Technology used
There is a vast offshore industry that uses technology for discovering and exploiting ocean resources. A subset of this technology is used for scientific research, but research also requires its own specialist technology not used by industry.
Long-range sonar has many uses in connection with ocean resources, from mapping the shape to classifying the composition of the seabed. Low frequency sonar can also penetrate the seabed, and provide information from structures beneath. Its use spans the exploitation cycle from site assessment to final clean up. Instruments such as the Towed Ocean Bottom Instrument (TOBI - pictured right) can provide valuable information about the texture and composition of the seafloor.
With increasing emphasis on carbon capture and storage as a measure to reduce release of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) into the atmosphere, disposal beneath the seabed may be an option. For this to be acceptable, we will need technologies to monitor for seeps or other forms of release from storage. Acoustic and chemical sensor technologies will need to be developed further for long-term verification of sub-seabed CO2 stores.
