Multidisciplinary Oceanic Information SysTem (MOIST)
INGV Integrated Systems for Marine Environmental Infrastructures (SIIAM)

SN1 2020 - ADCP
Web page: MOIST dataset metadata
Area: East Sicily
Instrument: Teledyne RDI WorkHorse Sentinel ADCP 600 kHz
Period: October 12, 2019 - on going
Abstract: The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler measures the water velocity using the physical Doppler shift principle. The transducer generates a pulse of sound at a known frequency that travels through the water and is reflected in all directions by particulate matter (e.g., sediment, biological matter, bubbles). Some portion of the reflected energy travels back at the transducer where the processing electronics measure the change in frequency. The Doppler shift measured by the transducer reflects the velocity of the water along the axis of the acoustic beam. The ADCP operates using three transducers generating beams with different orientations relative to the water flow then the measured velocity by each ADCP transducer is the projection of the 3D velocity onto the axis of its acoustic beam.
Purpose:
Quality of data:

INSEA Dione - ADCP
Web page: MOIST dataset metadata
Area: East Sicily
Instrument: Teledyne RDI WorkHorse Sentinel ADCP 600 kHz
Period: December 21, 2023 - on going
Abstract: The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler measures the water velocity using the physical Doppler shift principle. The transducer generates a pulse of sound at a known frequency that travels through the water and is reflected in all directions by particulate matter (e.g., sediment, biological matter, bubbles). Some portion of the reflected energy travels back at the transducer where the processing electronics measure the change in frequency. The Doppler shift measured by the transducer reflects the velocity of the water along the axis of the acoustic beam. The ADCP operates using three transducers generating beams with different orientations relative to the water flow then the measured velocity by each ADCP transducer is the projection of the 3D velocity onto the axis of its acoustic beam.
Purpose:
Quality of data:

SN1 2020 - Pressure gauge
Web page: MOIST dataset metadata
Area: East Sicily
Instrument: Paroscientific Digiquartz Depth Sensor 8CB-4000-I
Period: October 12, 2019 - on going
Abstract: This sensor measures the hydrostatic (water column) pressure exerted on the sensor resulting from the pressure of water above its position and the atmospheric air pressure acting on the sea surface. Whether it is not possible to use a vented reference to equalise the offset due to atmospheric pressure, the true water level is obtained from the APG by measuring and subtracting the atmospheric pressure at the sea surface from the APG measurement.
Purpose:
Quality of data:

INSEA Dione - Pressure gauge
Instrument: RBR quartz Bottom Pressure Recorder (integrated Paroscientific Digiquartz pressure sensor)
Period: December 20, 2023 - on going
Abstract: This sensor measures the hydrostatic (water column) pressure exerted on the sensor.

INSEA Calipso - Pressure gauge
Instrument: RBR quartz Bottom Pressure Recorder (integrated Paroscientific Digiquartz pressure sensor)
Period: December 20, 2023 - on going
Abstract: This sensor measures the hydrostatic (water column) pressure exerted on the sensor.

Instrument: SeaBird SBE 37-SM
Period: October 12, 2019 - on going
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom) acquired through a SBE 37-SM installed on SN-1 station.
Purpose: CTD is used in order to monitoring possible variations of bottom sea water masses in the area.

INSEA Dione - CTD
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 16plus V2
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom).
Purpose: CTD is used in order to monitoring possible variations of bottom sea water masses in the area.

INSEA Calipso - CTD
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 16plus V2
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom).
Purpose: CTD is used in order to monitoring possible variations of bottom sea water masses in the area.

SN1 2020 - DACS
Instrument: Tecnomare SMO NEMO-SN1 dedicated data acquisition and control system
Abstract: The Data Acquisition and Control System is the set of hardware used to acquire and transfer to shore scientific data. It provides power to all the underwater instrumentation.
Purpose: The data generated by DACS are used to monitor the operativity of the system, in order to signal possible malfunctioning, and ease to find their reasons. In the data can be also found information about the status of the platform, that can be useful for scientific data users (i.e. heading and tilt).
Quality of data: Data are used mostly for engineering tasks, thus their precision and quality is not a relevant issue.

Instrument: SCRIPPS-UCSD Differential pressure gauge prototype v6.0
Abstract: This sensor measures the hydrostatic (water column) pressure variation with respect to the pressure value resulting from the pressure of water above its position and the atmospheric air pressure acting on the sea surface.

