Page 7 - Wind Waves and Weather

Petroleum Extension-The University of Texas at Austin

Introduction

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il companies drill for oil and gas in oceans and seas all over
Othe world (fig. 1). No matter where an offshore rig operates,
weather affects it. In some places, reasonably clement weather
occurs most of the time. But, even in moderate climates, severe
thunderstorms and hurricanes or typhoons can occasionally wreak
havoc. And, where bad weather prevails, as in the North Sea, off
the east coast of Canada, and in Alaska (fig. 2), it is a constant
threat. Thus, offshore oil companies and drilling contractors
pay a great deal of attention to the weather and its effect on
personnel and equipment.

ARCTIC ARCTIC
OCEAN
OCEAN

NORTH
ATLANTIC
NORTH OCEAN
PACIFIC
OCEAN

INDIAN
OCEAN

SOUTH SOUTH
PACIFIC ATLANTIC
OCEAN OCEAN

Figure 1. Offshore operations are being carried out over a large part of the earth.

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