NATURE PLATFORMS Transforming decommissioned oil rigs into nature recovery hubs
Nature Platforms
WHAT? INTRUDUCTION
Foreword The idea of dedicating my Master’s thesis to the reuse of decommissioned oil rigs came to me after seeing a picture of ecosystems formed at oil rigs. I was very surprised to see how many corals live on oil rigs. I also realized that removing expired oil platforms leads to the death of all the marine life which has accumulated around them for many years. Not only do corals and algae die, but the whole chain of other fish and animals related to them also suffers. After some research, I realized that I am not the only person addressing this problem. I contacted several professionals who have worked on the problem before. After a number of consultations, brain-storming sessions and readings, I decided to focus on the issue and search for methods and technologies for further supporting this biodiversity. This project is not only about keeping expired offshore oil rigs in the seas, but also about turning them into nature recovery hubs through animal-aided design. During the Master’s thesis I have created both large and small design objects in order to enable this. Skimming oil in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill, May 29, 2010. NOAA , CC BY
Kindly, Dilara Orujzade
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Nature Platforms
CONTENT
Project summary
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INTRODUCTION 09
Decreasing biodiversity above and below the sea
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Industrial opportunism for the sake of nature
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Proposal 15 ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH 17
A brief update about oil production’s past and present
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Offshore oil production, locations and methods
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Inhabitants of the platforms 25 DESIGN PROPOSALS 27 Design approach 33 North Sea 37 Caspian Sea 49 Gulf of Mexico 65 Future steps 81 Graduate Dilara Orujzade Master’s thesis Assistant Professorship of Green Technologies in Landscape Architecture Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ferdinand Ludwig TUM Department of Architecture Technical University of Munich April 2019, Munich
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BIBLIOGRAPHY 84 Printed literature 84 Websites 85 Acknowledgments 86 Feedback 87 Notes 88
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Nature Platforms
Summary While biodiversity decreases around the world, the number of decommissioned oil platforms is rising. These platforms also present opportunities to stimulate natural diversity however. In this project, I have investigated ways of reusing oil rigs as nature recovery hubs. After extensive literature research and numerous consultations with specialists, it became clear that each platform design should be tailored to local circumstances. Consequently, I narrowed down my ideas to three design proposals on existing platforms that will be decommissioned in the near future. Each proposal focuses on a different climate zone, endangered species and involves different degrees of human involvement: •North Sea: naturally sustained pit stops for migrating birds formed by artificial porous rocks, combined with deep-sea reef balls hosting various cold-water coral species. •Caspian Sea: floating islands anchored to platforms serving as resting and breeding areas for seals, combined with structures hosting salt-tolerant plants forming a bird habitat. Existing infrastructure allows human visitors without disrupting the animals. •Gulf of Mexico: adapting underwater structures to stimulate coral reef growth, combined with geometrical motifs above the surface hosting large groups of migratory birds. All three interventions as low maintenance as possible, so that there only a few material or human resources are required on a daily basis. Finally, ideas for turning these proposals into a global project are discussed. 6
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WHAT? INTRUDUCTION
INTRODUCTION
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Nature Platforms
WHAT? INTRUDUCTION
Ecological crisis. Decreasing biodiversity as a result of human activities
Skimming oil in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill, May 29, 2010. NOAA , CC BY
One of the problems causing ocean pollution is acidification, which is the result of increased atmospheric CO¬¬2 concentrations. Just 100 fossil fuel companies are responsible for 71% of global carbon emission1, , of which the majority of these companies are leading oil and gas producers.
a spill. Moreover, most oil types are less dense than water, causing oil to float on the surface. Thus oil spills not only affect marine inhabitants but also birds. Because of a spill, the plumage of birds can become smothered, their nutrition toxified and their habitats destroyed.
Around 25% of the carbon dioxide produced through the burning of fossil fuels ends up in the oceans, increasing their acidity. Rising acidity leads to a deteriorating living environment for marine inhabitants, especially those species which require calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons. Furthermore, coral reefs are threatened by this change: water acidification leads to bleaching of the reefs, and when reefs are not intact, the corals dwelling on them also die. This chain then continues with molluscs, fish and other marine species. Eventually, it leads to endangered biodiversity and a shrinking number of marine animals.
The size of an oil spill’s impact depends not only upon the amount of oil spilled, but also upon the location, weather conditions and local flora and fauna. Where fish can save themselves from a polluted area by swimming away from it, mammals such as seals and otters often suffer from hypothermia quickly after their fur is smothered. Animals that navigate by scent to find their offspring or mother also become disoriented due to the strong smell of oil.
Neither are high carbon emissions the only way oil companies pollute ocean waters. Oil spills are another byproduct of the industry. Spills occur because of numerous reasons. Explosions on functioning platforms, insufficient safety measures, political conflicts and various other factors can cause 1 Riley, Tess. 2017. The Guardian. [Online] 10. July 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/jul/10/100-fossil-fuel-companies-investors-responsible-71-global-emissions-cdp-study-climate-change.
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Nature Platforms
WHAT? INTRUDUCTION
Industrial opportunism for the sake of nature During the past decades, the oil industry has gained a very controversial reputation - oil spills on the seas, high pollution levels and flimsy safety measures for offshore crews all come to people’s imaginations when the subject comes about. However, the age of fossil fuels is slowly coming to an end. What will happen to the infrastructure that it leaves behind? Traditionally, the remains of oil rigs are removed, and the sites freed for other uses. Though is this always necessary or useful? Could an oil rig contribute to the environment before it leaves permanently? During this Master’s thesis I have addressed these questions, focusing upon possible ways of reusing oil rigs as a nature-regeneration tool. Abandoned oil rigs have the potential to become architectural objects that benefit nature. Retired offshore structures could be converted into ecosystems which encourage biodiversity by hosting endangered species. This action could transform oil rigs from objects known for polluting seas and destroying marine life into spaces where species can recover, reproduce and thrive in safety. As a result, not only would sea life be better protected: new seascapes would also appear. The benefits of re-using decommisioned oil rigs outweigh the downsides Offshore platforms in shallow waters are proven to be suitable growth areas for corals . Over the lifespan of a platform, there are a large number of marine lives that accumulate on and around the underwater sections of the rigs. These metal assemblies become home to a wide variety of different species, providing them with safety and a 12
structure to settle on. When an oil well dries out, the related operation must be decommissioned. This currently means that the well must be plugged and the whole structure removed and brought to the shore for recycling or disposal. This leads to the death of marine life that has accumulated on it for years. Natural coral reefs host around 25% of all marine species, including fish, molluscs and worms. Unfortunately, due to climate change, overfishing, pollution and other human activities, the number of coral reefs around the world is declining rapidly. Around 30% of the coral in the Great Barrier Reef died in 2016 alone, because of a significant heatwave1. Currently, 60% of reefs worldwide are endangered. Once a reef dies out, all coral die, fish species leave and a whole ecosystem is destroyed. The question then remains of allowing retired offshore oil rigs to function as artificial reefs. Not only would this be beneficial for marine ecosystems, but it would also save a great deal of the work and cost associated with the decommissioning process. Resources saved could be reinvested in the re-naturalisation of reefs. Moreover, the upper sections of the platform could contribute to the protection of wildlife by functioning as stopovers for migrating birds.
