the Gulf of Mexico Seafloor Observatory (GOMSO), a cabled ocean observatory at Mississippi Canyon Federal Lease Block 118 (MC118). Benefits of a GOM Observatory.

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Gulf of Mexico Seafloor Observatory

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  1. Gulf of Mexico Seafloor Observatory A Cabled Ocean Observatory in the Gulf of Mexico Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  2. Goal To build and operate the Gulf of Mexico Seafloor Observatory (GOMSO), a cabled ocean observatory at Mississippi Canyon Federal Lease Block 118 (MC118) Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  3. Benefits of a GOM Observatory Monitor the long-term effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil release, (HR 3534) Expanded research in the hydrocarbon systems, (oil, gas, hydrates) in the deep GOM Research and monitor rare and extreme events Not affected by hurricanes or storms Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  4. Traditional Ocean Observations • Sensor arrays towed by a ship • Battery-powered sensors on seafloor • Low sampling rates to preserve power • Data recovery difficult and infrequent • No communication with sensors Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  5. Why is a Cabled Ocean Observatory a Unique Opportunity? Only way to monitor seafloor conditions in real-time Multiple sensors for multiple needs Provides data to academia, government and industry Reliable power and communications Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  6. Are there other Cabled Ocean Observatories? Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  7. Why Locate the Observatory at MC118? Only research reserve in the GoM Existing infrastructure in place Unique pre-spill seafloor data and information Less than 10 miles from Deepwater Horizon Active research with established collaborators, nationally and internationally Geologic condition similar to other deep water drilling sites Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  8. Observatory Location at MC118 Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  9. Why Locate the Observatory at MC118? Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  10. Leveraged Investments Hydrate Research Consortium support by DOE, MMS (now BOEMRE) and NOAA since 2001 BP investment in Gulf of Mexico fiber optic network Maturity of cabled ocean observatory technologies State of Mississippi investment in connectivity and supercomputing research Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  11. Who are the Members of the HRC? Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  12. Questions? Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  13. What will it Cost? Estimated costs over 10 years, includes personnel, sensors, maintenance, network service costs • Observatory, inc. link to BP network $15 million • Expansion of sensors and computing systems at MC118 $ 4 million • Expansion of computing resources $ 3 million • Operational costs per year $ 2.2 million • Estimated cost for 10 years $ 44 million Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  14. Gas Hydrates Ice-like solid with methane trapped in the matrix Stable at low temperatures and high pressures Potential resource for natural gas Potential problem as a potent (16X CO2) greenhouse gas Can cause instability on the seafloor of GOM Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

  15. Why Monitor the Seafloor? Potential energy resources from gas hydrates Seafloor instability and energy production Unique biological systems on hydrate deposits Potential environmental risks from hydrate instability Greg Easson (geasson@olemiss.edu)

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