SN1 2020 - Gravimeter
Instrument: IFSI (INAF) Prototype #2
Abstract: A prototype of gravity meter built at the Istituto di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario (IFSI) of the National Institute of Astro-Physics (INAF) was installed on the GEOSTAR deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory in the Gulf of Cadiz (Portugal). The dataset contains relative values of gravity acceleration measured with sensitivity close to 10^-9 g/sqrt(Hz) in the range from 10^-5 to about 1 Hz.
Purpose: The instrument performs measurements of the Earth gravity acceleration due to low ground movements (tides) and fast ground movements (seismic wave propagation).

SN1 2020 - Hydrophone
Instrument: SMID seismic digital hydrophone prototype DT-405D(V)1
Abstract: The dataset contains seafloor pressure data acquired by the seismic hydrophone installed on NEMO-SN1 observatory in the frequency band 50mHz - 1kHz. Pressure is sampled at 2kHz rate by two A/D converter (12 bit) which supply two data channel (with low, 30dB and high, 60 dB gain). Pressure data are stored in counts units; 1 count corresponds to 0.546 Pa and 0.0172 Pa for low and high gain channel respectively. Absolute time reference is available thanks to GPS data embedded in each packet of data and distributed from land station to seafloor.
Purpose: The wide frequency range allows to study acoustic ambient noise in the deep water, detect sperm whale and cetaceans and detect seismic signals. It was designed to be able to detect also low frequency hydroacustic signal generated by a tsunami in case this was generated by large seismic event on the seafloor.

Instrument: Gladiator LandMark10 MEMS Digital Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
Abstract: An IMU works by detecting the current rate of acceleration using one or more accelerometers, and detects changes in rotational papameters like pitch, roll and yaw using one or more gyroscopes.

SN1 2020 - Scalar Magnetometer
Instrument: Marine Magnetics Sentinel (3000 m)
Abstract: This sensor is used to measure the total intensity of the magnetic induction vector. The model used is an Overhauser proton magnetometer supplied by GEM. Associated with the SMO 1 - Vector Magnetometer on-board SN1, the Overhauser proton magnetometer completes the magnetic measurement system ensuring reliability of vector data.
Purpose: The main aim of this scalar sensor is the calibration of SMO 1 - Vector Magnetometer data.

SN1 2020 - Vector Magnetometer
Instrument: Fluxgate Prototype #1
Abstract: This sensor provides the three components of the magnetic induction vector in the directions N-S, E-W and Z (vertical). It is a fluxgate prototype developed at INGV laboratories equipped with an inertial platform for levelling control. It provides continuous seafloor magnetic data which are important for two main reasons: a) they extend the magnetic observations from land to the seafloor, improving the spatial distribution in the Italian territory; b) these data are important for the study of short and long magnetic field time variations. The variational data allow us to estimate the resistivity structure underneath the area of observations and possibly to detect some magnetic variations related to some geo-hazards, such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
Purpose: The main aim is the continuous and almost real-time measurement of the three components of the Earth’s magnetic field in a very peculiar environment which in fact has a favorable impact on the quality of the measurements: first, the temperature is more stable at the sea bottom, especially in deep sea sites, so the instrumental drift due to temperature variations is absent or negligible. Second, the water column acts as a natural "shield" to the highest frequencies of the iono- and magnetosphere inducing fields.

INSEA Dione - Oxygen meter
Instrument: AADI Oxygen Optode 4831
Abstract: The Optode sensor measures the dissolved oxygen concentration in sea water using a lifetime-based luminescence quenching principle. The dataset includes a measured device temperature channel and the oxygen saturation values [%] computed from concentration and temperature.
Purpose: The sensor is used to monitor the oxygen concentration dissolved in sea water and to provide oxygen concentration values needed by the methane sensor calibration formula.

INSEA Calipso - Oxygen meter
Instrument: AADI Oxygen Optode 4831
Abstract: The Optode sensor measures the dissolved oxygen concentration in sea water using a lifetime-based luminescence quenching principle. The dataset includes a measured device temperature channel and the oxygen saturation values [%] computed from concentration and temperature.
Purpose: The sensor is used to monitor the oxygen concentration dissolved in sea water and to provide oxygen concentration values needed by the methane sensor calibration formula.

