Research Portal

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Central Atlantic Paleo-Oceans and Climates (CAPOC) (part of the PAGEO research program)

December 2020 – December 2022

CAPOC aims to develop the first integrated and high resolution biostratigraphic and isotopic proxy correlation for key intervals of the Jurassic/Cretaceous across the Central Atlantic conjugate margin.

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Palaeobathymetry and Tectonic Evolution of Lower Jurassic Source Rocks of the Conjugate Nova Scotia-Moroccan Margins (part of the PAGEO research program)

December 2020 – July 2022

This project will address key questions related to the formation processes, structure and subsidence history of the Nova Scotia rifted margin, which are relevant to constrain the Upper Triassic to Jurassic palaeogeography and petroleum systems offshore Nova Scotia.

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Paleobiogeographic Data to Constrain the Timing of Oceanic Connections between the Atlantic, Tethyan, and Pacific domains (part of the PAGEO research program)

November 2020 – May 2022

This project is based on a large-scale collection of previously generated Jurassic and Early Cretaceous nannofossil biostratigraphic data and aims to apply both traditional micropaleontological methods and modern data science methodologies to the in-depth analysis of that large dataset.

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.

Impacts of Tidal Energy Extraction on Sediment Dynamics in Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy

February 2010 – December 2012

Researchers developed a numerical hydrodynamic and sediment transport model for Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy, focusing on the sediment dynamics of the tidal inlets and flats.

Cape Breton Tidal Energy Resource Assessment

November 2011 – October 2012

In support of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Cape Breton Region, inclusive of the Bras d’Or Lakes, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) units were deployed at Barra Strait, Seal Island Bridge and Carey Point to collect tidal flow information.  Potential sites for tidal e

Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study (Phase 2)

May 2012

A second Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study was carried out prior to potential marine renewable energy development in the Brier and Long islands area of the Bay of Fundy, including Grand Passage and Petite Passage.

Effects of Energy Extraction on Sediment Dynamics in Intertidal Ecosystems of the Minas Basin

January 2010 – May 2012

This project assessed how the dynamics of sedimentation change when energy is extracted from a macro-tidal system. The differences in tidal prism and energy between neap and spring tidal cycles were used as a proxy for energy extraction by in-stream tidal power devices.

Scoping Study on Socio-Economic Impacts of Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia: A Research Synthesis & Priorities for Future Action

November 2011 – January 2012

This scoping study highlights many socio-economic issues related to in-stream tidal energy development and discusses best practices, case studies and tools developed to facilitate positive socio-economic benefits and community development.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Physics of the Interaction between a Crab and a Seismic Test Pulse – Development of a Mathematical Model and Testing of Model via Simulation

June 2009 – September 2011

Experimental attempts to establish whether seismic testing has any impact on crabs and the crab fishery have been hampered by a lack of theoretical work on the subject.