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Assessment of potential geologic hazards of the northern and central Blake plateau

Journal Article · · Geol. Surv. Open-File Rep. (U.S.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5293464
A geologic hazards map of the Blake plateau between 30 and 32 N Latitude was constructed from ca. 4700 km of high resolution seismic-reflection profiles. Three features are of considerable consequence for successful drilling of the plateau's surface. First, problematical reflector configurations typify Paleocene limestones and some Eocene-Oligocene carbonates in the southeastern portion of the study area that tentatively are interpreted as arising from massive solution features. Second, gulf stream-flow consists of not only powerful surface currents but also strong bottom currents that presently scour the plateau's surface and that have a documented erosional history extending back to the early tertiary. Third, a frozen gas hydrate layer which may trap shallow gas has been noted on the Blake escarpment and continental rise. Drilling problems also are compounded by the excessive water depths in the survey area that range between 200 and 1000 m. 25 references.
OSTI ID:
5293464
Journal Information:
Geol. Surv. Open-File Rep. (U.S.); (United States), Journal Name: Geol. Surv. Open-File Rep. (U.S.); (United States) Vol. 81-582-A; ISSN GSORD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English