1 James, Lauren E. 2018. National Geographic. [Online] August 2018. https://www.nationalgeographic. com/magazine/2018/08/explore-atlas-great-barrierreef-coral-bleaching-map-climate-change/.
Not all groups are proponents of keeping retired platforms in the seas. Part of this opposition comes from the shipping industry, which argues that artificial reefs impede marine traffic. The rigs indeed might be a barrier for ships and the consequences of a collision might be catastrophic. There are however ever fewer oil rigs currently constructed in shallow waters. The oil industry is moving steadily towards deeper waters, further away from the shores. As such, the number of rigs in shallow waters at the shores is not likely to grow, since there are few new oil fields in there (see illustration nr. 1). Other opponents of this idea are fishermen who do not like the idea of having more barriers to fishing nets. Clearly artificial rigs do occupy some area, however, this would not collide with areas designated for fishing. Furthermore, artificial rigs lead to higher populations of fish, beneficial to fishermen. Finally, some environmental organizations are afraid of dangerous chemicals from retired platforms ending up in the seawater.2 . Their concerns are well justified, considering the environmental effects caused by oil spills around the world. However, such spills did not occur on rigs which were already decommissioned. Usually, spills are caused by explosions on functioning rigs (see the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico) or fire (see the Ixtoc I oil spill and Kuwaiti oil fires). As soon as an oil rig is decommissioned, the well should be plugged and all remaining chemicals removed. The metal structure itself is then no longer dangerous
since all toxic elements have been disposed of. One of the examples for this unjustified fear about the danger of abandoned oil rigs is “The battle of Brent Spar.” In 1995 Green Peace organized a big media campaign against the disposal of The Brent Spar oil storage buoy in the North Sea, arguing with a high amount of toxic liquids end up in the water. This has led to a large Shell-boycott and in the end, the company was forced to remove the entire structure of the buoy and deliver it to the shore. However, as scientific researches have proved, the number of toxic elements named by Green piece were exaggerated, and only 1 percent of the called amount really exist on Brent Spar. This caused questioning the credibility of Green Peace, and the organization had to publicly apologize to Shell. An important aspect that should be considered while reusing a platform is local and global circumstances, such as climate, local flora and fauna, and socio-economic factors. Each case should be approached individually which will result in singular concepts and unique designs. The reutilization will have a stronger impact if it involves retired platforms around the globe. A worldwide chain will attract bigger public attention and enable the realization of this project also in developing countries with a weaker general ecological awareness.
2 Rice, A. L. 1999. Decommissioning the Brent Spar. London : Spon Press, 1999. ISBN 0-419-24090-X. 13
Nature Platforms
WHAT? INTRUDUCTION
Proposal It has been proven that decommissioning oil rigs to the land is a very costly, risky process and is harmful to marine life accumulated on it.1 Instead of transporting retired fixed oil rigs back to the seashore, I am proposing leaving them on their spots when possible, or moving to the nearest suitable location in order to turn them into nature recovery hubs. Such hubs will be adapted to the needs of migrating birds, marine mammals, fish and corals and provide them with a safe area to recover, live and reproduce. Existing structures of the rigs will be serving as carrying structures, on which animal-aided design objects will be installed. Interventions will differ from each other according to the given locations, conditions and climate of the platforms. As an outcome, waters, polluted by oil production will become epicentres for marine life recovery.
1 Lamont, Tom. 2017. The Guardian. [Online] 02. 05 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/may/02/where-oil-rigs-go-to-die. 14
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Nature Platforms
HOW? ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH
ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH
Brent versus the Eiffel Tower
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Nature Platforms
HOW? ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH
Oil production: brief update about it’s past and present
Left: „Next!“ (1904) Political cartoon by Udo J. Keppler. An octopus representing Standard Oil with tentacles wrapped around U.S. Congress and steel, copper, and shipping industries, and reaching for the White House Right: First oil rigs shooting out in Balakhany, at the shore of the Caspian Sea.
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Petroleum production is not a recent discovery - the use of oil has been documented in various ancient writings. Herodotus mentioned that natural asphalt was used in construction in Babylon, the earliest Chinese writings describe oil being used in its raw state before refinement was discovered, while the ancient Japanese called oil ‘’burning water’’. The first streets of Baghdad were paved with tar, derived from petroleum. Marco Polo describes oil production in Baku, where people would use sponges to collect oil spills from salty lakes in buckets. In ancient times, petroleum products were used as building materials (e.g. bitumen, asphalt, tar) as well as for illumination (e.g. kerosene). Native Americans used it as a cure-all. The industrial revolution and its fuel-fed machines led to a tremendous demand for petroleum, where the rise in demand for oil was particularly high during the second half of the Twentieth Century when the automotive industry boomed. This created strong economic growth in many oil-rich countries, created new dependencies between countries and changed political relations. Today around 90% of all vehicles are either partially or fully powered by oil.
Since then, demand for petroleum has continued to grow. Due to the facts however that oil is a non-renewable resource and that oil wells at seashores are currently drying out, drilling processes are now moving towards deeper waters and becoming ever more complex. Fixed platforms, operating in shallow waters, are to decommission due to field exhaustions.1
1 (Lehmköster, 2014) Lehmköster, Jan. 2014. World ocean review: Oil and gas from the sea. 2014. ISBN 978-3-86648-2210.
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Nature Platforms
HOW? ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH
Offshore oil production: locations and methods The first offshore oil rigs were constructed at the end of the 19th century in California and were only around 15 meters deep. Since then, production has continuously moved to deeper waters, where drilling depth can be up to several thousand meters.
Top left: FIXED PLATFORM The jackup rig stands on extendible legs. It can be quickly moved to a new site, for instance to develop new natural gas fields. Top right: FIXED PLATFORM Steel structures such as the American Bullwinkle platform are prefabricated on land and then towed out to sea. Source: World Ocean Review
Rig types and structures Speaking generally, there exist two key types of offshore oil rigs: floating and fixed rigs. Fixed platforms can be mobile (e.g. Jackup rigs) with concrete bodies (e.g. Norwegian Sea Troll) and Steel structures (e.g. American Bullwinkle). I have focused here on fixed steel platforms, since their decommissioning is more complex and they have a higher potential for usage in the interventions I have designed.
