INSS INFOMAR Seabed Samples

The integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource (INFOMAR) programme is a joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute (MI). The programme is the successor to the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) and concentrates on creating integrated mapping products related to the seabed.

To verify the results of sonar data, it is important to collect physical sediment samples from the seabed. These may be from the surface where grabs are used or may penetrate through the seabed and retain the vertical structure of the sediment by using various coring methods. The samples are then analysed to determine their effects on and Interactions with the sonar data but also to determine the environmental conditions under which they were deposited.