M$14$ Explore the engineering and environmental considerations involved in the construction of offshore wind farms. Discuss the challenges of site selection, including seabed conditions, water depth, and proximity to the grid, as well as the design and installation of foundations, turbines, and transmission systems. Evaluate the potential environmental impacts on marine ecosystems, including noise pollution, habitat disruption, and effects on marine wildlife, and consider the strategies employed to mitigate these impacts. Analyze the economic and regulatory factors that influence the development of offshore wind projects, including funding mechanisms, policy incentives, and permitting processes. How can civil engineers balance the technical, environmental, and socio$-$economic aspects to ensure the successful and sustainable deployment of offshore wind energy?