Decommissioning process The construction of rigs usually takes place on land, after which the rig is carried to its destination at sea. The average lifespan of an oil rig is about twenty to thirty years.1 After this time, it is not economically profitable to maintain production on the rig and it must be decommissioned. The laws on decommissioning vary from country to country. In some waters, oil rigs must be decommissioned within a fixed time frame, whereas in others a deadline is not clearly defined. Decommissioning is a very costly procedure (2) 1 2015. Planete Energies. [Online] 11. August 2015. https://www.planete-energies.com/en/medias/close/ life-cycle-oil-and-gas-fields.
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and involves a considerable amount of effort and time. Let us go through this process step by step. 1. Management The first step involves reviewing existing contractual obligations and analyzing the process from a technical point of view. After the engineering analysis, operational planning can start. As the number of specific factors to the process is fairly high, several different contractors are necessary. There are different agencies which are specialized in each step of the process, for example for management, civil engineering, diving and cutting purposes. 2.
Obtaining a permit
The next step is to prepare a decommission schedule and apply for a permit from the authorities. An execution plan describes the existing on-site environmental conditions, as well as activities and necessary equipment for implementing the withdrawal. When the plan is ready, it should be submitted to the government for approval. It is up to the authorities to decide whether the demolition can take place in the described manner or not. Since this process can take several years, companies are wise to start with it on time. 3.
Platform preparation
Once decommissioning is permitted, preparation of the platform can start. This includes emptying tanks, dismantling structures into separate pieces, cutting pipes and cables between modules, preparing pieces for lifting and preparing the underwater sections of the structure for extraction.
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Nature Platforms
HOW? ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH 4. Plugging After the platform has been prepared, the well must be plugged and secured. There are different methods of abandonment to choose from, all of which require a correct placement of plugs to ensure pressure resistance. 5.
Removing of the conductor and its cases
First, conductor cases must be taken out from the seafloor. Different methods can be used to do this, such as detonation or cutting. After this, cases must be divided into segments of 40 feet each to enable transportation to the shore. Cases are loaded by crane into boats and then offloaded in a port. The last destination for the cases is the disposal yard. 6.
Platform removal
Only when the well is plugged and the conductor case is removed, can the platform be transported to the shore. The top and bottom sections are usually decommissioned separately, since there are different elements to each of them. If the top is transported in one lift, a derrick barge with sufficient lifting capacity is needed. Usually though this applies only to smaller platforms. For larger platforms, the top section can be separated into several modules so that a derrick barge can lift it. One can also cut the structure into smaller pieces which can be lifted with smaller cranes. Although using smaller cranes costs less, it requires much more time as a procedure.
The lattice framework construction of the Bullwinkle platform was prefabricated on land and towed into the Gulf of Mexico in 1988.
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be attached to the lifting equipment and transported to the shore. For objects taller than 200 feet, a derrick barge might be required. 7.
Removing cables and pipelines
After the platform is taken away, all cables and pipelines should also be removed. Before this happens, however, pipelines should be flushed with the water and plugged. After this, they must be buried 3 feet beneath the ocean floor. 8.
Site clearance and material disposal
Finally, platform parts transported to the shore can be recycled, refurbished and reused in other platforms. The site should be inspected to make sure that nothing is left behind which could present an obstacle for other uses. Any environmental damages should be documented.
The most expensive step however is removing the lower part of the platform. This can be done through the use of explosives, mechanical cutting, abrasing or other methods. The cutline should be 15 feet below the mudline. Once it is done, the jacket can 23
Nature Platforms
HOW? ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH
Inhabitants of the platforms
Different species have been observed on platform structures. Some use platforms as a resting area or a pitstop, while others settle and live on platforms for their entire lives. Some species inhabit the underwater parts of the platforms, others inhabit the sections at the surface, and some reside on the structures above the water. Underwater species: the majority of platforms host marine life formed around their steel jackets for years. One of the reasons for this is a low electric current which runs through the foundation, used to protect platforms against corrosion. Minerals dissolved in the water accumulate on the steel jacket’s surface and build a good foundation for corals. The corals then create a suitable habitat for fish and other marine species. In other words, with a single element (a steel jacket under a low current) a whole sea-life ecosystem is created. On average, the exploitation time of the rig (usually around twenty years or more) is enough to create a small marine life settlement of its own.
Top: A short-eared owl rests on a North Sea oil rig mid-migration. Photo by: Kevin Duffy Middle: Seals resting on a platform in the Caspian Sea. Bottom: Marine life accumulated at the oil rig in California. Photo by: Joe Platko
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wolves. Moreover, a large number of fish accumulate around the platforms, another reason that seals and other mammals are attracted to oil rigs. Species inhabiting areas above the water such as birds and bats also use oil rigs. Many migrating birds for example use the platforms as pitstops. Some stay only for a short time, while others need a longer recovery time (such as wounded or exhausted birds).1 With the ever-growing agricultural use of land and the broader use of pesticides, there are fewer areas for birds to use as pit-stops and find nutrition. Many offshore platforms lie on migration routes, making them convenient pit stops for migrating birds.
Sea surface species: These are usually mammals that rest on the shore and hunt for fish in the sea. One of them is the seal, which often climbs onto a nearby platform instead of swimming to the seashore. On the platforms, seals can rest and sunbathe, protected from predators such as
1 Russell, Robert W. 2005. Interactions Between Migrating Birds. Louisiana : Louisiana State University, 2005. 1435-01-99-CA-30951-16808. 25
Nature Platforms
WHERE? DESIGN PROPOSALS
DESIGN PROPOSALS
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Nature Platforms
BIRDS MIGR ATI O N R O U TES
OFFSHORE OIL R I GS WHERE? SEARCH FOR LOCATIONS
BIRD MIGRATION PATTERNS Atlantic Americas Pacific Americas Central Americas
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East Atlantic Black Sea/Mediterranean East Asia/East Africa
Central Asia East Asia/Australasia
Offshore oil fields
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CL IMATE ZO N ES
CO R A L R E E F S
Nature Platforms
CLIMATIC REGIONS Equatorial Tropical Subtropical
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WHERE? SEARCH FOR LOCATIONS
Temperate Subpolar Polar
Brazilian province Caribbean Central Indian Ocean Central Pacific Eastern Pacific Micronesia
Middle East Polynesia South East Asia Western Australia West Indian Ocean
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Nature Platforms
HOW? ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH
Design approach
Aiming to study a variety of options, while at the same time wanting to develop tangible solutions, I decided to narrow the number of research regions down to three: the Caspian Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea. The chosen waters are quite diverse, providing a wide spectrum of marine life, climates, platform types and other circumstances.
Elected fields
Within each area, I focused on one specific platform. This allowed me to specify my design approach. I didn’t have access to any official illustrations or schematics of the platforms, which is why I had to recreate them myself. Therefore there is a level of abstraction in the drawings. I also gathered information about the flora and fauna in selected areas. Collected information was then put in a catalogue, representing a variety of species in the given locations. Finally, I selected one endangered species per area which was local to that area. The chosen species are also diverse: one lives underwater, another on the surface and the third above the water.
