CE13016 Celtic Explorer Methane Derived Authigenic Carbonate Survey (MDACS) 2013

One such habitat type listed in Annex l of this directive is Submarine Structures made by Leaking Gases (1180). These consist of structures such as sandstone slabs, pavements and pillars up to 4 m in height which are formed by aggregated carbonate cement resulting from microbial oxidation of gas emissions.

There are a number of geological features within the Irish Sea which have formed in such a way as to lend themselves to the occurrence of accumulations, seepages and/or escapes of gas. This survey took place in February 2013 led by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in conjunction with the Marine Institute (MI) on board the R.V. Celtic Explorer. The focus area was in the Irish Sea within the Kish Bank Basin, approximately 32km off shore in depths of between 50m to 80m using the under water tv (UWTV) camera.