CE15009 QuERCi QUantifying EnviRonmental Controls on cold-water coral reef growth survey

CTD (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth) profiles obtained and gravity core sampling carried out to quantitatively investigate biomineralized microfauna, coupled with geochemical analyses. The main purpose of the survey was to - elucidate and quantify the abiotic (allogenic) controls on cold-water reef development in Irish waters and in general. Two distinct settings were focued on: the Moira Mounds (Belgica Mound province) and the Porcupine Bank Canyon Mounds. - evaluate the status of cold-water coral reefs in these two SAC to increase our understanding of the habitat; in the Porcupine Bank Canyon SAC this will be the first detailed investigation. - define and extend the known geographic distribution of cold-water coral reefs (Moira Mounds) in the Belgica Mound Province beyond the SAC and existing high resolution map coverages.