Cantarell Oil Field Mexico, Gulf of Mexico
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Beatrice oil field, Scotland, North Sea
Neft dashlari, Azerbaijan, Caspian Sea
After gathering information and undertaking my research, I then came up with three design proposals that I will now introduce.
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Nature Platforms
CATALOQUE OF SPECIES
Acipenser sturio Corynephorus canescens
Cakile maritima
Euphorbia paralias
Salicornia europaea
Apium graveolens
Eryngium maritimum
Chenopodium glaucum
Sagina procumbens
Littorella uniflora
Tripleurosper mum
Crithmum maritimum
Carex Arenaria
Fucus serratus
Petasites spurius
Blindingia minima
Convolvulus persicus
Asteraceae
Kalidium caspicum
Arnoglossum plantagineum
Beta vulgaris
Hippophae rhamnoides
Samolus Valerandi
Kali turgidum
Laminaria hyperborea
Alcyonium digitatum
Caryophyllia smithii
Anthozoa
Asteroidea
Metridium senile
Echinus esculentus
Porifera pink Porifera purple Rhodophyta encrusting encrusting
Porifera white encrusting
Barnacles
Alopias vulpinus
Sagartia
Ectopleura larynx
Hydrozoa
Porifera brown encrusting
Bolocera
Alcyonium digitatum
Bolocera
Agropyron junceum
Galeorhinus galeus
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Gadus morhua
Squalus acanthias
Thunnus thynnus
Lamna nasus
Mustelus mustelus
Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Cetorhinus maximus
Amblyraja radiata
Dipturus batis
Angel shark
Arenaria interpres
Calidris alba
Calidris alpina
Limosa limosa
Numenius americanus
Tringa nebularia
Branta leucopsis
NORTH SEA
Climacoptera lanata
Kalidium capsicum
Calendula persica
Muscari neglectum
Najas marina
Ruppia rostellata
No information
Pusa caspica
Salmo
Barbus
Lota lota
Cursta-
Acipen-
Cobitis
Oncorhyn-
Esox
Anguilla
Sander lucioperca Perca fluviatilis
Salsola soda
Artemisia absinthium
Kali tragus
Ephedra
Tamarix
Halostachys
Canavalia rosea
Distichlis spicata
Helianthus debilis
Zostera
Charadrius alexandrinus
Plegadis falcinellus
Calidris canutus
Limosa lapponica
Platalea leucorodia
Fratercula arctica
Thalasseus sandvicensis
Vanellus vanellus
Troglodytes troglodytes
Pluvialis apricaria
Xema sabini
Charadrius hiaticula
Glareola pratincola
Sterna albifrons
Pelecanus rufescens
Pteroclidae
Cepphus grylle
Delichon urbicum
Platalea
Turdus iliacus
Porphyrio martinicus
Ardea intermedia Marmaronetta angustirostris
Salicornia europaea
Halocnemum
Limonium
Iva frutescens
Agave americana
Aspius aspius
Silurus
Sander marinus
Carassius Volqa
Alosa braschnikowi
Mugilidae
Coregonus migratorius
Pseudophoxinus
Haliaeetus albicilla
Circus aeruginosus
Clangula hyemalis Fulica atra
Anas clypeata
Larus argentatus
CASPIAN SEA
Belonidae
Juncus roemerianus
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Agave geminiflora
GULF OF MEXICO
Muhlenbergia Schizachyrium littorale
Solidago sempervirens
Uniola paniculata
Schoenoplectus Schoenoplectus californicus robustus
Iva imbricata
Lycium caroliniamum
Acropora cervicornis
Lophelia
Acropora palmata
Montastraea annularis
Acropora
Millepora alcicornis
Bartholomea Dendrogyra Pseudoplannulata cylindrus exaura porosa
Colpophyllia
Elops Hawaiensis
Diploria
Epinephelus morio
Cobitis taenia
Lachnolaimus maximus
Lobotes surinamensis
Pompano
Pterois paucispinula Seriola dumerili
Eucinostomus gula
Gorgonia flabellum
Bartramia longicauda
Coccyzus americanus
Dumetella carolinensis
Melospiza lincolnii
Porzana carolina
Protonotaria
Setophaga
Tyrannus forfi-
Zenaida asi-
Zenaida mac-
Porphyrio mar-
Falco peregrinus
Parexocoetus brachypterus
Madracis Pseudopterogorgia auretenra bipinnata
Gorgonia ventalina
Archilochus colubris
Taractichthys longipinnis
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Bubulcus ibis
Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY NORTH SEA
ABOVE THE SEA NAME: Atlantic puffin SCIENTIFIC NAME: Fratercula arctica ENDANGERING STATUS: ENDANGERED FAMILY: Alcidae DESCRIPTION: An adult Atlantic puffin is about 28-34 cm in length. Males are generally larger and heavier than the female, but they look alike. Chest, top of the head, back and the upper side of the wings are black, while the bottom of the hull is white. The face is striking: Both sides of the face are set off with grey. The Atlantic puffin has an triangular and especially high beak. It is patterned in light red, orange and yellow. The birds feet are red. The brown irises have a red orbital ring on each site. During the winter the beak fades to grey. DISTRIBUTION: The home of the Atlantic Puffin is the colder water of the Northern Atlantic. From the end of August to the start of April, which is the period between breeding seasons, the bird lives far away from the coast in the open sea. More than 90% of the global population is found in Europe. During the breeding season, they are found on the coasts of Norway, Greenland and Newfoundland. Other colonies are found on the British Isles, on Iceland and on the coast of France. SPACE CLAIMS: Rocky cliffs, grasses DIET: Piscivorous, Polychaeta, Crustacean BEHAVIOUR: Most of the year, Atlantic Puffins live solitarily at the open sea. Only during breeding season do they visit the coastal area. They usually breed in large colonies, because it is a sociable bird. To build their nests the birds often select precipitous, rocky cliff tops, which they line with feathers or grass. Females lay a single egg, and both parents take turns incubating it. ENEMIES: foxes, gulls, birds of prey, humans THREATS: A growing number of natural enemies, contanimation by toxic residues, drowning in fishing nets, oil spills, climate change, tourism, hunting.
