Norwegian fjords as potential sites for CO2 experiments. A preliminary feasibility study

Abstract

While deep open ocean locations probably will be those finally selected if large-scale CO2 deepwater disposal in general will come into effect, deep Norwegian fjords may represent better locations for doing small-scale experiments with CO2 deposition. In-situ experiments to study plume dynamics and chemical/biological impact are seriously needed. This initial feasibility study treets the physical, biological and legal constraints that an experiment in a fjord will have to adapt to. Several smaller or larger fjord basins with depths exceeding 500 m exist in western Norway. The report gives guidelines to what steps should be further taken in order to establish an in-situ CO2 experiment in a fjord. 26 different basins have been identified in terms of max. depths, municipal adherence etc. Variations in deepwater hydrographic conditions are relatively small from fjord to fjord. Data on the dynamical states as well as on deep water biology are in general lacking, and is suggested to perform a baseline study in a limited selection of fjords that will be further evaluated prior to a final selection. User conflicts and legal aspects must not be overlooked, and a complete EIA study will most probablly be required before starting any CO2 experiment in a fjord.