Ocean observatories
The ocean cover 70% of the surface of the earth, consisting of 90% of its living space, and are the core momentum of our planet’s physical, chemical, and biological cycles.
As underlined in recent policy documents such as the Galway Statement and Belmont Challenge, in order to understand the changes predicted in the coming decades, EMSO-ERIC aims to have continuous monitoring of the oceans. As such, EMSO-PT seeks to have continuous real-time data from which to learn and to derive adaptation and early warning systems.
Ocean observatories provide power and communications to allow a sustained interactive presence in the ocean. This challenge can only be addressed as part of an international cooperation between USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe and other interested countries.
It is the site of one of the worst earthquakes to hit Europe in 1755, which was followed by a destructive tsunami - the origin of which is still under active and intense scientific debate. Here, the African and European tectonic plates converge and the region is therefore seismically active. It is also the location to investigate the “Mediterranean Outflow Water” as it enters into the Atlantic, which is known to affect deepwater circulation on a global scale. In addition, the geological and oceanographic features of this region favour the presence of highly diverse benthic communities and also play a central role in the distribution of various marine mammals and fish species.
The Condor Seamount is located WSW of the island of Faial, which belongs to the Azores Archipelago. Seamounts are a common feature in regions with volcanic and tectonically active sea floors, especially nearing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
From a multidisciplinary aspect, the region is of particular interest. Not only is it an active tectonic region, but also the oceanographic setting provides a unique habitat for the deep sea flora and fauna.
The oceanographic process of upwelling, where nutrient-rich deep waters are brought to the surface, has provided the rich biosphere to thrive in this region. Added to this, fishing restrictions have meant that the area remains undisturbed from human activity.
The hydrothermal vent, which is a fissure on the Earth’s surface from which hot water comes out, can be investigated with a multidisciplinary approach. The peculiar fauna hosted and the microbial communities, the composition of the water and the circulation are studied. Being in the mountain range of the Central Atlantic, where the tectonic plates diverge, the place allows you to study tectonic and volcanic activities up close.
EMSO scientific disciplines: geosciences, physical oceanography, biogeochemistry, marine ecology.
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A abertura hidrotérmica, que é uma fissura na superfície da Terra a partir da qual a água quente sai, pode ser investigada com uma abordagem multidisciplinar. A fauna peculiar hospedada e as comunidades microbianas, a composição da água e a circulação são estudadas. Estando na cordilheira do Atlântico Central, onde as placas tectônicas divergem, o local permite estudar de perto as atividades tectônicas e vulcânicas.
Disciplinas científicas da EMSO: geociências, oceanografia física, biogeoquímica, ecologia marinha.
A abertura hidrotérmica, que é uma fissura na superfície da Terra a partir da qual a água quente sai, pode ser investigada com uma abordagem multidisciplinar. A fauna peculiar hospedada e as comunidades microbianas, a composição da água e a circulação são estudadas. Estando na cordilheira do Atlântico Central, onde as placas tectônicas divergem, o local permite estudar de perto as atividades tectônicas e vulcânicas.
Disciplinas científicas da EMSO: geociências, oceanografia física, biogeoquímica, ecologia marinha.
A abertura hidrotérmica, que é uma fissura na superfície da Terra a partir da qual a água quente sai, pode ser investigada com uma abordagem multidisciplinar. A fauna peculiar hospedada e as comunidades microbianas, a composição da água e a circulação são estudadas. Estando na cordilheira do Atlântico Central, onde as placas tectônicas divergem, o local permite estudar de perto as atividades tectônicas e vulcânicas.
Disciplinas científicas da EMSO: geociências, oceanografia física, biogeoquímica, ecologia marinha.