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Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY NORTH SEA
North Sea
Top: Spectators watching Brent Delta coming to shore. www.shell.co.uk Left: More than 250,000 seabirds, including Northern Gannets and Black-legged Kittiwakes, nest on the Bempton Cliffs in the UK. Photo: John Giles/PA/AP
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Problem: Oil spills and water pollution are especially dangerous for birds such as the Atlantic Puffin, who spend their winters on the open ocean. Oiled plumage has a reduced ability to insulate, making the bird more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and less buoyant in the water. Many birds die, while others ingest and inhale toxins while attempting to remove the oil by preening. This leads to inflammation of the airways and gut and, in the longer term, damage to the liver and kidneys. This trauma can contribute to a loss of reproductive success as well as harm developing embryos.1
1 Dunnet, G.; Crisp, D.; Conan, G.; Bourne, W. (1982). „Oil pollution and seabird populations“. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B. 297 (1087): 413–427
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WHERE? CASE STUDY NORTH SEA
Oslo
Oslo
Beatrice field
Beatrice field
Nigg Bay
Nigg Bay
Aberdeen
Aberdeen Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Newcastle
Newcastle
Berlin London
Berlin
Amsterdam
London
Amsterdam
Ural
Ural
Atyrau
Volga
Atyrau
Volga
Astrakhan
Astrakhan
Tyuleniy island
Kazakhstan
Aktau
Top right: Artist Sue Jane Taylor’s sketch of Beatrice Alpha. Tyuleniy island
Top left: Beatrice “Bravo”, 2009
Russia
Kazakhstan
Aktau
Russia
Bekdash
Bekdash
Turkmenistan Baku
Oslo
Oslo
Astara
Enzeli
Beatrice field
Beatrice field
Nigg Bay
Nigg Bay
Aberdeen
Aberdeen Copenhagen
Newcastle
Copenhagen Newcastle
Berlin London
Amsterdam
Berlin London
Amsterdam
Oil rocks
Turkmenistan
Chosen Platform: Visible from the coast, the Beatrice Alpha complex has become a part of the Scottish landscape. It is located around 22 kilometres from the shore and consists of two bridgeIran linked platforms. The Beatrice oil field was discovered in 1875 and put into operation in 1981. After changing owners several times, it was purchased by Repsol Sinopec Resources UK. Then after around twenty years of exploitation, the operation lost its financial viability and thoughts about its future use started. The initial plan was to re-use the platform for military purposes by the Ministry of Defense
Oil rocks
Baku
Kuuli Cape Turkmenbashy
Astara
in 2004, and in 2007 two wind turbines were installed. However, the Ministry of Defense has since withdrawn from their plan, and in 2018 decommissionIran(including the wind turbines) was confirmed. The wells have already been plugged and the decommission of the top sections is scheduled to begin in 2025.
Enzeli
Proposal: Bird Island and cold-water coral shelter
Corals habitats Oil fields Ural
Ural
Atyrau
Volga
Volga
Astrakhan
Astrakhan
Tyuleniy island
Tyuleniy island
Kuuli Cape Turkmenbashy
Atyrau
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Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY NORTH SEA
Rhodophyta
Rhodophyta Sagartia
Alcyonium digitatum Bolocera
Hydrozoa Hydrozoa
Echinus esculentus
Alcyonium digitatum
Ectopleura larynx Echinoidea
Asteroidea
Barnacles
Porifera white encrusting Metridium senile
Porifera brown encrusting
Right: Illustration, showing cold watercoral‘s distribution by depth.
Caryophyllia smithii
Porifera purple encrusting
Lophelia
Anthozoa
Porifera pink encrusting
Porifera purple encrusting
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Nature Platforms
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WHERE? CASE STUDY NORTH SEA
PROVIDER WALL Because of surrounding taller columns, the middle section of the platform is wind-protected. Containers with soil are located there. Birds resting on the platform beams provide fertilizer for the container soil. As a result, containers accumulate fertile soil to fill up hollow areas in other columns.
PROTECTION Several columns of differing heights create a topography. At the side of the platform columns are taller than in the middle, so the middle section is wind protected. Each column contains hollows (balls) of different sizes. Larger hollows are designed for plants, whereas smaller hollows serve as nests for birds.
SOIL STORAGE Each column contains soil with seeds that fills the hollows on the surface of the column. In the soil that reaches the openings at the surface and receives sunlight, seeds can sprout and grass can grow. Each of the bubbles (hollows) is substracted in the column, which protects it from eolation (wind erosion).
REEF BALLS Reef balls of multiple sizes, placed at various depths below the surface, host a variety of species, such as algae, corals, molluscs and fish.
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Left and right: Physical model, conceptual abstraction
Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY CASPIAN SEA
NAME: Caspian seal SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pusa caspica ENDANGERING STATUS: ENDANGERED FAMILY: Phocidae
AT THE SEA
DESCRIPTION: Adults are about 126–129 cm in length. Males are longer than females at an early age, but females experience more rapid growth until they reach ten years of age. Males can grow gradually until they reach an age of about 30 or 40 years. Adults weigh around 86 kg; males are generally larger and bulkier. Due to increased industrial production in the area, pollution has had a detrimental effect on the Caspian seal population. From 1998 to 2000, the concentration of zinc and iron increased dramatically in the tissue of dead, diseased seals. This suggests these elements are causative agents in compromising the Caspian seal‘s immune system. A century ago, their population was estimated at 1.5 million seals; in 2005, 104,000 remained, with an ongoing decline of 3–4% per year. DISTRIBUTION: Caspian seals are endemic animals of the Caspian sea. They migrate to different parts of the Caspian sea during various seasonal changes in the year. From May to September, most Caspian seals settle in the southern part of the Caspian Sea where cooler waters can be found. Whereas in autumn or winter, they migrate northwards to the ice sheets to breed. SPACE CLAIMS: Seals tend to live in environments where they are safe from predators and far removed from human activities. They enjoy rocky areas of land that are very close to sea shores. They are sluggish on land, so being able to get from the land to the water without using a lot of energy is important. Seals love to sunbathe, which is why they will spend their time on land during the daylight hours, and then rerturn to the water after sunset. They are drawn to low tide areas due to the large amount of food for them that collects there. DIET: piscivorous BEHAVIOUR: Seals are solitary animals; they make aggressive snorts or wave their flippers to signal to other seals to keep their distance. However, in winter, during the breeding season, they gather in large groups. Caspian seals can dive up to 50 meters deep. The gestation period is eleven months. ENEMIES: Wolves, Sea Eagles
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THREATS: housing & urban areas, commercial and industrial areas, Tourism and recreation areas, oil and gas drilling, shipping lanes, fishing and harvesting of aquatic resources, recreational activities, work & other activities, ecosystem modifications, pollution, climate change and severe weather.
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Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY CASPIAN SEA
Caspian Sea Problem: The Caspian Sea’s ecosystems face several challenges. Due to climate change and higher evaporation levels, the water level in the Caspian Sea is sinking by 6 centimeters every year.1. Moreover, the Caspian Sea is highly polluted due to the offshore oil industry, and high demand for natural black caviar is leading to overfishing. Although the Caspian Sea is best known for its Sturgeon, I decided to focus on another species: the Caspian seal (Pusa caspica). This is the only Left: Seals on Harmony Oil Platform Jared Blumenfeld. October 2011 Right: Caspian Sea shore. Iwan Baan.
