Seismic Investigation of the Scotian Margin

This project seeks to characterize the background seismicity and noise levels of the Scotian Margin. This will provide a baseline for comparison with future studies following potential offshore development of the region. Concept discussions have begun within the broader government/industry context about possible offshore wind power generation or carbon dioxide sequestration along the Scotian Shelf and Scotian Margin, which could have significant effects on the surrounding environment.

The network consists of 19 broadband ocean-bottom seismographs deployed for a period of approximately 12 months. Stations are arranged in two lines sub-parallel to the continental shelf break, with approximately 50km spacing between the lines and 50km inter-station spacing within each line, covering a total span of approximately 440km along the continental slope. Recorded data includes a three-component seismometer and various auxiliary sensors at each station.