Controlling excavation on the seabed
Sediment spill can affect plant and animal life and disturb bathing at surrounding beaches. It is therefore a central objective in the design and planning of the fixed link that solutions which minimize spillage are found. This applies to both building methods, the machines used and the times when spills may occur. Bathing water, animals and plants When sediment resettles on the sea floor, it covers the plants and animals there. Young plants and animals
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and fish eggs are particularly vulnerable. The time of year when the spill takes place is therefore also significant. Computer models describe sediment paths Experts have added their knowledge of the seabed, seawater and current conditions and incorporated it into these models. The models are partly based on data from previous studies, but new, comprehensive studies of the seabed and hydrodynamics in the Fehmarnbelt and surrounding marine areas are also being conducted. The results of the computer modelling are used to plan the design and construction work as effectively as possible and to evaluate how plants and animals will be affected.
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On land it is known as soil, but in the sea the material that covers the surface, i.e. the seabed, is referred to as sediment. This sediment may include mud, sand, gravel or various blends of these materials. Large stones are also found on the seabed. Some are found alone, whilst others are found in small groups or outcrops. These are known as stone reefs.
During construction of the Oresund Bridge, comprehensive measurements of spillage took place. The small boat on the photo was measuring water visibility in the sediment plume, and took water samples for subsequent analysis of sediment content.
