Remote Sensing Imagery Improves Safety and Logistics of Arctic Operations
Authors: Feder Judy 
Published: December 2019

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Judy Feder, contains highlights of paper OTC 29115, “Application of Remote Sensing Imagery and Ancillary Products to Improve Safety and Logistical Efficiency of Arctic Operations,” by Tiffany Carey and Khalid Soofi, SPE, ConocoPhillips, prepared for the 2018 Arctic Technology Conference, Houston, 5–7. Copyright 2018 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

Many forms of remote sensing imagery can be used, along with datasets and the resultant products, to improve the efficiency and safety of upstream oil and gas operations on the North Slope of Alaska, which is characterized by limited road access, seasonally restrictive operations, and stringent environmental regulations. This paper discusses how optical satellite and aerial imagery, high-resolution light detection and ranging (LiDAR) for digital elevation and digital surface models, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) have enabled one operator to undertake detailed logistical planning of field operations in the Alaskan Arctic by gaining a better understanding of the landscape, environment, and overall regional investigations.

Introduction

Significant growth in remote sensing systems and techniques has enabled advanced desktop studies and technical investigations, particularly in remote areas such as the Alaskan Arctic. Arctic regions are, by nature, highly inaccessible and consequently problematic to investigate for the purposes of logistical planning of field operations. The North Slope, covering approximately 100,000 acres of northern Alaska and bounded on the north coast by the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, exemplifies these qualities. Less than 1% of this region is covered by gravel road systems. North Slope oil fields are concentrated in a very small portion of this area. Extensive regulation governs both ground and air access to protect and preserve the environment and wildlife in the region, and to respect the cultural resources and Inupiat lifestyle of the 10,000 residents spread among eight villages.

Meandering and braided fluvial systems and stationary waterbodies vary seasonally in size, volume, and state. The environment has been sculpted by significant fluvial systems that drain from the Brooks Range into the Beaufort Sea. High-energy river drainages with steep-cut banks and expansive gravel bars leave abandoned channels and oxbows across the dynamic landscape. The tundra is marked by numerous waterbodies with a wide range of depths. Small ponds and lakes often have the most significant depth profiles. Light or deep snow levels; thin, thick, or grounded ice conditions on lakes; and overflow conditions on the rivers can plague preparation and execution of North Slope winter operations.

Because of the substantial portion of the North Slope that is inaccessible by road, winter tundra access for exploration operations is the only option for most of the region. North Slope winter-season length is established on the ability of the tundra to reach predetermined frost depths and snow thickness, which must be achieved to commence work. The formal annual opening and closing of the tundra is governed by federal and state agencies. All off-road winter operations must adhere to these regulations. The winter season has varied from 97 to 145 total days during the past 15 years. On top of the short winter work season, the Arctic is also known for its winter darkness. More than 50 days of the winter season have no daylight, which dramatically affects health, safety, and environment (HSE) regulations for working in the North. However, given the 24 hours of darkness, International Association of Oil and Gas Producers standards and operator HSE regulations allow for 24-hour operations.