Scientific and technical offers

Assessment of marine geological hazards

Oceanographic and geological surveying and mapping

  • Oceanographic data collection and geological surveying, assessing natural and anthropogenic hazards due to sea level rise, seismic activity, submarine landslides, erosion by bottom currents, tsunamis, and trawling-induced impacts.

  • We perform high-resolution mapping and seabed sediment sampling for the sound and sustainable management of the seabed integrity, hence contributing to the EU’s Marine Spatial Planning strategies.

Development of underwater monitoring and surveillance systems with autonomous sensor networks and new technologies

  • We develop tools for monitoring seismicity of both natural and induced origin for the safe and sustainable management of industrial activities, such as subseafloor fluid injection.

  • We also develop tools for the surveillance of underwater infrastructures such as telecommunications cables, shipping activities and marine mammal tracking.

Assessment of trace metal in sediments

  • We analyze pollution levels, sources, including deep sea mining, and the spatiotemporal distribution of trace metals in various aquatic environments.

  • We study the sedimentary processes that control the transport and accumulation of particulate contaminants, including monitoring of turbidity plumes caused by polymetallic nodules and crusts collectors from the seabed.

Ocean seafloor environmental characterization and impact assessment

  • We characterize the coastal and deep-seafloor environment and associated marine habitats, such as seagrass beds and cold water corals.

  • We assess and propose measures to mitigate the impact of bottom trawling by the implementation of less invasive and more energy efficient trawl doors to reduce trawling- induced sediment disturbance and resuspension.

Assessment and monitoring of natural and anthropogenic geological hazards

  • We collect, process and analyze seafloor mechanic, geothermal, stratigraphic and geophysical data to help industry make informed decisions on offshore infrastructure development.

  • These informed decisions should avoid risks related to seabed stability or induced seismicity to ensure sustainable implementation of offshore industrial activity.

Monitoring coastal changes to support beach management

  • We provide a complete scientific picture of shoreline erosion, storm impacts and coastal evolution based on in-situ and remote observations.

  • We advise the different administrations on criteria for monitoring the state of beaches and possible strategies for protection and adaptation in the medium and long term.