2002, Ocean Scientific International Ltd., Gunfleet Sands Offshore Wind Farm, Hydrosearch Water Samples and Grain Size Study

Description

Hydrosearch collected two water samples at a depth of 4m below the surface, and two near bed at each site where oceanographic instruments were deployed. The vessel then steamed over the bank between sites and took two more water sampled over the bank itself. Two samples were taken at 6m below the surface, and two near bed for calibration of the turbidity sensor. The project examines the particle size analysis that was carried out on the water samples taken at Gunfleet Sands. Analyses were performed using a Micrometrics Sedigraph 5100, with samples dispersed in 0.05% sodium hexametaphosphate solution. Baseline calibrations were performed on both days to ensure that the Sedigraph was functioning correctly. Both were found to be stable, indicating that the output variability of the X-ray source was low and that the analysis chamber was running smoothly. Error derived from machine operation is therefore expected to be minimal.