Currently Designated Irish Continental Shelf; Irish Exclusive Economic Zone; Irish Territorial Sea; Irish Contiguous Zone; Irish Internal Waters

Date and time; Sediment grain size parameters; Sedimentary structure; Horizontal spatial co-ordinates; Sediment age

Sediment grabs; sediment dredges

Geochemistry is the science that uses the tools and principles of chemistry to explain the mechanisms behind major geological systems such as the Earths crust and its oceans. INFOMAR geochemical sample stations represent locations where samples have been taken and analysed by a survey geologist for geochemistry properties. Geochemistry sampling coverage includes the greater North Atlantic Ocean, Celtic Sea and Irish Sea. Geochemical data has been generated from sediment sampling data collections under the INFOMAR programme and previously under the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) since 2000. Geochemical data collection under INFOMAR follows the general guidelines for sample acquisition, storage, pre-treatment, analytical methodology and reporting of results for samples collected toward geochemical testing. The OSPAR Joint Assessment and Monitoring Programme (JAMP) Guidelines is the recognised guidance for sampling and storage of sediments. Geochemical seabed samples have been used to support mapping of the Irish marine resource and understanding of the seabed properties. Geochemical data collection managed by the survey chief scientist and analysis managed by the geologist within the Geological Survey of Ireland. Geochemical sample data coverage more than 50% complete for the Currently Designated Irish Continental Shelf. Incomplete coverage is mainly the shallower waters of the North Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland, the Celtic Sea to the south of Ireland and the Irish Sea and Saint George’s Channel between Ireland and Great Britain.

Geological Survey Ireland
Block 1, Booterstown Hall, Booterstown Avenue
Booterstown
Co. Dublin
A94 N2R6
Ireland