As a geologist working in coastal Louisiana for the last 40 years, I have seen firsthand the incredible scientific value of seismic data.

Seismic data acquired in coastal Louisiana and on the adjacent continental shelf over the last 60 years has made the area one of the most well-understood geological provinces in the world.

Faults and salt domes have been mapped with incredible accuracy, and the data has been used to understand the entire sedimentary architecture of the Mississippi Delta shelf margin.

Wide-ranging geophysical work from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, LSU College of Science, Tulane University, University of New Orleans and Transportation Consortium of South-Central States have provided tremendous value to the residents of Louisiana.

Scientists and policymakers have been able to engage on a host of geologic, oceanographic and ecological topics. These topics include the relationship between fault movement and wetlands loss as well as the impact of faults on infrastructure maintenance and repair costs. These subjects should be critically important to South Carolinians.

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