Evaluation of Hazardous Seabed Deformation during the Development of Gas Condensate Fields on the Arctic Shelf

The study is dedicated to the investigation of manmade seabed subsidence occurring during the development of hydrocarbon fields in the Arctic shelf, which seriously threatens the safe operation of infrastructure and marine ecosystems. Causes and scales of potential subsidence of the seabed that can affect the stability of offshore platforms, pipelines, and other field development facilities have been considered. The geological structure of the Leningradskoye gas condensate field in the Kara Sea, including stratigraphy and properties of productive formations, has been analyzed. The study discusses methods of monitoring manmade deformation processes of drained formation and subsidence of the seabed. Comparative data on similar phenomena in other regions have been provided, which helps estimate their scale. For the Leningradskoye field, potential values of seabed subsidence have been calculated considering parameters of compressibility of productive formation rocks and changes of formation pressure in them. It has been established that significant areal dimensions of the field and comparatively shallow deposits of productive reserves increase the probability of their deformations. The obtained results have enabled the development of practical recommendations to minimize risks associated with manmade deformations. The importance of preliminary research and constant observation over the dynamics of deformations on the shelf fields has been emphasized. The study results can be used for the development of preventive measures and efficient use of the Arctic shelf resources, including similar objects.