50 research outputs found
Oceanographic signals at the Benthic Boundary Layer in the Mediterranean Sea
The Benthic Boundary Layer (BBL) is considered a quite homogeneous environment
where a wide variety of processes (chemical, physical, geological and biological) occur
often producing front structures or inducing turbulence phenomena. The typical
stratification of these zones can be interrupted by episodic events which effects can
diffuse to the ocean interior exploiting by local current and mixing processes.
According to hydrodynamic definition, the BBL thickness may vary from few millimetres
up to 100 metres depending on the friction intensity with the sea bed and the
stability of water column above it. Generally in deep-sea condition, the BBL thickness
is defined by the ratio between the friction velocity and the Coriolis parameter
according to the Ekman scale.
In the latest years several experiments have been carried out in the deep water of
Mediterranean Sea, focusing on the survey and study of benthic processes following
a multidisciplinary approach.
Benthic observatories, such as SN-1 and GEOSTAR, allow to record long time-series
of geochemical, seismological, geomagnetic, geodetic and oceanographic data and
allow to understand the dynamics and evolution of the processes though comparison
and interpolation of different types of signals.
From a oceanographic point of view, the technology of these benthic observatories
brings the possibility to observe and measure directly the hydrological properties at
the seafloor collecting data for long-time series and with high sampling rate.
The observatories deployed in Mediterranean Sea, have provided good information
about variations and oscillations of hydrological parameters in deep water where the monitoring is almost lacking.
In some cases it has been possible to link these deep-sea datasets with upper data
collected by ship-handled system during the same period or during different cruises.
This allows to have a more complete idea of the linkage between surface, intermediate
and bottom sea.
Hence the multidisciplinary approach represents a very important aspect for this kind
of study, because it allows not only a cross check of functionality among all the instruments
but also an important tool to recognise and better understand possible nonphysical-
oceanographic phenomena
Towards a permanent deep sea observatory,: the GEOSTAR European Experiment.
GEOSTAR is the prototype of the first European long-term, multidisciplinary deep sea observatory for continuous monitoring of geophysical, geochemical and oceanographic parameters. Geostar is the example of a strong synergy between science and tecnology addressed to the development of new technological solutions for the observatory realisation and management. The GEOSTAR system is described outlining the enhancements introduced during five years of project activity. An example of data retrieved from the observatory being the deep sea mission running is also given.Published111-1202.5. Laboratorio per lo sviluppo di sistemi di rilevamento sottomarinireserve
GEOSTAR, an observatory for deep sea geophysical and oceanographic researches: characteristics, first scientific mission and future activity
GEOSTAR (GEophysical and Oceanographic STation for Abyssal Research) is a project funded by in the 4th Framework Programme of the European Commission, with the aim of developing an innovative deep sea benthic observatory capable of carrying out long-term (up to 1 year) scientific observations at abyssal depths.
The configuration of the observatory, conceived to be a node of monitoring networks, is made up of two main subsystems: the Bottom Station, which in addition to the acquisition and power systems and all the sensors also hosts the communications systems; and the Mobile Docker, a dedicated tool for surface-assisted deployment and recovery. At present the Bottom Station is equipped with a triaxial broad-band seismometer, two magnetometers (fluxgate and scalar), CTD, transmissometer, ADCP, but it can easily host other sensors for different experiments.
The first phase of the project, started in November 1995, was concluded with the demonstration mission in Adriatic Sea at shallow water depth (42 m) in August - September 1998. Some preliminary results of this first scientific experiment are presented and discussed. The second phase, started in 1999, will end with a long-term deep sea scientific mission, scheduled during 2000 for 6-8 months at 3400 m.w.d. in the southern Tyrrhenian bathyal plain.Published491-4973A. Ambiente MarinoN/A or not JCRrestricte
Mission results from the first GEOSTAR observatory (Adriatic Sea, 1998)
We assess the first mission of the GEOSTAR (GEophysical and Oceanographic STation for Abyssal Research)
deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory for its technical capacity, performance and quality of recorded data. The
functioning of the system was verified by analyzing oceanographic, seismological and geomagnetic measurements.
