Athens – In the largest scientific undertaking of its kind in Greek waters, an international research team has concluded the second phase of the “ODISSEY” marine geophysics mission. This ambitious mission aims to explore the depths of the Ionian Sea and understand the complex geodynamic processes that make this part of the Mediterranean one of the most seismically active regions in the world.
Unprecedented Geophysical Survey
This mission stands as one of the largest and most challenging marine surveys in the region, with leadership from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Institute of Marine Sciences of Barcelona, along with research centers from Italy and Germany. Scientists utilized the advanced Spanish research vessel “R/V Sarmiento de Gamboa” to map geological structures and active faults west of Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos with high precision.
The team successfully recorded over 2,200 kilometers of high-resolution seismic reflection profiles. The expedition relied on a sophisticated technical system comprising 18 air guns and 240 hydrophones, allowing for accurate imaging of Earth’s crust layers at great depths, surpassing the limitations of traditional marine research.
Understanding Seismic Behavior
The mission’s goal goes beyond mapping; it extends to understanding the mechanical behavior of faults and rock properties during seismic deformation. This knowledge is essential for improving seismic risk models and developing precise tools to predict tsunamis caused by seafloor disturbances.
The collected data will be integrated with information from 18 seismic monitoring devices deployed on the seafloor last year, with 17 more planned for the upcoming third phase. This network will enable the construction of a 3D seismic tomography model, serving as a strategic tool for the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection in planning for natural disaster mitigation.
International Cooperation for Coastal Protection
Program participants emphasized that studying natural hazards requires cross-border cooperation, embodied in the partnership between European scientific teams and the operational support provided by the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service and the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company.
The results generated by “Mission ODISSEY” do not only enhance academic knowledge regarding Eastern Mediterranean tectonics but also provide decision-makers with practical tools to protect coastal populations, making it one of the most significant recent scientific contributions to reducing geological risks. As the third phase of research continues, the scientific community expects this mission to create a paradigm shift in our ability to predict and understand the earthquake hazards that have long troubled the region.
