Distribution of potential geological hazards and control factors in Qingdao offshore, China

Abstract

Engineering construction actively occurs in coastal zones, and these areas have numerous potential geological hazard factors. Since 2009, the development of geological surveys in sea areas has promoted extensive geophysical surveys in Qingdao offshore. In the present study, the types and distribution of potential geological hazard factors were systematically revealed using sub-bottom profile data, side-scan sonar data, and single-channel seismic data, among others. Based on previous research findings, the potential geological hazard factors are classified, and control factors in Qingdao offshore are discussed. The research results show that the primary potential geological hazards include active faults, buried paleo channels, shallow gas, irregular bedrock, eroded gullies, estuary deltas, tidal sand ridges, and seawater intrusion. In addition, neotectonic movement, sea level changes and sedimentary dynamic processes were the main factors that affected the distribution of geological hazards in Qingdao offshore.