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2015 | Buch

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SEAFLOOR OBSERVATORIES

A New Vision of the Earth from the Abyss

verfasst von: Paolo Favali, Laura Beranzoli, Angelo De Santis

Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg

Buchreihe : Springer Praxis Books

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

The oceans cover 70% of the terrestrial surface, and exert a pervasive influence on the Earth's environment but their nature is poorly recognized. Knowing the ocean's role deeply and understanding the complex, physical, biological, chemical and geological systems operating within it represent a major challenge to scientists today. Seafloor observatories offer scientists new opportunites to study multiple, interrelated natural phenomena over time scales ranging from seconds to decades, from episodic to global and long-term processes.

Seafloor Observatories poses the important and apparently simple question, "How can continuous and reliable monitoring at the seafloor by means of Seafloor Observatories extend exploration and improve knowledge of our planet?" The book leads the reader through:

the present scientific challenges to be addressed with seafloor observatoriesthe technical solutions for their architecturean excursus on worldwide ongoing projects and programmessome relevant scientific multidisciplinary resultsanda presentation of new and interesting long-term perspectives for the coming years.

Current results will yield significant improvements and exert a strong impact not only on our present knowledge of our planet but also on human evolution.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

1. Introduction

Abstract

How can continuous and reliable monitoring at the seafloor and along the water column by means of seafloor observatories extend the exploration and improve knowledge of our planet?

P. Favali, L. Beranzoli, A. De Santis

Present scientific challenges to be addressed using seafloor observatories

Frontmatter

2. Integrating continuous observatory data from the coast to the abyss: Assembling a multidisciplinary view of the ocean in four dimensions

Abstract

The world ocean covers over 70% of our planet and comprises over 95% of the living space. It is the dynamic engine of Earth, driving energy transport and elemental cycles of the globe. It is also the integrator between what are (on average) the fast processes of the atmosphere and the slower processes of the earth’s crust. A key hurdle in coming to grips with understanding this earth-ocean-atmosphere system is the range of spatial and temporal scales at which processes occur, their complex interconnectedness and, in many cases, their catastrophic episodicity.

M. M. R. Best, C. R. Barnes, B. D. Bornhold, S. K. Juniper

3. Underwater neutrino telescopes: Detectors for astro-particle physics and a gateway for deep-sea laboratories

Abstract

The simultaneous observation of cosmic hadrons (protons and nuclei), photons and neutrinos (i.e., the so-called multimessenger astronomy) is providing a deeper understanding of the high-energy Universe and on the cosmic sources of high-energy particles. Our comprehension of the high-energy Universe is indeed rapidly increasing thanks to novel experiments that allow for precise measurements of ultra-high energy cosmic ray fluxes and the identification of several tens of astrophysical sources of gamma rays.

E. Migneco, P. Piattelli, G. Riccobene

4. Seafloor observations and observatory activities in the Sea of Marmara

Abstract

The Sea of Marmara (SOM) is located on the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) zone in NW Turkey (Figure 4.1; Barka, 1992; Straub and Kahle, 1997; Okay et al., 2000; Imren et al., 2001; Le Pichon et al., 2001, 2003; Armijo et al., 2002; Çagatay et al., 2002; Sengör et al., 2004). The NAF is a major transform-plate boundary that has produced devastating historical earthquakes along its 1600km length (Ambraseys, 2002).

M. N. Çağatay, L. Geli, L. Gasperini, P. Henry, C. Gürbüz, N. Görür

5. The Hellenic deep sea observatory: Science objectives and implementation

Abstract

The Hellenic observatory in the SE Ionian Sea is located on the steep marginal slopes and basins of the western segment of the Hellenic Arc and Trench System (HATS) (Figure 5.1). The Hellenic Arc and Trench System is a typical subduction zone that is the most tectonically active region in Europe, implying a complicated submarine morphology with numerous, deep, pull-apart sub-basins and a variety of geohazards like high seismicity, slope instabilities and basin wide tsunamis. Fluid emissions, methane gas seeps and mud volcanism in the Eastern Mediterranean accretionary prism provide the substrate for specific deep sea ecosystems. The deep waters of the sub-basins of the western sector of the Hellenic Trench are also sensitive to climate changes, since the deep sub-basins are the ultimate destination of dense (cold and salt) water masses formed in the Adriatic and Aegean Seas. Consequently, the temperature and salinity of bottom waters provides a year-toyear record of the (winter) low temperature and/or precipitation-aridity of the NE Mediterranean Sea. Being the most oligotrophic European sea the deep ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea is sensitive to climate changes.

