Marine Geohazards and Geo-Engineering Constraints on the Glaciated European Margins

Benjamin Bellwald , Bartosz Kurjanski, Gareth Daniel Oliver Carter, Gareth Wood, Leah Arlott, Andreia Plaza-Faverola, Heather Ann Stewart , Berit Oline Hjelstuen, Helge Løseth, Katrine Juul Andresen, Stefan Wenau, Roger Birchall, Claire McGhee, Steven John Gibbons, Carl Bonnevie Harbitz, Brian David Carlton, Andrew M.W. Newton, Mads Huuse, Dieter Issler, Finn Løvholt, Carl Fredrik Forsberg, Mark Coughlan, Simona Caruso, Michael Long, David Tappin, Paul Dimmock, Rasmus Tofte Klinkvort, Maarten Vanneste

The glaciated European continental margins (spanning 49-82°N and 16°W-36°E) are home to a thriving offshore energy sector and densely inhabited coastal areas. These regions face numerous marine geohazards and geo-engineering challenges due to complex subsurface conditions shaped by large-scale geological and climate processes. The geological complexity of this area is among the highest globally, featuring dynamic processes such as distinct ice-sheet oscillations and sea-level changes, which have led to rapidly evolving paleo-geographic and depositional environments. Consequently, the soil conditions are highly variable and heterogeneous, both vertically and laterally, requiring meticulous evaluation for engineering projects, such as offshore wind developments.

This study reviews the marine geohazards and geo-engineering constraints along the glaciated European margins, with a particular focus on the Quaternary period, during which the most significant environmental changes occurred. We examine the implications of shallow subsurface deposits and fluids on engineering foundations and hazards for offshore activities, including offshore wind energy, carbon storage, hydrocarbon exploration, marine infrastructure, and marine ecosystems. Additionally, we assess the risks of tsunamis and earthquakes related to the Quaternary evolution of the Northern European margin. This array of hazards presents substantial risks and challenges to both coastal communities and offshore industries.