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The Offshore Analysis of Seafloor Instability and Sediments (OASIS) project is an interagency partnership coordinated by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to better understand underwater mudslides and their impacts in the Mississippi River Delta Front.
The USGS plays a central role in the project, contributing long-term expertise in coastal and marine geology, seafloor mapping, and geohazard assessment.
The Mississippi River Delta Front is one of the most dynamic and geologically active areas in the Gulf of America. Underwater mudslides—currents of sediment-water mixtures driven downslope by gravity—have repeatedly damaged pipelines, platforms, and other important infrastructure in the area. These events have also moved historic shipwrecks hundreds of meters, creating hazards and complicating cultural resource protection and regulatory compliance.
A better understanding of where and how underwater mudslides occur will help:
The OASIS project uses new and existing datasets to:
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
We surveyed the area in 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2024, collecting geophysical data across approximately 1,115 square kilometers—the majority of the Mississippi River Delta Front. This is the first comprehensive, high-resolution mapping of the area since 1980.
Using the data collected, including bathymetric surfaces, subbottom profiles, and sediment cores, we are producing maps that show:
This work improves our understanding of seafloor stability and associated hazards, supporting safe offshore operations and strengthening long‑term coastal management and resilience planning.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
Offshore infrastructure in the Mississippi River Delta Front.
Offshore infrastructure in the Mississippi River Delta Front.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
The Offshore Analysis of Seafloor Instability and Sediments (OASIS) project is an interagency partnership coordinated by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to better understand underwater mudslides and their impacts in the Mississippi River Delta Front.
The USGS plays a central role in the project, contributing long-term expertise in coastal and marine geology, seafloor mapping, and geohazard assessment.
The Mississippi River Delta Front is one of the most dynamic and geologically active areas in the Gulf of America. Underwater mudslides—currents of sediment-water mixtures driven downslope by gravity—have repeatedly damaged pipelines, platforms, and other important infrastructure in the area. These events have also moved historic shipwrecks hundreds of meters, creating hazards and complicating cultural resource protection and regulatory compliance.
A better understanding of where and how underwater mudslides occur will help:
The OASIS project uses new and existing datasets to:
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
We surveyed the area in 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2024, collecting geophysical data across approximately 1,115 square kilometers—the majority of the Mississippi River Delta Front. This is the first comprehensive, high-resolution mapping of the area since 1980.
Using the data collected, including bathymetric surfaces, subbottom profiles, and sediment cores, we are producing maps that show:
This work improves our understanding of seafloor stability and associated hazards, supporting safe offshore operations and strengthening long‑term coastal management and resilience planning.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
The USGS has a long history of studying seafloor instability in the Mississippi River Delta Front, beginning in the 1970s.
As part of the OASIS project, we play a leading role in seafloor mapping, geophysical imaging, and interpreting the processes that shape this important region.
Offshore infrastructure in the Mississippi River Delta Front.
Offshore infrastructure in the Mississippi River Delta Front.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.
Photo of offshore infrastructure. Offshore Louisiana, September 2023—photo by L. Brothers.