Research Portal

Geoscience » Play Fairway Analyses Atlases 2010–Present

Central Scotian Slope Atlas (2016)

January – August 2016

The objective of this project was to identify and technically evaluate any significant exploration leads and prospects in the area of interest.  The study used integrated 3D basin modelling analysis to assess the timing of maturation of source rocks, transformation ratios, hydrocarbon entrapment,

MRE Infrastructure Assessment Update

May – August 2016

This project reviewed the results of a 2011 study to identify where significant changes in infrastructure demands have occurred.

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Direct Hydrocarbon Indicator (DHI) Mapping, Offshore Nova Scotia

January – May 2016

This project reviewed existing seismic data to identify and catalogue Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators (DHIs) in offshore Nova Scotia, particularly in the Laurentian and Georges Bank Sub-basins.

Spectral and Structure Function Estimates of Turbulence Dissipation Rates in a High Flow Tidal Channel Using Broadband ADCPs

January 2016

Spectral and structure function methods are implemented to compute the dissipation rate, ε, from broadband, diverging-beam, acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) data collected at four sites in a high-flow tidal channel.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Establishment of Baseline Biological Data on Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) Offshore Cape Breton for Future Assessment of Potential Impacts of Seismic Noise on Snow Crab

April 2012 – February 2015

The study investigates the impact of sound energy generated by acoustic/seismic arrays on snow crabs.

Seasonal Erodibility of Sediment in the Upper Bay of Fundy

February 2012 – January 2015

This project developed methods for studying sedimentation to the macro-tidal flats of the upper Bay of Fundy. The researchers looked at seasonal variation in the erodibility of sediments in tidal creeks and flats using a Gust Erosion Chamber and repeated grain size surveys.

Investigation of the Vertical Distribution, Movement and Abundance of Fish in the Vicinity of Proposed Tidal Power Energy Conversion Devices

March 2010 – December 2014

This project studied active fish avoidance of a turbine using the Coda Octopus Echoscope II 3-D multi-beam sonar mounted on a bottom platform. The objective was to observe and quantify the distribution and abundance of fish in the water column and their ability to detect and avoid turbines. 

Atlantic Sturgeon Spatial and Temporal Distribution in Minas Passage, Nova Scotia, Canada, a Region of Future Tidal Energy Extraction

January 2010 – January 2014

In the Bay of Fundy, Atlantic sturgeon from endangered and threatened populations in the USA and Canada migrate through Minas Passage to enter and leave Minas Basin.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Test Snow Crab Response to Seismic Stress

February 2012 – September 2013

There is concern in Atlantic Canada that there is insufficient information on the potential effects of seismic noise on snow crab.

Marine Renewable Energy: Background Report To Support a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Cape Breton Coastal Region, inclusive of the Bras D’Or Lakes

June – December 2012

In 2011 following a competitive request for proposal process, OERA commissioned AECOM’s Halifax office to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for marine renewable energy in Cape Breton.