Data acquisition and analyses

Open the map in a new window (Norwegian only)

The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has conducted its own annual expeditions since 2018 to map deep sea mineral deposits on the Norwegian continental shelf. The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has also participated in multiple joint scientific expeditions since 2011.

Among others, the Norwegian Offshore Directorate has cooperated with the University of Bergen (UiB) (2011-2021) and the University of Tromsø (UiT) (2020-2021).

Analysis

Geophysical data and samples from the expeditions are analysed and interpreted and make up the foundation for further assessment and studies of the area.

Download data collection of sulphide deposits (Excel, zip-file)

Analysis results linked to manganese crusts can be ordered from professor Rolf B. Pedersen of the Centre for Deep Sea Research at the University of Bergen: rolf.pedersen@uib.no

Unique data

Since 2018, the NPD has acquired 6818 line kilometres of geophysical seabed data, using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The AUVs are equipped with high-tech sensors that provide data resolution down to the centimetre level on the seabed.

New and efficient technology is utilised to acquire data and make it possible to cover a larger area in a shorter amount of time.

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) has been used in conjunction with the AUVs to gather geological data and take samples. Large volumes of still photos and HD video have been captured for documenting the seabed conditions and mineral deposits.