Landscape impacts of 3D-seismic surveys in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.

ABSTRACT: Although three-dimensional (3D) seismic surveys have improved the success rate of exploratory drilling for oil and gas, the impacts have received little scientific scrutiny, despite affecting more area than any other oil and gas activity. To aid policy-makers and scientists, we reviewed studies of the landscape impacts of 3D-seismic surveys in the Arctic. We analyzed a proposed 3D-seismic program in northeast Alaska, in the northern Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which includes a grid 63,000 km of seismic trails and additional camp-move trails. Current regulations are not adequate to eliminate impacts from these activities. We address issues related to the high-density of 3D trails compared to 2D methods, with larger crews, more camps, and more vehicles. We focus on consequences to the h

SUBMITTER: Raynolds MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7583382 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature