Geoinformatika 2010; 4 : 38-45

ARCTIC SHELF OF RUSSIA. THE SHTOKMAN GAS-CONDENSATE FIELD IN THE BARENTS SEA AS A MARINE NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC OBJECT

Kulpin L.G.

A giant Shtokman field on the Arctic shelf of Russia is considered as a potential natural and anthropogenic object. This is bound up with the characteristic feature of the Barents Sea – presence of an extensive submarine cryolite zone and possible accumulation of congestion of gas-hydrates in the bottom layers. That should be taken into account when designing offshore production platforms, subsea modules, wells as heat pipes and underwater pipelines because of the risks of thawing and the associated deformation processes, as well as gryphon formation, fire hazards and complications with the craft. There is also a chance of displacement of the sea bottom by field developing and attendant complications including strains of wells and seabed facilities, as well as reduced clearance of platforms. First of all it is necessary to explore features of the bottom layers and cross section of the mine with the help of special tools; then to provide basic data of the preliminary calculations for the prevention of all possible anthropogenic impacts. These features are also typical for other Arctic sea deposits.

Keywords: Shtokman gas-condensate field, the Arctic shelf of Russia, the Barents Sea, anthropogenic complications, gas-hydrates, displacement of the sea bottom, offshore platforms, wells, pipelines, recommendations on examination of the cross section features.