Submarine slides

NGU maps sediment layers (stratigraphy) and submarine slide activity in Norwegian coastal and sea areas. Many submarine slides have occurred on the continental slope, off Mid-and North Norway, between and during ice ages as well as after the latest glaciation that ended 10,000-15,000 years ago. The Norwegian oil industry operates in a marine environment, and is therefore interested in the results of our research. Their industry is dependent on stable seabed conditions which are conducive to a safe working environment. The Marine Geology team at NGU was heavily involved in the International Centre for Geohazards (ICG) through the project "Offshore Geohazards". Here we studied submarine landslide processes in Finneidfjord og Trondheim harbour, as well as on the continental slope. NGU also assisted assessing risk during the preparation stage of the Ormen Lange natural gas field which is located in the huge scar created by the Storegga Slide outside Mid-Norway.

Research on submarine slides in the fjords has been carried out in a variety of projects that evaluate the risk cables and pipelines on the seabed are exposed to. We also examine the link between terrestrial and submarine landslides and their deposits as slides from land into the fjords cause tsunamis.