SN1 2020 - Seismometer
Instrument: Guralp CMG-1T 3 component broadband seismometer (360 s-50 Hz)
Abstract: This digital database comprises seismological data recorded during the SMO project by a 3 component broadband seismometer. The sensor was installed on the the NEMO-SN1 (Neutrino Mediterranean Observatory - Submarine Network 1) seafloor observatory, offshore of the Eastern coast of Sicily (Southern Italy) at a depth of 2036 m. The seismometer is installed in a dedicated vessel integrated in a separate structure connected to the observatory via a special mechanical release. To guarantee a good coupling with the sea bottom, the structure is disconnected just after the observatory touch-down and kept linked to the frame by a slack rope (Favali et al., 2006). The sensor is connected to a 24 bit digitizer on the observatory. The GPS signal is transmitted underwater to the digitizer, so that the data packages are time-stamped locally.
Purpose: This project is a continuation of GNDT 1, GNDT 2 and SMO 1 where the main objective was to establish a multiparameter seafloor observatory off-shore eastern Sicily. One of the main aspects of SN1 2019 remains long-term geophysical monitoring and broad-band seismic measurements from this site is of great interest given its proximity to the Etna volcano (~ 50 km) and to offshore seismogenic structures where some of the most destructive earthquakes in Italy took place (some of them generated tsunamis). For this reason a tsunami detection systems is implemented on-board the observatory and the seismometer is an important component.

INSEA Smart Cable - Seismometer
Instrument: Guralp CER-001 3 component broadband seismometer (120 s-100 Hz)
Abstract: Seismometer - WIS03 - Repeater 1 dataset (CER-DD60) from INGV/Smart Cable seafloor platform during INSEA project in Western Ionian Sea site (East Sicily), part of EMSO network. Seismometer - WIS03: 37.55 N 15.43 E, depth 2033 m

INSEA Smart Cable - Seismometer
Instrument: Guralp CER-001 3 component broadband seismometer (120 s-100 Hz)
Abstract: Seismometer - WIS04 - Repeater 2 dataset (CER-3D5F) from INGV/Smart Cable seafloor platform during INSEA project in Western Ionian Sea site (East Sicily), part of EMSO network. Seismometer - WIS04: 35.57 N 15.50 E, depth 1992 m

INSEA Smart Cable - Seismometer
Instrument: Guralp CER-001 3 component broadband seismometer (120 s-100 Hz)
Abstract: Seismometer - WIS05 - Repeater 3 dataset (CER-0460) from INGV/Smart Cable seafloor platform during INSEA project in Western Ionian Sea site (East Sicily), part of EMSO network. Seismometer - WIS05: 37.61 N 15.55 E, depth 1917 m

INSEA Smart Cable - Temperature sensor
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 19plus
Abstract: Temperature sensor - WIS03 - Repeater 1 from INGV/Smart Cable seafloor platform during INSEA project in Western Ionian Sea site (East Sicily), part of EMSO network. The dataset contains sea bottom Temperature data acquired through a SBE 19 temperature sensor installed on Smart Cable. Temperature sensor - WIS03: 37.55 N 15.43 E, depth 2033 m

INSEA Smart Cable - Temperature sensor
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 19plus
Abstract: Temperature sensor - WIS04 - Repeater 2 from INGV/Smart Cable seafloor platform during INSEA project in Western Ionian Sea site (East Sicily), part of EMSO network. The dataset contains sea bottom Temperature data acquired through a SBE 19 temperature sensor installed on Smart Cable. Temperature sensor - WIS04: 35.57 N 15.50 E, depth 1992 m

INSEA Smart Cable - Temperature sensor
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 19plus
Abstract: Temperature sensor - WIS05 - Repeater 3 from INGV/Smart Cable seafloor platform during INSEA project in Western Ionian Sea site (East Sicily), part of EMSO network. The dataset contains sea bottom Temperature data acquired through a SBE 19 temperature sensor installed on Smart Cable. Temperature sensor - WIS05: 37.61 N 15.55 E, depth 1917 m

INSEA Calipso - Seismometer
Instrument: Guralp CMG-40T 3 component broadband seismometer (30 s-50 Hz)
Period: December 21, 2023 - January 24, 2025
Abstract: TBD

INSEA Smart Cable - Pressure gauge
Instrument: Paroscientific Digiquartz Depth Sensor 8CB-4000-I
Period: December 20, 2023 - October 07, 2024
Abstract: This sensor is located at the Repeater 3 (station WIS05 located at 37.61 N 15.55 E depth 1917 m) and measures the hydrostatic (water column) pressure exerted on the sensor resulting from the pressure of water above its position and the atmospheric air pressure acting on the sea surface. Pressure data values are in bar.Pressure sensor - WIS05: 37.61 N 15.55 E, depth 1917 m

INSEA Dione - Seismometer
Instrument: Guralp CMG-40T 3 component broadband seismometer (30 s-50 Hz)
Period: December 21, 2023 - September 21, 2024
Abstract: TBD

