Recent Advances in Geophysical Exploration for Offshore Wind Farm Development

Offshore wind power is gaining increasing importance because of its high energy security, potential, and economic benefits. In the development of offshore wind farms, the characteristics of the seafloor topography and sub-seafloor geology are critical factors that significantly influence the foundation design. Inaccurate interpretation of geological conditions can create substantial financial risks. To mitigate these risks and optimize design, precise investigations of the seafloor and sub-seafloor layers through geophysical explorations are essential. This paper presents an overview of geophysical exploration techniques used in offshore wind farm development, along with recent trends and case studies highlighting their application.