V. Lykousis, K. Nittis, D. Ballas, L. Perivoliotis, D. Kassis, P. Pagonis, D. Sakellariou

6. Marine seismogenic-tsunamigenic prone areas:The Gulf of Cadiz

Abstract

It It is well documented that, in the past, catastrophic earthquakes and tsunamis affected the area as described in the historical records from the countries bordering the Gulf of Cadiz: Portugal, Spain and Morocco (cf. Baptista and Miranda, 2009; Figure 6.1). The main mechanism behind geohazard generation in this area is the interplate deformation arising from the relative motion between the Eurasian and Nubian (African) plates. The plate boundary crosses the Gulf of Cadiz but the precise location of its trace is not yet well understood. In the Gulf of Cadiz the morphology is complex and characterized by a series of large ridges and seamounts, the Gorringe Bank, the Coral Patch and Ampère seamounts (cf. Figure 6.1 for locations), bounding major morphological depressions such as the Horseshoe and Tagus abyssal plains and discrete segments of plate boundary are hard to identify due to diffuse deformation over an area 200km wide (Sartori et al., 1994; Tortella et al., 1997).

J. M. Miranda, L. Matias, P. Terrinha, N. Zitellini, M. A. Baptista, F. Chierici, D. Embriaco, G. Marinaro, S. Monna, L. Pignagnoli

Technical solutions for seafloor observatory architecture

Frontmatter

7. The role of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) for seafloor observatories: Acquisition, archival, analysis, interoperability

Abstract

The revolution in seafloor observatories comes from their ability to: (a) allow for the coverage of wide swathes of ocean space in four dimensions at high temporal resolutions for decades; (b) provide quasi real-time data access as well as the ability to interact in very low latency (ms) with instruments hundreds of kilometers away from shore; and (c) offer new ways to perform science experiments where software plays a role in automating tasks as well as empowering interactive users.

B. Pirenne

8. Long-term subsea observatories: Comparison of architectures and solutions for infrastructure design, interfaces, materials, sensor protection and deployment operations

Abstract

These subsea observatory infrastructures may have different architectures; the ESONET and EMSO (see www.esonet-emso.org) projects have identified five main types of observatories.

Y. Auffret, J. Blandin, D. Choqueuse, C. Compère, L. Delauney, J.-F. Drogou, P. Jégou, C. Lévêque, J.-F. Rolin, P. Valdy

9. Development and demonstration of a mobile response observatory prototype for subsea environmental monitoring: The case of ROSE

Abstract

The severe oil spill hazards that endangered environment and ecosystem equilibria in western European seas such as “Erika” (1999) and “Prestige” (2002), led the French government to open research funds under the RITMER (Réseau de recherche et d’Innovation Technologiques pollutions Marines accidentelles et conséquences Ecologiques suR le littoral) Program.

J. Marvaldi, J. Legrand, J. F. Masset, L. Delauney, M. Nicot, B. Darbot, Y. Degres, M. Jouannic, F. Cabioch, J. Guyomarch, C. Lietard, P. Billand, A. M. Caujan, S. Hibral, C. Laot

10. Construction of the DONET real-time seafloor observatory for earthquakes and tsunami monitoring

Abstract

The Japanese islands are located at a quadruple junction of tectonic plates. Along these plate boundaries, a large number of earthquakes occur every year, supplied with energy by tectonic plate activity. Japan has a sophisticated seismological observatory network on land to estimate the location, magnitude, mechanism and other information about the earthquakes in support of research for earthquake procedures.

K. Kawaguchi, S. Kaneko, T. Nishida, T. Komine

11. GEOSTAR-class observatories 1995–2012: A technical overview

Abstract

From the scientific point of view, the deepwater environment represents the ultimate frontier for Earth observation and understanding fundamental processes (solid earth studies, as well as oceanographic, climatic and environmental investigations) (Kopf et al., 2012).