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1 J. L. Chen, T. Pekker. 2017. Long-term Caspian Sea level change. Texas : American Geophysical Union, 2017.
endemic mammal in the Caspian Sea, and it is highly endangered. Immediate action is required to save it from extinction. A century ago, the population of Caspian seals stood at more than one million species. Today the population is less than one hundred thousand. Not only is the species suffering from water pollution caused by oil extraction, the seals are also losing their habitat on the coasts. Areas covered with ice are the main breeding grounds for Caspian seals, but due to climate change these areas are shrinking, leading to a more vulnerable scenario for seals and their offspring. Due to the continuous shrinking of the Caspian seal habitat, it is necessary to provide safe breeding areas for them. 51
Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY CASPIAN SEA Ural
Ural
Atyrau
Atyrau
Volga
Volga
Astrakhan
Astrakhan
Tyuleniy island
Tyuleniy island
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Aktau
Aktau
Russia
Russia
Bekdash
Bekdash
Turkmenistan Oil rocks
Baku
Turkmenistan
Baku
Kuuli Cape Turkmenbashy
Kuuli Cape Turkmenbashy
Astara
Astara
Enzeli
Enzeli
Iran
Ural
Vobla Mullet Sprat Cutum Bream Sturgeon
Atyrau
Ural
Volga
Astrakhan
Tyuleniy island
Kazakhstan
Tyuleniy island
Kazakhstan
Aktau
Aktau
Russia
Russia
Bekdash
Bekdash
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan
Baku
Kuuli Cape Turkmenbashy
Astara
Baku
Oil rocks
Astara
Enzeli
Seal habitats Oil fields
Kuuli Cape Turkmenbashy
Chosen Platform: The largest of the three oil platforms chosen here, Neft Dashlari is located 100km from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Built in 1949, this is the oldest working oil field in the world. In comparison with other oil fields, the water depth at Neft Dashlari is fairly shallow, reaching up to 30 meters. Many platforms are located at this field, which are connected via bridges. Neft Dashlari works as an artificial city: a variety of amenities such as housing, food courts, sports fields and workshops are located here. The peak production of this field however lies far in the past, and some platforms are already falling apart. A re-use concept has not yet been developed. Top: Picture of Neft dashlari from the helicopter. Source: http://www.atc.az
Enzeli
Iran
Carp Herring Catfish Zander Pike Seal
Atyrau
Volga
Astrakhan
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Areas of concentration:
Iran
Iran
Bottom: Water temperature on the water surface in january.
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Left: M. Rahmanzade Construction of Oil rigs Right: T. Javadov Oilmen coming from the shift
Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY CASPIAN SEA
Baku
Chilov island
40 km
SITE PLAN. SCALE 1:20000
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Proposal: Transforming Neft Dashlari platforms into a natural reserve could serve this purpose. Thousands of hexagonal structures could be aligned to form a floating island. These would be anchored to the nets of bridges, spanning approximately 300 kilometres and providing smooth, safe surfaces for Caspian seals to live, breed and raise their offspring. The structures of some former platforms could also be filled with porous rocks containing the seeds of salt-resistant plants and soil. These would serve as a pitstop for migrating birds. The bridges could be used by visitors to this nature protection area, allowing people to watch the seals from a close distance without disturbing them. 57
WHERE? CASE STUDY CASPIAN SEA
Left: Section through the bridge and platform. Scale 1:500 Platforms structure is filled with porous rocks that contain soil and seeds. Salt resistant plants can grow there. Structure of the bridges is an anchor for the floating seals island. Here visitor can watch seals without any disctruption. Right: Plan. Scale 1:500
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Nature Platforms
60
WHERE? CASE STUDY CASPIAN SEA
61
Nature Platforms
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WHERE? CASE STUDY CASPIAN SEA
63
Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY GULF OF MEXICO
NAME: Elkhorn coral SCIENTIFIC NAME: Acropora palmata ENDANGERING STATUS: ENDANGERED FAMILY: Acroporidae
UNDER THE SEA
DESCRIPTION:Elkhorn coral is a stony coral (Scleractinia). It is one of three Acropora-types in the Caribbean, and the current population is still struggling to recover from a white band disease outbreak. The color of this coral species ranges from brown to a yellowish-brown. DISTRIBUTION: Eikhorn coral grows in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Florida Keys. Its range reaches as far north as Biscayne National Park, Florida, and as far south as Curaçao and Venezuela. However, at least in part as a result of climate change, the range of elkhorn coral is expanding northward along the southern Florida peninsula and into the northern parts of the Gulf of Mexico. SPACE CLAIMS: Elkhorn corals are found primarily in shallow waters with temperatures between 26 and 30 °C, and with significant currents. They are one of the most abundant species in waters ranging from 1 to 5 m deep, and a few colonies have been reported from waters as deep as 20 m. DIET:The color of the coral depends on Zooxanthellae, that is living inside of the tissue of this algae. This is a type of algae which photosynthesize to provide the coral with nutrients. That why Elkhorn habitats in well lighten areas. The zooxanthellae are also capable of removing waste products from the coral. BEHAVIOUR:This species is structurally complex with many large branches. These branches create habitats for many other reef species, such as lobsters, parrot-fish, snapper shrimps and other reef fish. Elkhorn coral colonies are incredibly fast-growing, with an average growth rate of 5 to 10 cm per year and can eventually grow up to 3.7 m in diameter. Historically, the majority of elkhorn coral reproduction has occurred asexually; this occurs when a branch of the coral breaks off and attaches to the substrate, forming a new colony, known as fragmentation. Sexual reproduction occurs once a year in August or September when coral colonies release millions of gametes by broadcast spawning. ENEMIES: Predators of elkhorn coral include coral-eating snails (Coralliophila abbreviata), polychaetes such as the bearded fireworm, and damselfish. Predation by these organisms reduces the corals‘ growth and ability to reproduce.
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THREATS:Elkhorn coral was once one of the most abundant species of coral in the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. Since 1980, an estimated 90-95% of elkhorn coral has been lost. Threats include disease, coral bleaching, predation, climate change, storm damage, and human activity.
