Offshore Site Assessments

A complete set of geoscience information is required to assess a  location and make a determination of its engineering acceptability and feasibility. The site assessment requires the integration of information from several technical disciplines. A complete site assessment data set includes sub seafloor geophysical data, seafloor feature and material identification, depth data, oceanographic data and geotechnical sampling.  

R/V Arctic Wolf utilized for

 Geophysical & Geotechnical Programs

Available Services

Site investigations for Geohazard site clearance include high resolution geophysical data acquisition, data interpretation and reporting, leading to the completion of OCS/MMS,  State of Alaska, NPDES and other requirements.

Depending on the client application, Watson Company Inc. geophysical data acquisition programs often include digital  seismic profiling, seafloor mapping,  and hydrographic surveying, for both preliminary and post site completion surveys. Watson Company, Inc. has conducted many site clearance, pipeline route, and outfall investigation surveys throughout Alaska. In highly dynamic environments like Cook Inlet, it is frequently necessary to acquire oceanographic data, such as current profiles and other oceanographic data.

Subsequent to data acquisition the sub-bottom data is processed and analyzed, seafloor mosaics and 3-dimensional models are created. At clients request, the data can be integrated into a GIS database.

Data Recording Laboratory

Suite of Geophysical Instrumentation

Visual inspections utilizing Remotely Operated Vehicles with on-board sonar and camera systems.

Deployment of Remotely Operated Vehicle

with Integrated Navigation through Ice Hole

Logistical Support

Providing support for field programs in remote locations within Alaska is a major logistical hurdle. We have the experience and capability to successfully mobilize and complete complex field operations. Based upon our 18 years of Alaskan experience we understand that the time available for data acquisition will be constrained by environmental conditions, such as ice, tides, impending weather, and remote logistics. For this reason it is of critical importance that careful preparation and mobilization be made prior to going into the field.  Accordingly, we undertake the field operations with sufficient resources and contingency plans to make the most of available opportunities for successful survey operations.

Aerial Reconnaissance utilized

for sea ice forecasting & avoidance

Barter Island (Kaktovik), Alaska