INSEA Smart Cable - Pressure gauge
Instrument: Paroscientific Digiquartz Depth Sensor 8CB-4000-I
Period: December 20, 2023 - June 06, 2024
Abstract: This sensor is located at the Repeater 2 (station WIS04 located at 37.57 N 15.50 E depth 1992 m) and measures the hydrostatic (water column) pressure exerted on the sensor resulting from the pressure of water above its position and the atmospheric air pressure acting on the sea surface. Pressure data values are in bar.Pressure sensor - WIS04: 35.57 N 15.50 E, depth 1992 m

INSEA Smart Cable - Pressure gauge
Period: December 20, 2023 - March 14, 2024
Abstract: This sensor is located at the Repeater 1 (station WIS03 located at 37.56 N 15.43 E depth 2033 m) and measures the hydrostatic (water column) pressure exerted on the sensor resulting from the pressure of water above its position and the atmospheric air pressure acting on the sea surface. Pressure data values are in bar.Pressure sensor - WIS03: 37.56 N 15.43 E, depth 2033 m

MARSITE 1 - CTD
Area: Marmara Sea
Period: September 28, 2013 - April 22, 2014
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data acquired by a SBE 16 plus device installed on SN4 station.
Purpose: Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure are used to monitor the sea water masses variation in the canyon where the SN4 observatory was deployed. From CTD data it is possible to compute the salinity which is a parameter needed to evaluate the true dissolved oxygen concentration from raw oxygen concentration measured by the Optode Oxygen sensor.

MARSITE 1 - Current meter
Area: Marmara Sea
Instrument: Nobska MAVS-3 3 axis acoustic current meter
Period: September 28, 2013 - April 22, 2014
Abstract: High-frequency current meter provides punctual sea current measurements.
Purpose: Monitor the current flow at the SN4 installation site. The high sampling rate (5Hz) was used to monitor the hydrodynamic condition inside the station in order to better observe possible influences of seawater currents on seismological data.

MARSITE 1 - Methane meter
Area: Marmara Sea
Instrument: Franatech METS Methane Sensor
Period: September 28, 2013 - April 22, 2014
Abstract: The Methane sensor provides two output analogue channels (Vmet, Vt) which are sampled at 1Hz by a dedicated Analog To Digital Converter of the SN4 station. From (Vmet, Vt) through a calibration formula, the dissolved methane concentration in sea water can be computed.
Purpose: The purpose of the methane sensor installation on the SN4 observatory is to monitor the variation of methane gas dissolved in sea water. The installation site is rich in gas seepage from seafloor, thus the variation in methane dissolved concentration can provide a mean to monitor gas emission from seabed. This sensor enable us to study methane gas emission dynamic and its correlation with other physical, oceanographical and seismic parameters in the site.

MARSITE 1 - Methane meter
Instrument: Franatech METS Methane Sensor
Abstract: The Methane sensor provides two output analogue channels (Vmet, Vt) which are sampled at 1Hz by a dedicated Analog To Digital Converter of the SN4 station. From (Vmet, Vt) through a calibration formula, the dissolved methane concentration in sea water can be computed. The sensor has been used with the pump.
Purpose: The purpose of the methane sensor installation on the SN4 observatory is to monitor the variation of methane gas dissolved in sea water. The installation site is rich in gas seepage from seafloor, thus the variation in methane dissolved concentration can provide a mean to monitor gas emission from seabed. This sensor enable us to study methane gas emission dynamic and its correlation with other physical, oceanographical and seismic parameters in the site.

MARSITE 1 - Oxygen meter
Instrument: AADI Oxygen Optode 3830
Abstract: The Optode sensor measures the dissolved oxygen concentration in sea water using a lifetime-based luminescence quenching principle. The dataset includes a measured device temperature channel and the oxygen saturation values [%] computed from concentration and temperature.
Purpose: The sensor is used to monitor the oxygen concentration dissolved in sea water and to provide oxygen concentration values needed by the methane sensor calibration formula.

MARSITE 1 - Turbidity meter
Instrument: Wet Labs ECO-NTU(RT)D 6000m
Abstract: The dataset provides the turbidity in the sea water measured by a backscattering meter.
Purpose: Monitor the change in turbidity of sea water.

MARSITE 1 - Seismometer
Abstract: TBD

SMO 1 - ADCP
Instrument: Teledyne RDI WorkHorse Sentinel ADCP 600 kHz
Abstract: The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler measures the water velocity using the physical Doppler shift principle. The transducer generates a pulse of sound at a known frequency that travels through the water and is reflected in all directions by particulate matter (e.g., sediment, biological matter, bubbles). Some portion of the reflected energy travels back at the transducer where the processing electronics measure the change in frequency. The Doppler shift measured by the transducer reflects the velocity of the water along the axis of the acoustic beam. The ADCP operates using three transducers generating beams with different orientations relative to the water flow then the measured velocity by each ADCP transducer is the projection of the 3D velocity onto the axis of its acoustic beam.

