BGS cruise to Rockall-Hatton-Faroes region Project 06/02 RRS Charles Darwin Cruise CD180 Operations Report

• Main Author: Smith, D.J.
• Other Authors: Hitchen, K., Stewart, H., Wallis, D.G.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: British Geological Survey 2006
• Subjects: Earth Sciences; Cornwall; Stanton; Faroe Bank; Faroes
• Online Access: http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/7301/; https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/7301/1/IR06076.pdf; http://www.bgs.ac.uk

This report describes the operation for BGS Project 06/02 (Charles Darwin CD180), from the mobilisation on the 18th May, the regional marine geophysical survey west of Scotland, 24th May to 7th June and demobilisation on 9th June. The operational aims of the survey project were: • To carry out a planned programme of 1900 km of marine geophysical surveying to link into existing data The survey was designed to address several geological objectives including: • Define size/shape of basalt window; • Identify and/or constrain compressional folds/faults/thrusts • Investigate the seismo-stratigraphy of the Faroe-Bank Channel with a view to identifying suitable potential borehole location(s). The above work was completed ahead of schedule, thus allowing high-resolution seismic reflection lines to be run just south of St Kilda and Stanton Bank. The geophysical techniques employed were high-resolution single channel seismic reflection, (Airgun and Sparker), gravitational field, magnetic field and multibeam bathymetry. All systems were digitally recorded, and in addition, airgun was digitally processed on line. The vessel utilised was the RRS Charles Darwin Cruise CD180. The vessel provided an excellent platform for the work involved with good laboratory space, working deck space, general facilities and experienced officers and crew. The main mobilisation took place between the 18th – 19th May 2006, in Falmouth, Cornwall. Operations were conducted over a 15-day period and demobilisation took place on the 9th June in Fairlie on the Clyde Estuary. Weather conditions varied; there were very few excellent days. There was one day lost to weather and lower quality data was accepted for some of the lines. The survey was extremely productive with the entire planned programme being completed in 11 days. Additional lines were run just south of St Kilda and Stanton Bank, totalling 30 lines and 2183 km of data.