Despite the mission’s short duration (21 days), its data demonstrated the observatory’s technological reliability and
scientific value. After analyzing the oceanographic data, we found two different regimes of seawater circulation
and a sharp and deepening pycnocline, linked to a down-welling phenomenon. The reliability of the magnetic
and seismological measurements was evaluated by comparison with those made using on-land sensors. Such
comparison of magnetic signals recorded by permanent land geomagnetic stations and GEOSTAR during a “quiet”
day and one with a magnetic storm confirmed the correct functioning of the sensor and allowed us to estimate
the seafloor observatory’s orientation. The magnitudes of regional seismic events recorded by our GEOSTAR
seismometer agreed with those computed from land stations. GEOSTAR has thus proven itself reliable for
integrating other deep-sea observation systems, such as modular observatories, arrays, and instrumented submarine
cablesPublished361-373ope
Multiparametric seafloor exploration: the Marsili Basin and Volcanic Seamount case (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)
Exploration of ocean seafloor is of paramount importance for a better understanding of the
geodynamic evolution of our Planet. The pilot experiment of ORION-GEOSTAR 3 EC project was the first
long-term continuous geophysical and oceanographic experiment of an important seafloor area of Southern
Tyrrhenian Sea, the Marsili abyssal plain. The latter hosts the Marsili Seamount which is Europe’s one of the
largest underwater volcano of Plio-Pleistocenic age. In spite of its dimensions, it is rather unknown about the
present characteristics and activity. For this reason, we deployed a deep-sea observatory network, composed
by two bottom observatories, on the seafloor at the base of the seamount at 3320 m b.s.l., in the period
December 2003-May 2005. Some of the instruments on board the observatory were: broad-band
seismometers, hydrophones, gravity meter, two magnetometers (scalar and vectorial), 3D single-point
current meter, ADCP, CTD, automatic pH analyser and off-line water sampler for laboratory analyses. The
first successful scientific objective was to obtain long-term continuous recordings under a unique time
reference. The data analysis shows that they are generally of good quality and really continuous (only a few
gaps). As a first step we performed a classification of seismic waveforms, a first inversion of magnetic
variational data, and a first analysis of gravity meter, chemical and oceanographic data. Analysis of
individual time series has shown interesting results, i.e. depth of the magnetic Moho under the Marsili,
attenuation of recorded seismic body waves and clues of hydrothermal circulation. We show examples of the
preliminary data analysis together with first results and comparisons among data coming from different
sensors.PublishedCambridge, UK, February 24-26, 20091.8. Osservazioni di geofisica ambientale3.8. Geofisica per l'ambienteope
Multiparametric seafloor exploration: the Marsili Basin and Volcanic Seamount case (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)
Exploration of ocean seafloor is of paramount importance for a better understanding of the
geodynamic evolution of our Planet. The pilot experiment of ORION-GEOSTAR 3 EC project was the first
long-term continuous geophysical and oceanographic experiment of an important seafloor area of Southern
Tyrrhenian Sea, the Marsili abyssal plain. The latter hosts the Marsili Seamount which is Europe’s one of the
largest underwater volcano of Plio-Pleistocenic age. In spite of its dimensions, it is rather unknown about the
present characteristics and activity. For this reason, we deployed a deep-sea observatory network, composed
by two bottom observatories, on the seafloor at the base of the seamount at 3320 m b.s.l., in the period
December 2003-May 2005. Some of the instruments on board the observatory were: broad-band
seismometers, hydrophones, gravity meter, two magnetometers (scalar and vectorial), 3D single-point
current meter, ADCP, CTD, automatic pH analyser and off-line water sampler for laboratory analyses. The
first successful scientific objective was to obtain long-term continuous recordings under a unique time
reference. The data analysis shows that they are generally of good quality and really continuous (only a few
gaps). As a first step we performed a classification of seismic waveforms, a first inversion of magnetic
variational data, and a first analysis of gravity meter, chemical and oceanographic data. Analysis of
individual time series has shown interesting results, i.e. depth of the magnetic Moho under the Marsili,
attenuation of recorded seismic body waves and clues of hydrothermal circulation. We show examples of the
preliminary data analysis together with first results and comparisons among data coming from different
sensors
European Seafloor Observatory Offers New Possibilities For Deep Sea Study
The Geophysical and Oceanographic Station for Abyssal Research (GEOSTAR), an autonomous seafloor observatory that collects measurements benefiting a number of disciplines during missions up to 1 year long, will begin the second phase of its first mission in 2000. The 6-8 month investigation will take place at a depth of 3400 m in the southern Tyrrhenian basin of the southern Tyrrhenian basin of the central Mediterranean.