SMO 1 - Pressure gauge
Abstract: This sensor measures the hydrostatic (water column) pressure exerted on the sensor resulting from the pressure of water above its position and the atmospheric air pressure acting on the sea surface. Whether it is not possible to use a vented reference to equalise the offset due to atmospheric pressure, the true water level is obtained from the APG by measuring and subtracting the atmospheric pressure at the sea surface from the APG measurement.

SMO 1 - Current meter
Instrument: Nobska MAVS-3 3 axis acoustic current meter
Abstract: This sensor performs water current measures in a three axial reference system. Flow velocity and direction is measured by observing the time-of-arrival difference of sound along the acoustic paths. It has also a compass in order to measure the earth's magnetic field, and a tilt sensor to measure the instrument's angle. Using these measurements, the direction of the instrument can be determined and consequently the flow direction.

SMO 1 - DACS
Instrument: Tecnomare SMO NEMO-SN1 dedicated data acquisition and control system
Abstract: The Data Acquisition and Control System is the set of hardware used to acquire and transfer to shore scientific data. It provides power to all the underwater instrumentation.
Purpose: The data generated by DACS are used to monitor the operativity of the system, in order to signal possible malfunctioning, and ease to find their reasons. In the data can be also found information about the status of the platform, that can be useful for scientific data users (i.e. heading and tilt).
Quality of data: Data are used mostly for engineering tasks, thus their precision and quality is not a relevant issue.

SMO 1 - DPG
Instrument: SCRIPPS-UCSD Differential pressure gauge prototype v6.0
Abstract: This sensor measures the hydrostatic (water column) pressure variation with respect to the pressure value resulting from the pressure of water above its position and the atmospheric air pressure acting on the sea surface.

SMO 1 - Hydrophone
Instrument: OAS E-2PD

SMO 1 - Hydrophone
Instrument: SMID seismic digital hydrophone prototype DT-405D(V)1
Abstract: The dataset contains seafloor pressure data acquired by the seismic hydrophone installed on NEMO-SN1 observatory in the frequency band 50mHz - 1kHz. Pressure is sampled at 2kHz rate by two A/D converter (12 bit) which supply two data channel (with low, 30dB and high, 60 dB gain). Pressure data are stored in counts units; 1 count corresponds to 0.546 Pa and 0.0172 Pa for low and high gain channel respectively. Absolute time reference is available thanks to GPS data embedded in each packet of data and distributed from land station to seafloor.
Purpose: The wide frequency range allows to study acoustic ambient noise in the deep water, detect sperm whale and cetaceans and detect seismic signals. It was designed to be able to detect also low frequency hydroacustic signal generated by a tsunami in case this was generated by large seismic event on the seafloor.
Quality of data: The set contains 292.5 Gbyte of data stored in 52560 files of ten minutes each and covers 8717.82 hours of acquisition (292.5 days) which was continuous during the mission, excluding some periods when acquisition was stopped for observatory maintenance and calibrations.

SMO 1 - IMU
Instrument: Gladiator LandMark10 MEMS Digital Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
Abstract: An IMU works by detecting the current rate of acceleration using one or more accelerometers, and detects changes in rotational papameters like pitch, roll and yaw using one or more gyroscopes.

SMO 1 - Scalar Magnetometer
Instrument: Marine Magnetics Sentinel (3000 m)
Abstract: This sensor is used to measure the total intensity of the magnetic induction vector. The model used is an Overhauser proton magnetometer supplied by GEM. Associated with the SMO 1 - Vector Magnetometer on-board SN1, the Overhauser proton magnetometer completes the magnetic measurement system ensuring reliability of vector data.
Purpose: The main aim of this scalar sensor is the calibration of SMO 1 - Vector Magnetometer data.
Quality of data: The data series is complete for this sensor, almost 100% of expected bytes has been recorded.