F. Gasparoni, F. Furlan, F. Bruni, F. Zanon, P. Favali, L. Beranzoli, G. Marinaro, A. De Santis, H. W. Gerber

World-wide recent and ongoing projects and programmes

Frontmatter

12. The two seafloor geomagnetic observatories operating in the western Pacific

Abstract

The need for seafloor observatories has been intensifying for decades. It has long been pointed out that a “land-base” view alone cannot provide the true image of the Earth because the continents occupy only 30% of the Earth’s surface.

H. Toh, Y. Hamano

13. The DELOS project: Development of a long-term observatory in an oil field environment in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean

Abstract

The deep-sea environment into which oil company operations are gradually extending is generally poorly understood, with surveys regularly discovering new habitats and communities of animals previously unknown to science.

P. M. Bagley, K. L. Smith, B. J. Bett, I. G. Priede, G. Rowe, J. Clarke, A. Wall, H. A. Ruhl, D. M. Bailey, B. Bazica

14. Sub-sea environmental observatory integrated with the KM3NeT neutrino telescope infrastructure in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

The concept of fiber optic cabled environmental observatories on the seafloor with real time data transmitted to shore is now being developed in a number of projects around the world (NEPTUNE 2012, MARS 2008, DONET 2008, ESONET 2012).

A. Holford, H. van Haren, J. Craig, I. G. Priede

15. ANTARES neutrino telescope and deep-sea observatory

Abstract

The ANTARES detector consists of a multidisciplinary undersea observatory associated with a neutrino telescope. The neutrino telescope, with 12 mooring lines holding light detectors, was completed in May 2008 and is destined for research in the field of astroparticle physics, in particular in neutrino astronomy.

V. Bertin, J. Brunner, J. Carr, P. Coyle, C. Curtil, J-J. Destelle, A. Deschamps, S. Escoffier, K. Graf, C. Gojak, J. Hößl, R. Lahmann, D. Lefèvre, C. Lévèque, C. Tamburini, J-P. Schuller, H. van Haren, ANTARES Collaboration

16. NEPTUNE Canada: Installation and initial operation of the world’s first regional cabled ocean observatory

Abstract

NEPTUNE Canada (NC) has built the world’s first regional cabled ocean observatory in the north-east Pacific Ocean off the coast of British Columbia. The observatory became operational in late 2009 with instruments added to the last node site in 2010-2012 and others replaced or added on an ongoing basis.

C. R. Barnes, M. M. R. Best, F. R. Johnson, B. Pirenne

17. The ALOHA cabled observatory

Abstract

Sustained observation of the ocean is difficult. Ocean science requires new and varied ways to observe the ocean, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, in order to advance our understanding and lay the foundations for predictive models and their applications.

B. M. Howe, F. K. Duennebier, R. Lukas

18. Next-generation science in the ocean basins: Expanding the oceanographer’s toolbox utilizing submarine electro-optical sensor networks

Abstract

For decades, oceanographers have gone to sea to study limited portions of the ocean for short periods of time. In the 1950s, the reach and duration of research in the oceans was extended, utilizing limited bandwidth satellite systems for surficial imaging and communications.

J. R. Delaney, D. S. Kelley

19. Technical preparation and prototype development for long-term cabled seafloor observatories in Chinese marginal seas

Abstract

Understanding the ocean is critical to humans; long-term observation is the key. The ocean, whose average depth is about 3800m, covers approximately 70% of the terrestrial surface and has a pervasive influence on the global environment and climate; it is therefore critical to understand the mechanism of the complex interactive processes operating in the ocean (Favali and Beranzoli, 2006; Person et al., 2006; Chave et al., 2006; Wang, 2007; Delaney and Barga, 2009; Ruhl et al., 2011).

F. Lu, H. Zhou, X. Peng, J. Yue, P. Wang

20. From ESONET multidisciplinary scientific community to EMSO novel European research infrastructure for ocean observation

Abstract

Environmental and climate changes are crucial challenges for sustainable living because of their significant impact on the Earth system and the important consequences for natural resources. Oceans have a primary role in these changes as they regulate heat flux, greenhouse gases and climate whilst harboring many different life forms and resources. Understanding processes in the marine environment is of paramount importance for any prediction of short-, intermediate- and long-term global change.

