Project MINIMOUND: study of cold-water coral mounds in the Bay of Biscay

Cold-water corals are found along the entire north-eastern Atlantic margin. These coral reefs can accumulate into large mounds of up to 250m high. The aim of the MINIMOUND project is to study the initiation, growth and demise of 'small' cold-water coral mounds and identify the role of climatic and hydrocarbon-seepage related processes as well as the anthropogenic impact. 

The study region is the Bay of Biscay, and more specifically 3 sites: (1) the Explorer and Dangeard Canyons, (2) the Guilvinec Canyon, and (3) the Upper Ferroi Canyon.  A coupled geophysical, sedimentological and integrative approach will be used, including a palaeoceanographic and biogeochemical study of cores. Drop frame images will allow habitat mapping and predictive modelling of these habitats. 

Curious what scientists do on board of the research vessel Belgica during the sampling campaign? Have a look at this entertaining video. Campaign led by the Renard Centre of Marine Geology and chief scientist professor David Van Rooij. 

Read more about the project on the MUMM website or download an abstract here.