SMO 1 - Vector Magnetometer
Instrument: Fluxgate Prototype #1
Abstract: This sensor provides the three components of the magnetic induction vector in the directions N-S, E-W and Z (vertical). It is a fluxgate prototype developed at INGV laboratories equipped with an inertial platform for levelling control. It provides continuous seafloor magnetic data which are important for two main reasons: a) they extend the magnetic observations from land to the seafloor, improving the spatial distribution in the Italian territory; b) these data are important for the study of short and long magnetic field time variations. The variational data allow us to estimate the resistivity structure underneath the area of observations and possibly to detect some magnetic variations related to some geo-hazards, such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
Purpose: The main aim is the continuous and almost real-time measurement of the three components of the Earth’s magnetic field in a very peculiar environment which in fact has a favorable impact on the quality of the measurements: first, the temperature is more stable at the sea bottom, especially in deep sea sites, so the instrumental drift due to temperature variations is absent or negligible. Second, the water column acts as a natural "shield" to the highest frequencies of the iono- and magnetosphere inducing fields.
Quality of data: The data series is almost complete for this sensor: ~96% of expected bytes has been recorded (see problems below). Althougth built with a 0.5 Hz (1 sample / 2 seconds) sampling rate, this sensor began measuring with a sampling rate of 1 sample / 3-5 seconds until September 22, 2012 (21:51:10) when its sampling rate swiched to its proper samplig rate (0.5 Hz) without an apparent reason. Anyway, ~4% of data are missing because the sensor delays erratically its measurements for 4-5 seconds for unknown reasons. Since timestamp is associated to data after on-shore acquisition with a resolution of milliseconds, it may seem that there exists a mismatch in sampling rate when rounding to seconds, but it is only apparent (compare to Julian date). A mismatch between the data timestamp (date/hour) and that coming from the sensor (in Julian format) exists since this latter cannot be changed nor adjusted. Erratically, during on-shore acquisition some data strings are corrupted and this results in gaps. Recurrent (hourly) spikes are due to the proximity of the SMO Marine Magnetics Sentinel scalar magnetometer (with 1 hour sampling).

SMO 1 - Seismometer
Abstract: This digital database comprises seismological data recorded during the SMO project by a 3 component broadband seismometer. The sensor was installed on the the NEMO-SN1 (Neutrino Mediterranean Observatory - Submarine Network 1) seafloor observatory, offshore of the Eastern coast of Sicily (Southern Italy) at a depth of 2036 m. The seismometer is installed in a dedicated vessel integrated in a separate structure connected to the observatory via a special mechanical release. To guarantee a good coupling with the sea bottom, the structure is disconnected just after the observatory touch-down and kept linked to the frame by a slack rope (Favali et al., 2006). The sensor is connected to a 24 bit digitizer on the observatory. The GPS signal is transmitted underwater to the digitizer, so that the data packages are time-stamped locally.
Purpose: This project is a continuation of GNDT 1 and GNDT 2 where the main objective was to establish a multiparameter seafloor observatory off-shore eastern Sicily. One of the main aspects of SMO remains long-term geophysical monitoring and broad-band seismic measurements from this site is of great interest given its proximity to the Etna volcano (~ 50 km) and to offshore seismogenic structures where some of the most destructive earthquakes in Italy took place (some of them generated tsunamis). For this reason a tsunami detection systems is implemented on-board the observatory and the seismometer is an important component.
Quality of data: The Z (vertical) and N components have recorded data of good quality for the duration of the deployment. The E component recorded only electronic noise from the beginning of the experiment till the 24th of August (~9 UTC) due to the fact that the mass was not released. After we were able to release the mass the E component recorded good quality signal for the rest of the mission. Due to tests, during June 2012, there are periods with electronic disturbances and presence of gaps in the data. A periodic disturbance is visible on all components due to the acoustic signal emitted when the ADCP is sampling (2 profiles/hour).

SMO 1 - CTD
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 37-SM
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom) acquired through a SBE 37-SM installed on SN-1 station.

HYPOX 1 - Current meter
Area: Greek
Instrument: Falmouth 3D-ACM 3 axis acoustic current meter
Period: September 22, 2010 - January 01, 2011

HYPOX 1 - Turbidity meter
Area: Greek
Instrument: Wet Labs ECO-BB(RT)D 6000m
Period: September 22, 2010 - January 01, 2011

HYPOX 1 - CTD
Area: Greek
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 37-SI
Period: September 22, 2010 - December 31, 2010

HYPOX 1 - H2S meter
Instrument: AMT GmbH Shallow Water Hydrogen Sulphide
Period: September 22, 2010 - December 31, 2010

HYPOX 1 - Methane meter
Instrument: Franatech METS Methane Sensor
Period: September 22, 2010 - December 31, 2010

HYPOX 1 - Methane meter
Instrument: Franatech METS Methane Sensor with pump

HYPOX 1 - Oxygen meter

LIDO 1 - Pressure gauge
Area: Gulf of Cadiz
Period: November 10, 2009 - July 10, 2010
Abstract: The dataset contains absolute pressure values measured by the Paroscientific 8CB-4000-I installed on the sea-bottom station GEOSTAR in the Gulf of Cadiz. Data are sampled at 15 seconds and with a resolution of 0.01 mbar.
Purpose: Pressure data were used to real time monitor the sea water level for tsunami warning purpose in the Gulf of Cadiz area. The data were analysed by a dedicated algorithm running on GEOSTAR which is able to detect a tsunami wave travelling on the sea surface and corresponding to few centimetres of sea water level changes.

