Geo-Ocean

Geo-Ocean, a research unit specialised in marine geosciences

Geo-Ocean is a mixed research unit specializing in marine geosciences, with Carnot MERS label, and 3 main supervising entities: Université Bretagne Occidentale, CNRS and Ifremer; and a secondary one, Université Bretagne Sud.

The multidisciplinary team (geology, geophysics, geochemistry, sedimentology, cartography, etc.) is interested in the processes that shape the earth from past to present, from the coast to the deep ocean. It studies the interactions between the earth's mantle and surface envelopes, through the characterization of the subsurface and the dynamics of deep sedimentary processes, the exploration of mineral and energy resources, and the understanding of coastal hazards.

Geo-Ocean boasts one of the most advanced analytical facilities in France (Pôle Spectrométrie Océan - PSO), as well as a large array of instruments for geophysics, observation, remote sensing and sedimentological, micro-paleontological and geotechnical analysis.
François, Joris, Tony, Franck, Philippe and Karine ensure the recovery of the Nautile

Wide-ranging expertise

  • Understanding and monitoring marine hazards: slope stability, earthquakes and crustal structure, sources of tsunamis, instabilities and deformations, fluids and gas hydrates
  • Study of ocean-lithosphere interactions on different time and space scales: metallogeny, geochemistry, geodynamics, geophysics (fiber optics, passive marine seismics), sedimentology
  • Modeling interactions between the Earth's surface and deep processes: geophysics, geochemistry, sedimentology, geomatics
  • Observation and dynamics of coastal systems: sedimentology, geomorphology, resource management
  • Study of sedimentary processes and records.

Sampling an inactive chimney with the Nautile's clamp

Applications in the marine industry

•    The development of submarine cable-based observation systems (fiber optics and SMART) and innovative sensors for observing and characterizing the seabed using innovative acoustic and seismic methods (e.g. passive seismic) have led to collaborations with industrial companies such as Fosina, Idil optics, Orange Innovation, Pacific Peering and ASN on issues of reconnaissance and the development of monitoring methods for MRE sites, thanks to the company's multi-disciplinary know-how. Once approved, these methods can/will be transferred to private operators, as has been done in the past with the creation of startups.

•    Our expertise in slope instability and sedimentary processes (particularly turbidity currents) has led to industrial partnerships with RTE, Open-C, Total Energies, Cathie Group, Sercel, Xlinks...

•    Geo-Ocean also supports start-ups such as 52Hz, which has developed an integrated underwater communication device, the Talkie-Divy.

EXAMPLE OF COLLABORATION WITH ALSEAMAR

CIFRE thesis to study the dynamics of magmatic plumes in the water column off Mayotte. This project is based on the development of an innovative underwater glider to track the emission of volcanic fluids into the water column at depths of up to 1,250 m in an active volcanic zone.
The aim is to understand the physico-chemical structure of magmatic plumes and their spatio-temporal dynamics. This work includes the development of on-board sensors on the glider and the extension of data acquisition capabilities beyond 1,250 meters of immersion.
Since 2021, data collected in the study area have been published on the SEANOE platform, and a scientific article has been submitted for publication. A further step towards knowledge and understanding of the Fani Maoré volcanic system.

►Find out more about this collaboration
Published on February 11, 2025 Updated on February 11, 2025