The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is conducting a research project to advance understanding of seasonal sea ice dynamics in the U.S. Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, focusing on annual freeze-up and break-up processes. Building on studies initiated in 2009 and expanded in 2016–2017, this effort provides critical observations and analyses to support regulatory decisions for safe and cost-effective offshore oil and gas operations in the Arctic. Sea ice poses significant hazards to offshore infrastructure, including ice forces, ride-up heights, and seafloor gouging, making accurate engineering data essential for exploration, development, and production planning.
The study will integrate satellite imagery (RADARSAT-2, RCM, VIIRS, MODIS), aerial reconnaissance, and ground-level observations to document ice evolution, identify features of operational importance, and map ice pileups on natural and man-made structures. Tasks include correlating ice changes with meteorological and oceanographic conditions, comparing current freeze-up and break-up processes to historical trends, and generating GIS shapefiles for key ice features. Findings will inform oil spill response planning, drilling plan evaluations, and vessel classification requirements, supporting BSEE’s mission of safety and environmental stewardship. Deliverables include a comprehensive report with derivative imagery products, mapped features, and historical comparisons. Results will be publicly available to enhance transparency and guide regulatory policy in a changing Arctic environment.
Ongoing