LIDO 1 - Current meter
Area: Gulf of Cadiz
Instrument: Nobska MAVS-3 3 axis acoustic current meter
Period: November 10, 2009 - July 10, 2010
Abstract: High-frequency current meter (MAVS3 made by NOBSKA manufacturer) was mounted on GEOSTAR to collect data with high sampling rate. It provided punctual current measurements to monitoring the hydrodynamic condition inside the station.
Purpose: The high sampling rate (5Hz) was used in order to better observe possible influences of seawater currents on seismological data.
Quality of data: Current meter dataset with Quality Control (Nobska MAVS-3 @ 5 Hz) from INGV/GEOSTAR seafloor platform during ESONET-NOE-LIDO project in Iberian Margin site (Gulf of Cadiz), part of EMSO network

LIDO 1 - ADCP
Area: Gulf of Cadiz
Period: November 10, 2009 - July 10, 2010
Abstract: ADCP velocity profiles were obtained with 3m vertical resolution through a 300 kHz Workhorse ADCP unit mounted in a upward looking configuration on one side of the GEOSTAR station free from any possible obstacle. The record lasted one year with an hourly sampling rate providing current data of water column above the station.
Purpose: ADCP current profiler allowed to monitor the hydrodynamic condition of a water column only 50 m high, because of the lack of big quantity of particle matter necessary to scatter the acoustical signal.

LIDO 1 - Hydrophone
Instrument: OAS E-2PD

LIDO 1 - Seismometer

LIDO 1 - Gravimeter
Instrument: IFSI (INAF) Prototype #2
Abstract: The dataset contains relative values of gravity acceleration measured by a prototype of gravity meter, with sensitivity close to 10^-9 g/sqrt(Hz) in the range from 10^-5 to about 1 Hz. The prototype was developed at the Istituto di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario (IFSI) of the National Institute of Astro-Physics (INAF). The gravimeter acquired with a sampling rate of 1 Hz.
Purpose: The instrument performs measurements of the Earth gravity acceleration due to low ground movements (tides) and fast ground movements (seismic wave propagation).
Quality of data: Systematic noise lasting for 5 seconds is present at start of each daily file due to the midnight clock synchronisation. The 247 daily text files are stored in a folder of 749 MB. In general the gravimetric data shows a good recording quality.

LIDO 1 - CTD
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom) acquired through a SBE 16 plus installed on GEOSTAR station. The collection period ranges from November 2009 through July 2010.
Purpose: CTD and turbidity meter have been used in order to monitoring possible variations of bottom sea water masses in an area strongly interested by the mixing of different water masses (Mediterranean and Atlantic waters).

LIDO 1 - Turbidity meter
Instrument: Wet Labs ECO-BB(RT)D 6000m
Abstract: Turbidity measurements were provided by means of an auxiliary turbidity meter sensor (made by WetLabs manufacturer) connected to the CTD probe. The collection period ranges from November 2009 through July July 2010.
Purpose: CTD and turbidity meter have been used in order to monitoring possible variations of bottom sea water masses in an area strongly interested by the mixing of different water masses (Mediterranean and Atlantic waters). Turbidity measurement also provides information about possible resuspension of particle matter due to bottom currents.

MARMARA-DM - Seismometer
Period: October 05, 2009 - March 15, 2010
Abstract: This digital database comprises seismological data recorded continuously during the MARMARA-DM 1 project by a 3 component broadband seismometer. The sensor was installed on a GEOSTAR-class deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory, deployed in the Marmara Sea at a depth of 167 m. The seismometer is installed in a dedicated vessel integrated in a separate structure connected to the observatory via a special mechanical release. To guarantee a good coupling with the sea bottom, the structure is disconnected just after the observatory touch-down and kept linked to the frame by a slack rope (Favali et al., 2006). The sensor was connected to a 24 bit digitizer, and its time reference came from an external rubidium clock connected to the digitizer.
Purpose: The major scientific goal of the SN-4 experiment is to contribute to the knowledge on the relationship between gas seepage and seismic signals. To observe a large variety of seismic signals we use a broadband seismometer. The deployment site is on the sea prosecution of the active North Anatolian fault,which has been the source of many destructive earthquakes, and presents a continuous seismic activity and methane degassing.