R. Person, P. Favali, H. A. Ruhl, L. Beranzoli, J.-F. Rolin, C. Waldmann, R. Huber, Y. Auffret, M. Namık Çağatay, M. Cannat, J. J. Dañobeitia, E. Delory, M. Diepenbroek, H. de Stigter, J. M. A. de Miranda, B. Ferré, M. Gillooly, F. Grant, J. Greinert, P. O. J. Hall, V. Lykousis, J. Mienert, I. Puillat, I. G. Priede, L. Thomsen

Relevant scientific results with a multidisciplinary emphasis

Frontmatter

21. Seafloor observatory for monitoring hydrologic and geological phenomena associated with seismogenic subduction zones

Abstract

Recently, our seismological knowledge about source mechanisms of plate-boundary earthquakes has revealed the possibility in the detection of spatiotemporal changes in physical properties that may occur at interplate boundaries. Seismological interest is identified to be in seismogenic zones that are deeper than several kilometers from the surface.

H. Mikada, J. Kasahara

22. Modeling of regional geomagnetic field based on ground observation network including seafloor geomagnetic observatories

Abstract

We sometimes encounter a situation where we have to model a set of geophysical data acquired within a limited portion of our globe by a rapid and efficient survey such as airborne mapping. The content of the dataset could be a physical quantity that is essentially a potential field like gravity.

H. Toh, A. De Santis

23. Seafloor borehole observatories in the Northwestern Pacific

Abstract

Seismic imaging of the Earth’s interior is useful for understanding mantle structure and dynamics from a regional to a global scale. One of the limitations of the imaging is the uneven distribution of seismic stations, specifically the lack of seafloor stations. The asymmetry and non-uniformity of the existing seismic station distribution makes high-resolution imaging of some parts of the mantle nearly impossible.

M. Shinohara, E. Araki, K. Suyehiro, T. Kanazawa

24. A first insight into the Marsili volcanic seamount (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy): Results from ORION-GEOSTAR3 experiment

Abstract

The Marsili Seamount is the largest European underwater volcano. It is Plio-Pleistocenic in age, rising up to more than 3000m from the seafloor in the SE Tyrrhenian basin (Central Mediterranean), a back arc basin which began progressively opening 10 Ma ago (Kastens et al., 1988). The seamount lies in a key area for understanding the evolution of the Tyrrhenian region, characterized by high values of heat flow (Della Vedova et al., 2001) and low values of Moho isobaths (Locardi and Nicolich, 1988). In spite of the large dimensions of the Marsili seamount, we still have limited knowledge of its present activity. Ocean explorationis dependent on available technology and infrastructure, which started to develop strongly only after the 1980s.

L. Beranzoli, A. Ciafardini, G. Cianchini, M. De Caro, A. De Santis, P. Favali, F. Frugoni, G. Marinaro, S. Monna, C. Montuori, E. Qamili, T. Sgroi, S. Vitale

25. Development and application of an advanced ocean floor network system for megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis

Abstract

Japan is prone to great earthquakes because of its position near two different subduction zones. The Philippine Sea plate subducts from the southeast, and the Pacific plate subducts from the east. The former was the source of a series of great earthquakes, of which the Tonankai earthquake of 1944 and the Nankaido earthquake of 1946 are the latest events. The latter was the source of the 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku (Tohoku earthquake) of 11 March 2011 (M9).

Y. Kaneda, K. Kawaguchi, E. Araki, H. Matsumoto, T. Nakamura, S. Kamiya, K. Ariyoshi, T. Hori, T. Baba, N. Takahashi

26. Concluding Remarks: Perspectives and long-term vision

Abstract

As we launch into the 21st century, humankind is faced by unprecedented challenges. As our perspective on our planet approaches the global scale, both scientifically and socially, we realize that in the impact of our behavior we are a geoforming species. At the same time, our understanding of the whole planet is in its infancy. This is particularly the case for the oceans, due to the logistical limitations of studying an environment in which we do not directly live.

P. Favali, L. Beranzoli, M. M. R. Best, J. R. Delaney, A. De Santis, A. W. Edwards, K. Suyehiro

Backmatter

Titel: SEAFLOOR OBSERVATORIES
verfasst von: Paolo Favali
Laura Beranzoli
Angelo De Santis
Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-642-11374-1
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-11373-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11374-1