EHG4476 - Geophysical survey - Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm OfTW corrdior

A geophysical survey was carried out by Gardline Geosurvey between April and June 2011 along the proposed offshore electricity transmisson works (OfTW) corridor of the proposed Beatrice wind farm development in the Moray Firth. Techniques employed included high-resolution single and multi-beam echo sounder, sidescan sonar, pinger, magnetometer and sub-bottom profiling. Data was collected to identify surficial bathymetric features and seabed type distribution. At the same time subsurface (seismic) geophysical measurements were also made and interpreted. This data was then interpreted by Headland Archaeology who identified and assessed the potential for archaeological sites within the survey area. One target of high archaeological potential and 18 targets of medium archaeological potential were identified in the geophysical study area. A 100m exclusion zone was suggested for high potential sites and a 50m buffer was suggested for medium potential sites. <1> <2>