CE16015 Shallow Sub-Seabed Seismic Stratigraphic Survey (QuERCi II)

QuERCi and QuERCi_II aim to understand the role of cold-water corals in canyon processes, map and explore the coral and canyon floor habitats and collect sample to assess temporal changes in the canyon environment.

This survey took place in May 2016 on board the R.V. Celtic Explorer in the North East Atlantic Ocean (the Porcupine Bank Canyon). Shipbased multibeam coverage of the area was extended on the previous survey, attempts to collect gravity cores were conducted, however operations were unsuccessful (with the exception of core catcher retrievals) on all mound, slope and within canyon sites. Two Holland I ROV dives were completed to collect coral samples and further explore the Porcupine Bank Canyon coral habitat.