Geohazards in Hardangerfjorden, western Norway

The Norwegian coast is dissected by more than 1000 fjords, which represent unique locations to study Late Glacial Holocene land-ocean interactions, depositional environments and sedimentary processes. Hardangerfjorden is the second longest fjord in Norway, with a length of 160 km and a maximum water depth of 860 m, and it is located in a high-relief landscape at the west cost of Norway. Since the last deglaciation of Hardangerfjorden an up to 200 meter thick sediment unit have been deposited in this fjord system, comprising glacimarine sediments and numerous mass transport deposits (MTDs), related to mass failures caused by e.g., tectonic and climatic processes, increased pore pressures and human activity. Such mass failures have, furthermore, the potential to initiate tsunamis which can have devastating impact on infrastructure and society.

Supervisors

Main supervisor: Berit Oline Hjelstuen, UiB-GEO
Co-supervisor: Benjamin Bellwald, Prof II GEO-UIB, NGI
Co-supervisor: Jostein Bakke, UiB-GEO

Project description

In this master project, TOPAS sub bottom profiles, bathymetric data and already analyzed sediment cores from the Hardangerfjorden system will be compiled and interpreted. The glacimarine sediment package and MTDs in the fjord are to be mapped and a seismostratigraphy is to be established. Furthermore, thickness maps, which will give information about sediment source areas, are to be generated. The marine processes in the fjord system are to be related to onland processes along the fjord sides. Based on the analyzed data, the geological history of the Hardangerfjorden system over the last ca 15 000 years is to be discussed.

The Petrel software will be used to interpret the TOPAS data, whereas ArcGIS is to be used for compiling and analyze of data, and to generate maps.

This project will contribute to: (1) new knowledge about the depositional environment, and mass failures in a typical Norwegian fjord system, (2) new knowledge on temporal and spatial changes in sediment depocentres and source areas, and (3) new knowledge about the shallow geology and geohazards, which will be important information for future seabed installations, potential bridge crossings and tsunami risk assessment.

Field-, lab- and analysis work

Interpretation of TOPAS sub bottom profiles in Petrel (seismic interpretation software). The TOPAS data is to be correlated with information from already analysed sediment cores. However, some work in the sediment laboratoy (EarthLab) should be expected. ArcGIS will be used to compile and analyse information, and to generate maps. TOPAS sub-bottomprofiles, bathymetry and shallow sediment cores are all available for the project making it possible to start on the project from day one.

Proposed courses

Some suggested courses are listed below – but will be decided upon after discussion between supervisor and student and the interest/background of the student. GEOV272 and GEOV231 are, however, needed.

GEOV272 (10 stp) Seismic Interpretation
GEOV300 (5 stp) Scientific writing and communication in Earth Science
GEOV222 (10 stp) Palaeoclimatology
GEOV217 (10 stp) Geohazards
GEOV230 (10 stp) Glacial geology and geomorphology
GEOV336 (10 stp) Field and Laboratory Course in Quarternary Geology
GEOV231 (10 stp) Marine Geological Field-and Laboratory Course
 

Last updated: 18.06.2026