Our research interest

General Research Topics

• Sedimentary systems and continental margin and ocean basin modelling | Information
  The GMC studies the sedimentary record of continental margins and ocean basins through the detailed characterisation of sedimentary systems based on the stratigraphy, facies architecture and growth pattern. In this way, palaeogeography, sediment dispersion models and the geological history of the continental margins and basins can be established.
  
• Continent to ocean: sediment transport mechanisms | Information
  The GMC investigates the sedimentary processes operating in continental margins and deep sea areas, focusing on the channelised and unchannelised transport of sediment from hinterland areas to the deep sea.
  
• Morphostructure and tectonic evolution of continental margins and deep marine environments. Geodynamic processes and structural evolution of continental margins and oceanic basins | Information
  The GMC looks at the tectonic structures governing the structural configuration of margins, their effects on sedimentary stratigraphy and sedimentary systems development, the relationship between tectonics and seafloor morphology, and where active tectonics generate, or trigger, other processes such as earthquakes, tsunamis and sedimentary instability.
  
• Global climate change: recognition of palaeoceanographic and palaeoclimatic changes in the Neogene-Quaternary | Information
  Sequence stratigraphy is the main tool the GMC uses to explain and predict the spatial, temporal and compositional architecture of continental margins. Sequence stratigraphy is applied to high-resolution seismic stratigraphic reconstruction in order to determine cyclic climatic changes and their influence on sea-level changes, palaeooceanography and sedimentary processes.
  
• Recent and past modelling of the seabed and outbuilding of continental margins and deep environments by the action of ocean water masses | Information
  The GMC studies contourite features and deposits, to understand the role played by bottom currents in the development and sedimentary evolution of margins as well as the global implications. The group focuses on contourites generated by the Mediterranean water masses.
  
• Seamounts: Tectonics and sedimentation | Information
  The GMC focuses on determining the influence of seamounts in the evolution of continental margins and their effect on sediment dynamics, sedimentary systems development and stratigraphic architecture. Likewise, the GMC analyses the role of volcanic and tectonic processes and/or diapiric reactivation in the formation of seamount relief, processes related to erosion and/or weathering/wasting of those mountains, and modelling of future trends. This includes the assessment of geological hazards related to landslides or tsunamis based on the development of numerical models.
  
• Geological Hazards | Information
  The GMC tries to define the main geological hazards affecting continental margins and deep sea areas, something which was previously addressed by studies using both indirect and direct techniques at different resolutions (very high, high and medium). The strategy involves integrated studies of several disciplines including geomorphology, lithostratigraphy, seismics and stratigraphy, tectonics, sedimentology and geotechnics. The group focuses on the potential sedimentary stability of seafloors, in order to understand the failure dynamics and if they continue to be active.
  

Other topics

In addition, the GMC has been investigating marine mineral resources, from basic research to participation in the development of technology. The work has been directed towards:

• Hydrocarbon exploration in contourites and turbidite systems | Information
  The GMC’s research aims to establish helps to asses?? the economic importance of turbiditic and contouritic systems for hydrocarbon exploration. The main tasks are: the modelling of these systems, reconstruction of sediment dispersal models, definition of the main hinterland and submarine geomorphic parameters that affect their construction, quantitative analysis of turbiditic channels, and morphoseismic facies characterisation.
  
• Presence of gas hydratesfluids in marine sediments | Information
  The GMC analyses acoustic evidence to determine the presence of fluids in marine sediments, such as gas and gas hydrates, characterises mud volcanoes and diapirs, and analyses the physical and sedimentological properties of marine sediments to understand their role in fluid and gas migration.
  
• Identifying shelf and coastal sands for beach nourishment | Information
  The GMC has recognised experience in searching for, mapping and sedimentological characterisation of coastal and shelf sands to be used for beach nourishment. Definition of the best sand reservoirs in different coastal sectors of the Spanish margins as well as on the Catalan continental shelf has been carried out for both national and autonomic authorities.
  
• Development of submarine prototypes and oceanographic vessels | Information
  The GMC has advised on national and international prototype development projects such as a frontal scan sonar and autoclave sampler for gas hydrate-containing sediment recovery, and oceanographic vessels including the Bio-Hespérides, Sarmiento de Gamboa, García del Cid, proyecto conceptual de reemplazo Cornide de Saavedra.