EMODnet Geology continues to advance marine geological data for Europe

EMODnet Geology, one of the thematic pillars of the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), harmonises and delivers pan European geoscientific data to support sustainable marine management. Since its launch in 2009, EMODnet Geology has successfully integrated diverse marine geological datasets covering seabed substrate, sedimentation rates, seafloor geology, coastal behaviour, geological events, marine minerals, and submerged landscapes into harmonised data products accessible via the EMODnet Portal: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/en. The thematic network spans the European regional seas and extends into the Caribbean Sea.

EMODnet Geology focuses on delivering harmonised data products (e.g., thematic maps) while providing metadata links to original data providers. By transforming fragmented datasets into standardized, interoperable products, it supports maritime spatial planning, environmental assessments, and sustainable resource management. The project also facilitates third-party data contributions via direct submission or through EMODnet Data Ingestion, engaging both public and private sector data holders.

A new project phase (September 2025–September 2027), coordinated by the Geological Survey of Finland GTK and executed by a consortium of 39 organisations from EuroGeoSurveys and other expert institutions, introduces significant enhancements in thematic coverage and data quality. These developments include compilation of novel datasets on organic carbon content of seabed sediments, carbon-14 measurements of strata, geotechnical properties of seabed as well as flora and fauna on the submerged landscapes. In addition, the network continues updating its existing data products with new and refined data. EMODnet Geology also contributes to the European Digital Twin Ocean (EDITO), by supporting the development of a shared, cloud-based data lake and enabling next-generation digital ocean applications.

EMODnet Geology, along with other EMODnet thematics: bathymetry, biology, chemistry, human activities, physics, and seabed habitats, provides open-access, FAIR in situ marine data and data products all accessible via the EMODnet Portal. These datasets support a wide range of scientific, policy, and industrial applications.

The current EMODnet Geology phase is funded by The European Climate, Environment and Infrastructure Executive Agency (CINEA) through contract CINEA/EMFAF/2024-25/3.6/4500124305 for European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) - Lot2/CINEA/2024/OP/0006 (Geology).