The Quaternary is the key to our future: using outcrop analogues to reduce uncertainties in offshore windfarm developments

Globally, the scale of offshore wind as a renewable energy source is increasing at a remarkable rate. In the North Sea and Irish Sea, the appraisal of offshore windfarm sites has uncovered a complex Quaternary stratigraphy. In these areas of challenging ground conditions, offshore windfarm operators need to reduce uncertainties during array design and cable route planning to improve the efficiency and viability of these sites. One way of achieving this is to build ground models that integrate geotechnical and geological datasets, but these sites are often beneath 10s of meters of water. Onshore, Quaternary outcrop analogues of the subsurface can help to condition ground models, and to reduce uncertainty in the lateral heterogeneity of physical properties. Currently, however, Quaternary successions are underutilised in industry workflows.

As the PhD candidate, you will demonstrate the utility of applying data from appropriate field analogues to better constrain the geological interpretation and resulting geotechnical evaluation of stratigraphically and geotechnically complex offshore sites. The constraints on subsurface heterogeneity needed are dimensional data (the stratigraphic architecture) and physical properties of sediments (strength, compressibility). This studentship benefits from our established Joint Industry Partnership such that the student can understand the business needs of their research work and directly support the sustainable development of offshore windfarms.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Review the different Quaternary geological histories of parts of the North Sea and Irish Sea.
• Identify suitable onshore outcrop analogues, such as the Quaternary geology of the northern Isle of Man, which boasts glaciogenic sediment-landform assemblages, glacio-tectonic structures and transgressive coastal deposits that share affinities with the Dogger Bank, North Sea.
• Visit outcrops to collect complementary tectono-stratigraphic and geotechnical datasets.
• Use collected data to construct 3D geological and geotechnical models for array design and cable routes.
• Collaborate with partners in the Geoscience and Offshore Wind Joint Industry Partnership (JIP) to share your findings and influence ground modelling workflows in offshore wind operators.

Benefits:

• Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research that directly supports the sustainable development of offshore windfarms.
• Work closely with industry partners to understand the business needs of your research.
• Contribute to a collaborative effort that will shape the future of offshore wind energy.

This is an exciting opportunity to advance your career and make a meaningful contribution to the renewable energy sector being part of a team that is driving innovation in offshore wind energy.