Suitability models for floating offshore wind farms along the U.S. Mid-Atlantic margin
| Author(s) | Rodenbach, Elizabeth | |
| Date Accessioned | 2024-10-29T16:25:35Z | |
| Date Available | 2024-10-29T16:25:35Z | |
| Publication Date | 2024 | |
| SWORD Update | 2024-10-20T16:02:05Z | |
| Abstract | The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, in support of the United States’ (U.S.) national energy goals, designated eight draft wind energy areas (WEAs) along the Mid-Atlantic continental margin of the U.S. Draft WEAs E-1, E-2, and F are all deepwater sites (>1,500 meters), requiring the use of floating offshore wind technologies. This thesis investigates the suitability of deploying floating wind technologies in draft WEAs E-1, E-2, and F, focusing on the potential impacts of geohazards in the region. Geological data of the slope gradient, seafloor complexity, and sediment type were analyzed via ArcGIS Pro to produce five weighted overlay suitability analysis models. The results suggest that all three draft WEAs are suitable locations for the deployment of floating offshore wind turbines. WEA E-1 is the most complex and contains the highest slope gradients (up to 35°), but shows minimal risk in the southern half of the area. WEA E-2 is the opposite and has a much more suitable northern half, due to the massive Washington Canyon that extends out to the WEA’s southwestern border. WEA F, though a very small area, is an optimal location with no submarine canyons in close proximity and the lowest slope gradients among the WEAs. These findings, though indicative of feasible locations for floating turbines, are meant to shed light on the potential risks of developing on the Mid- Atlantic continental slope and rise. Further geological surveying is needed in the region prior to any development, as seabed features change over time and the likelihood of slope failure varies. | |
| Advisor | Madsen, John A. | |
| Degree | M.S. | |
| Department | University of Delaware, Department of Earth Sciences | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.58088/gsxg-7t05 | |
| Unique Identifier | 1493774939 | |
| URL | https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/35421 | |
| Language | en | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | |
| URI | https://www.proquest.com/pqdtlocal1006271/dissertations-theses/suitability-models-floating-offshore-wind-farms/docview/3118514847/sem-2?accountid=10457 | |
| Keywords | Geohazards | |
| Keywords | Ocean Energy Management | |
| Keywords | Offshore wind | |
| Keywords | Seafloor complexity | |
| Title | Suitability models for floating offshore wind farms along the U.S. Mid-Atlantic margin | |
| Type | Thesis |