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Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY GULF OF MEXICO
Gulf of Mexico
Left: Marine life accumulated on oil platform. Photo by: Joe Platko Top: Decomissioning Bullwinkle platform. Gulf of Mexico. Photo by: Shell
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Problem: The Gulf of Mexico is densely covered with oil platforms, which is one of the factors causing water pollution in the region. Numerous oil spills, both major and minor, often occur here. This endangers the rich marine life in the Gulf. This area is home to several endemic fish and mammals, such as Brydes whales, Alabama Shads, Yucatán Killifish and many other examples. Moreover, its shape and relief provide a suitable living area for coral reef communities, both in the North-West (Texas), North-East (Florida) and South (Mexican states of Tabasco and Yucatan). The proximity of oil platforms to coral reef communities causes pollution, bleaching and eventually the extinction of the coral reefs and the marine life inhabiting them. Chosen Platform: The Cantarell complex, owned by
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Nature Platforms
Beatrice field WHERE? CASE STUDY GULF OF MEXICO Nigg Bay
Aberdeen Copenhagen
New Orleans
Galveston
Galveston
Newcastle
New Orleans
Saint Petersburg Fort Myers
Brownsville
Fort Myers
Brownsville
Havana Tampico
Cantarell
Veracruz
Merida
Cantarell
Veracruz
Merida
Villahermosa
New Orleans Galveston East Flower Garden Bank
Fort Myers
Brownsville
New Orleans
East Flower Garden Bank
Saint Petersburg
West Flower Garden Bank
Saint Petersburg
West Flower Garden Bank
Fort Myers
Brownsville
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Alacran Reef
Tampico Lobos Tuxban Reef System
Veracruz
Campeche Bank Reef
Cantarell
Veracruz Reef System
Villahermosa
Amsterdam
Cancun
Villahermosa
Galveston
London
Havana Tampico
Cancun
Berlin
Saint Petersburg
Guanahacabibes & Los Colorados Reefs
Cancun
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Havana
Alacran Reef
Tampico Lobos Tuxban Reef System
Campeche Bank Reef
Merida Veracruz
Cantarell
Veracruz Reef System
Villahermosa
Merida
Guanahacabibes & Los Colorados Reefs
Cancun
Havana
the Mexican company Pemex, was installed in 1976 and is located at an 80km distance from the nearest shores at the Bay of Campeche. Also known as the ‘aging super giant’, this is one of the largest oil fields in Mexico. As its name suggests, the platform is not at its production peak anymore: this was in 2004, when production reached 2,1 million barrels per day. Since then production has shrunk fourfold, and this decline is only continuing.1 . Proposal: Since this platform is located relatively far from the shore (100 km) and is not easy to reach as well as dangerous to visit for the general public, I decided that it would be purposeful to reuse it as a research center for coral regeneration. The platform has the capacity to host researchers
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Corals habitats Oil fields
1 Romo, D. 2015. THE CANTARELL OIL FIELD AND THE MEXICAN ECONOMY. 2015.
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Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY GULF OF MEXICO
and provide working and dwelling areas for them. Paths leading across the platform would connect the different elements of dwelling and research. MODULES: Hexagonal dodecahedrons are space-filling geometrical figures which together build resistant objects. They would be fixed both on the platform jacket as well as the platform itself and serve several purposes such as wind protection, nesting, plant growth above the surface and coral growth underneath the water.
The thickness of the vertices varies depending upon the functions mentioned above. The modules above the surface are thick on the bottom and thin on the top, enabling for plant growth and bird resting, whereas the modules in the water are thin again, which facilitates algae growth. The modules at the bottom serve as biorocks, accumulating calcium and minerals from the water and forming artificial reefs (see Chapter Biorock, page xx). CONSTRUCTION: Different types of modules are connected to one another and fixed upon the existing structure of the platform. This way the structure provides wind protection for birds and plants existing on the platform. The underwater sections are connected to solar panels at the platform surface and become biorocks. 70
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Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY GULF OF MEXICO Power supply
-
Biorock experiment
+
Cathode
Biorock, also known as Seacrete or Seament, is a trademark name used by Biorock, Inc. to refer to the substance formed by the electro-accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater.1 . Architect Wolf Hilbertz developed the process and patented it in 1979. Since 1988, Mr. Hilbertz also collaborated with coral ecologist Dr. Thomas J. Goreau, and together they installed biorock structures in reef areas around the world.
Anode
Biorock technology involves a process of electrolysis in which minerals dissolved in seawater are accumulated around a metal frame. Over time they form a very stable structure. Biorocks are very similar to a coral reefs, since both are formed from minerals dissolved in the water. The main difference between them is in durability and formation time. Natural coral reefs need thousands of years to be formed, whereas biorocks form within a few weeks. A metal core provides additional strength and flexibility to biorocks. Additionally, unlike natural reefs, biorocks can heal themselves after damage, since electrolysis causes an accretion of minerals dissolved in the water around the metal core.
Biorock experiment: (Artificial coral reef) Materials used: For ocean water simulation: • Aquarium (25 L ) +sea water • from North sea/ Atlantic ocean or • Munich tap water + mixture of Ca, P, Mg For cathode: • Steel wire For anode: • Titanium net • For power supply: (5V, 2A) • Solar panels/ batteries/ pc power adapter
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Day 1 05.04.2019 11:09
Day 5 09.04.2019 12:47
To prove this theory in practice, I performed a biorock experiment in an aquarium filled with sea water. I used metal wire as the cathode and a titanium mesh as the anode. For a source of energy I first used a small solar panel, which was later replaced by a plug-in power supply since the weather in February was not sunny enough to provide the system with sufficient power. After many attempts the system was working successfully, and a biorock started to form within a few minutes. After two weeks, the layer of accumulated minerals on the metal wire was 2-3 mm thick, being thickest on the intersecting points in the metal frame. Day 6 10.04.2019 10:14
Day 8 12.04.2019 14:39
Day 13 17.04.2019 12:09
1
www.biorock.net
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Nature Platforms
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WHERE? CASE STUDY GULF OF MEXICO
75
Nature Platforms
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WHERE? CASE STUDY GULF OF MEXICO
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Nature Platforms
WHERE? CASE STUDY GULF OF MEXICO
Both pages: Bathymetry of the Caspian Sea and Physical Model of proposed interventions.