GEOSTAR was funded by the European Community (EC) for 2 million (US dollars), will carry equipment for chemical, biological and isotopic analyses not used in the first phase, which will broaden the data collection effort.Published45, 48-492.5. Laboratorio per lo sviluppo di sistemi di rilevamento sottomariniN/A or not JCRreserve
MABEL: a Multidisciplinary Benthic Laboratory for Deep Sea, Long-Term Monitoring in the Antarctic
Multidisciplinary Benthic Laboratory for Deep Sea, Long-Term Monitoring in the AntarcticPublished115-1181.8. Osservazioni di geofisica ambientaleope
Single-frame multiparameter platforms for seafloor geophysical and environmental observations: projects and missons from GEOSTAR to ORION
The paper presents an overview of recent seafloor long-term single-frame multiparameter platform developed in the framework of the European Commission and Italian projects starting from the GEOSTAR prototype. The main features of the different systems are described as well as the sea missions that led to their validation. The ORION seafloor observatory network recently developed, based on the GEOSTAR-type platforms and engaged in a deep-sea mission at 3300 m w.d. in the Mediterranean Sea, is also describe
The plants, rituals and spells that 'cured' helminthiasis in Sicily
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The author reports on the plants, rituals and spells used against worms and the so-called <it>scantu </it>(fright) in some areas of Sicily. The work is based on ethnobotanical research carried out, prevalently, between 2002-2006, in some areas of Eastern, South-Eastern, North-Central and South-Central Sicily.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This research is based on dialogue. Senior 'healers' were contacted; furthermore, doctors, teachers, farmers and in general 'experts' with herbs and 'magic' rituals. Information was collected about the way the plants of folk medicine are prepared. The interviewees were also invited to recite prayers and spells against helminthiasis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The author has highlighted the importance of how, in some parts of Sicily, some ailments like helminthiasis and other correlated pathologies like <it>scantu </it>are 'treated' and, especially within the rural social classes, by folk medicine remedies, herbal practises, particular prayers, rituals and spells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>As regards health/illness, it should be noted that in the last ten years conventional medicine has provided very satisfactory results even resolving potentially mortal pathologies. However, in certain social classes, there is no real collaboration between conventional and folk medicine; so for some senior citizens, the 'healer' with his rituals and empirical and magical herbs is still the person to turn to for the 'cure' of particular ailments. Interest in these practises from ancestral heritage in an advanced country like Italy, is only relevant if the aim is to recoup a cultural identity which is already in decline.</p> <p>It is significant to report a piece: on 14 October 2007 the news on a well-known national Italian TV channel reported an interview with a 94 year-old man from Arbatax (Sardinia) referred to as a 'healer' because both his townspeople and others from all over the world go to him for his cures. He is not paid except in kind and has been known to cure St. Anthony's fire, burns, scalding and marine fungal infections, by smearing his saliva over the infected part and reciting 'special words'.</p