Home Institution: Institute for Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS)
Host Institution: Earth Science Department, University of Oxford
Duration of stay(days): 17
Objectives: The objectives of this STSM are to create thematic maps on the occurrence, characteristics and extent of OFG identified in the waters of European countries, and to identify areas of interest, with potentially significant volumes of OFG, where additional studies are required. It will deliver a GIS project with several layers summarising the data collected during Year 1 of the COST Action, and integrated with the existing literature, as well as a set of thematic maps of known and predicted OFG distribution in the waters of the European countries. These thematic maps will be an indispensable tool to better visualise the obtained results and to identify the area where there is a lack of data and plan future exploration activities.
Summary of the work: This STSM was specifically designed to collect information and data in the European region and neighbouring countries, to address the following Working Group 1 tasks:
- Task 1.1: Compile a database of known OFG bodies and their characteristics in waters of COST Member Countries from published literature and data sets (e.g. borehole logs, geophysical data).
- Task 1.2: Compile a database of available geological and geophysical data from margins of COST Member Countries from published literature and data sets (e.g. EMODnet, SeaDataNet).
The main objective of this STSM was to develop two databases: 1) information on OFG bodies and 2) Geological and geophysical data related to OFG identification, from open source data, and other information provided by the WG1 members. The mission aims were achieved through the following activities. First, a shapefile for each onshore and offshore indicator of the presence of OFG was created. This included well and core data; submerged and coastal springs; electromagnetic data; onshore indicators. Second, national and local data repositories with data useful for OFG identification and mapping were identified. From these repositories, we downloaded geological and geophysical data, which can be used to evaluate areas with potentially significant OFG volumes., and where additional studies are required. These data will form the starting point for the development of a WEBGis, which will be accessible via the website OFF-SOURCE.