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WHAT IS NEXT? CONCLUSION AND FUTURE STEPS
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE STEPS
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OFFSHORE OIL RIG S
CONCLUSION
Future steps During this Master’s thesis, I had only one semester to work upon the idea of sustainable oil platform reuse. There are still many untouched ideas, locations and species which I would yet value the opportunity to further explore. A greater impact could be achieved by globalizing the idea of nature hubs on former oil rigs, and through working on solutions for other regions where oil rigs are located. Moreover, it might be helpful to introduce this idea to a broader public by promoting it, for example through creating informative installations about offshore projects for display at the corresponding coasts. These could be prototype examples of the rigs, platform viewing with binoculars, live translations from the platforms, and so on. Also, jack-up rigs (rigs which can be moved easily) could be carried from the shore of one country to the next, serving as mobile nature hubs which people could visit easily. Oil fields Jack up rigs as mobile hubs Fixed platforms as Nature hubs
At shore platform (Jack up Rig) Offshore platform (Fixed platform)
This page : Locations of future interventions
Conceptual ideas described in this brochure should be checked and improved. Collaboration with experts is also necessary. Most importantly, it is essential to work with those companies owning retired oil rigs who would be interested in exploring these ideas. If you are as eager as I am to work on designing structures for the support of biodiversity, and see opportunities for collaboration, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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Nature Platforms
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Printed literature
• Thomas J. Goreau Innovative Methods of Marine Ecosystem Restoration • Bela H. Buck · Richard Langan Aquaculture Perspective of Multi-Use Sites in the Open Ocean • Donna M. Schroeder, Milton S. Love Ecological and political issues surrounding decommissioning of offshore oil facilities in the Southern California Bight • World Ocean Review Marine Resources – Opportunities and Risks • Maya Przybylski RE-RIGGING TRANSBORDER LOGICS ACROSS THE BOUNDED SITE • Gustavo Gili Energyscapes • Mason White, Lola Sheppard Strategies for Infrastructural Opportunism • Barry Bergdoll, Guy Nordenson Rising Currents: Projects for New York‘s Waterfront • Eve Blau: Baku – Oil and urbanism • Neeraj Bhatia The Petropolis of Tomorrow • Russell, R.W. Interactions between migrating birds and offshore oil and gas platforms in the northern Gulf of Mexico: Final Report. • Gerardo Ceballos The Annihilation of Nature: Human Extinction of Birds and Mammals • Anthony Dunne und Fiona Raby Speculative Everything: Design, Fiction and Social Dreaming • Horta-Puga, G. and J. P. Carricart-Ganivet Corales pétreos recientes (Milleporina, Stylasterina y Scleractinia) de México.
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• Mark Douglas Spalding, C R Ravilous E P Green World Atlas of Coral Reefs • Alexander Korshenko MARINE WATER POLLUTION ANNUAL REPORT 2015 • Tero Harkonen, Mart Jüssi Pup Production and Breeding Distribution of the Caspian Seal (Phoca caspica) in Relation to Human Impacts • Goodman, S. & Dmitrieva Pusa caspica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species • Thom Van Dooren Flight Ways: Life and Loss at the Edge of Extinction” • THOMAS E. HAUCK & WOLFGANG W. WEISSER Animal Aided Design Brochure • Kieran Hyder, Johan van der Molen Assessing the ecological connectivity between man-made structures in the North Sea (EcoConnect)
Websites • https://www.nationalgeographic.org/hires/ gulf-mexico-geography-offshore-oil/ • https://www.raconteur.net/risk-management/ decommissioning-the-north-sea-oil-and-gas-rigs-a-greatopportunity-for-the-uk • https://geographyofrussia.com/morya-rossii-kaspijskoe-more/ • https://geographyofrussia.com/morya-rossii-kaspijskoe-more/ • h t t p : / / w w w. e v o l o . u s / w p - c o n t e n t / uploads/2011/03/053-2.jpg
• https://www.thelifeisotopic.com/vids • https://worldoceanreview.com/wor-5/ • https://azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/92_folder/92_articles/92_platforms.html • http://o-project.jp/Gallery-01.htm • https://www.iflscience.com/environment/almost-half-all-natural-world-heritage-sites-risk-industrial-activity/ • https://blog.nationalgeographic.org/2018/04/23/2018-the-year-for-coral-reefs/ • https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ detail/plantmaterials/technical/publications/?cid=stelprdb1044274 • https://www.fishbase.de/identification/RegionSpeciesList.php?resultPage=19&e_code=144&SortBy=family • http://geolike.ru/page/gl_3730.htm • http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/caspian-sea-i • https://www.allaboutbirds.org/2018-global-report-40-of-worlds-birds-are-in-decline/ • https://tass.ru/v-strane/3757153 • https://www.scinexx.de/dossierartikel/halb-seehalb-ozean/ • http://www.whoi.edu/news-release/seaweed-fuel • https://www.offshore-mag.com/index/about-us/ history-of-offshore.html • https://www.raconteur.net/risk-management/ decommissioning-the-north-sea-oil-and-gas-rigs-a-greatopportunity-for-the-uk • https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migrato ry-birds/news/mad-island-spring-migration-expedition-blog-2017 • https://www.buwa.nl/en/flight-activity-of-birdsover-the-north-sea.html • https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ detail/plantmaterials/technical/publications/?cid=stelprdb1044274
• http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.as px?pid=1478 • https://azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/92_folder/92_articles/92_platforms.html • https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/oil-andchemical-spills/oil-spills/oil-spills-water-surface.html • https://www.thespruce.com/how-oil-affectsbirds-386496 • https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/jul/10/100-fossil-fuel-companies-investors-responsible-71-global-emissions-cdp-study-climate-change • h t t p s : / / w w w. i u c n r e d l i s t . o r g / s p e cies/41669/45230700 • http://www.caspianenvironment.org/ • http://kaspika.org/en/2018/08/14/documentary-film-save-caspian-seal-2/ • http://www.naturalhistorymag.com/features/112161/fate-of-the-caspian-sea • www.marin.nl • http://www.ecologicstudio.com/v2/lab/project. php?idcat=53&idsubcat=66&idproj=152 • www.offshore-technology.com • sea-technology.com https://www.energyvoice.com/
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Acknowledgment There are several specialists, professors, scientists around the world, friends and family members who have supported me during my thesis. I am immensely grateful for their help. This work would not be possible without the patient guidance, support and supervision of: • Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig, Chair for Green Technologies in Landscape Architecture, Technical University Munich • Dr. Thomas Goreau, President of the Global Coral Reef Alliance, • Dr. Bela H. Buck Professorship for Applied Marine Biology, Bremerhaven, Germany • Dr. Simona Augyte, University of Connecticut, Stamford • Prof. Silvia Benedito, visiting Professor at the Chair of Landscape Architecture and Public Space, Technical University of Munich • Emily Hazelwood (Callahan), Blue Latitudes, LLC • Lalin Keyvan • Felix Remter, Infrastructures & Participation Center for Urban Nature and climate Adaptation • Dr. Hans Huber, Architecture in extreme environments, Technical University Munich • Prof. Dr. Wolfgang W. Weisser Department of Ecology and Ecosystemmanagement, Technical University Munich • Jacqueline Vaessen, General Manager of Nexstep, the national platform 86
Feedback in the Netherlands for re-use and decommissioning • Eric Kreft, Project Lead Re-use & Decommissioning, EBN Netherland • Aart Geurtsen, Neptune Energy • Roman Freistetten • Viktoria Rusina • Marie Hartmann • Sandra Krüger • Azada Rustamova • Xenia Netter • Wiebke Steen • Joris Messelink • Gular Fattayeva • Felix Fischer • Margriet Messelink • Thomas Truxa • Farhad Orujzade
For any critique, recommendation, advice and or questions, you can contact me at: • dilara.orujzade@gmail.com • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ dilara-orujzade-40a988bb/ • Riesenfeldstr. 84, 80809, Munich, Germany
Thank you!
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NOTES
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