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Geological characteristics and geotechnical properties of Eocene and Quaternary deposits on the Belgian continental shelf: synthesis in the context of offshore wind farming

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2016

S. Le Bot ,
V. Van Lancker ,
S. Deleu ,
M. De Batist ,
J.P. Henriet  and
W. Haegeman
S. Le Bot
Affiliation:
Renard Centre of Marine Geology, Geology and Soil Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, 9000 - Ghent, Belgium
V. Van Lancker
Affiliation:
Renard Centre of Marine Geology, Geology and Soil Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, 9000 - Ghent, Belgium
S. Deleu
Affiliation:
Renard Centre of Marine Geology, Geology and Soil Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, 9000 - Ghent, Belgium
M. De Batist
Affiliation:
Renard Centre of Marine Geology, Geology and Soil Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, 9000 - Ghent, Belgium
J.P. Henriet
Affiliation:
Renard Centre of Marine Geology, Geology and Soil Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, 9000 - Ghent, Belgium
W. Haegeman
Affiliation:
Laboratorium Grondmechanica, Civiele Techniek, Ghent University, Technologiepark 905, 9052 - Zwijnaarde, Belgium

Abstract

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The present study consists of a synthesis of the lithostratigraphy, geotechnical properties, geometry and distribution of Eocene and Quaternary deposits of the Belgian continental shelf. It is based on available large datasets (seismics, cores, cone penetration tests) and their interpretations synthesised from numerous studies from the last 20 years. A significant effort has been focused on data digitisation and integration into appropriate GIS software packages in order to compare the data in a much more dynamic and flexible way. New insights have been proposed on the lithostratigraphy and geotechnical properties of offshore and onland deposits.

An application is presented for the selection of wind farm implantation sites. Geological and geotechnical aspects of direct interest for wind farm implantation site selection have been focused on, such as the stability of the offshore wind turbine structures and the minimization of environmental impacts on the seabed. Sites suitable for wind turbines using monopile structures on the Belgian continental shelf are proposed.

Keywords

Belgian continental shelfEoceneQuaternaryseismic stratigraphylithostratigraphydeposit geometrygeotechnicswind turbines
Type
Research Article
Information
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences , Volume 84 , Special Issue 2: Upper Cenozoic stratigraphy of the southern North Sea and Baltic basins , July 2005 , pp. 147 - 160
Copyright
Copyright © Stichting Netherlands Journal of Geosciences 2005

Footnotes

*

Present adress: UMR CNRS 6143 Morphodynamique continentale et côtière, University of Rouen, 76821 - Mont Saint Aignan Cedex. Email: [email protected] (corresponding author)

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