MARMARA-DM - Methane meter
Period: October 05, 2009 - March 15, 2010
Abstract: The Methane sensor provides two output analogue channels (Vmet, Vt) which are sampled at 1Hz by a dedicated Analog To Digital Converter of the SN4 station. From (Vmet, Vt) through a calibration formula, the dissolved methane concentration in sea water can be computed.
Purpose: The purpose of the methane sensor installation on the SN4 observatory is to monitor the variation of methane gas dissolved in sea water. The installation site is rich in gas seepage from seafloor, thus the variation in methane dissolved concentration can provide a mean to monitor gas emission from seabed. This sensor enable us to study methane gas emission dynamic and its correlation with other physical, oceanographical and seismic parameters in the site.
Quality of data: The data set is complete. The methane concentration computed from Vmet and Vt is a raw-uncorrected data; to obtain true methane concentration the raw value must be corrected taking into account oxygen concentration, following the device calibration formula. The temperature channel measures the device temperature.

MARMARA-DM - Oxygen meter
Period: October 05, 2009 - March 15, 2010
Quality of data: Raw Oxygen data as recorded by the Optode sensor from 5 October 2009 until 15 March 2010. The data set is continuous with few gaps (0.048% samples lost). The concentration values are not corrected for sea salinity. True concentration values needs post processing elaboration using salinity data [see Optode manual]. The temperature channel measures the device temperature.

MARMARA-DM - CTD
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data acquired by a SBE 16 plus device installed on SN4 station.
Purpose: Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure are used to monitor the sea water masses variation in the canyon where the SN4 observatory was deployed. From CTD data it is possible to compute the salinity which is a parameter needed to evaluate the true dissolved oxygen concentration from raw oxygen concentration measured by the Optode Oxygen sensor.
Quality of data: The Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure are data acquired by the CTD at each minutes 08,18,28,38,48,58 of every hour of the mission.

MARMARA-DM - Turbidity meter
Instrument: Wet Labs ECO-NTU(RT)D 6000m
Abstract: The dataset provides the turbidity in the sea water measured by a backscattering meter.
Purpose: Monitor the change in turbidity of sea water.
Quality of data: Turbidity data are produced at each minutes 08,18,28,38,48,58 of every hour, then they are acquired and stored by the CTD device. Data are supplied in mV as acquired by the CTD device, and in Nephelometric Turbidity Unit [NTU] using the device calibration formula.

MARMARA-DM - Current meter
Abstract: High-frequency current meter provides punctual sea current measurements.
Purpose: Monitor the current flow at the SN4 installation site. The high sampling rate (5Hz) was used to monitor the hydrodynamic condition inside the station in order to better observe possible influences of seawater currents on seismological data.
Quality of data: Current meter data are available only for three period: 5-14 October 2009, 14-23 February 2010, 4-13 March 2010.

NEAREST 1 - Current meter
Period: August 26, 2007 - July 16, 2008
Abstract: High-frequency current meter (MAVS3 made by NOBSKA manufacturer) was mounted on GEOSTAR to collect data with high sampling rate. It provided punctual current measurements to monitoring the hydrodynamic condition inside the station.
Purpose: The high sampling rate (5Hz) was used in order to better observe possible influences of seawater currents on seismological data.
Quality of data: More than 10GB of data were collected during one year of measurements. The record is periodically affected by the lack of few seconds of data. On the whole, about the 95% of data were well recorded.

NEAREST 1 - Gravimeter
Instrument: IFSI (INAF) Prototype #2
Period: August 26, 2007 - July 16, 2008
Abstract: A prototype of gravity meter built at the Istituto di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario (IFSI) of the National Institute of Astro-Physics (INAF) was installed on the GEOSTAR deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory in the Gulf of Cadiz (Portugal). The dataset contains relative values of gravity acceleration measured with sensitivity close to 10^-9 g/sqrt(Hz) in the range from 10^-5 to about 1 Hz.
Purpose: The instrument performs measurements of the Earth gravity acceleration due to low ground movements (tides) and fast ground movements (seismic wave propagation).
Quality of data: The gravimeter acquired from August 27, 2007 to August 15, 2008 with a break of acquisition from 18/07/2008 to 15/08/2008 and 12 hours among 17-18/10/2007. The data are stored in a total of 326 daily binary files (~220 MB). The gravity meter has successfully recorded different teleseismic events with an high S/N ratio.

NEAREST 1 - CTD
Period: August 27, 2007 - July 16, 2008
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom) acquired through a SBE 16 plus installed on GEOSTAR station. The collection period ranges from August 2007 through July 2008.
Purpose: CTD and turbidity meter have been used in order to monitoring possible variations of bottom sea water masses in an area strongly interested by the mixing of different water masses (Mediterranean and Atlantic waters).
Quality of data: The series is complete and continue through all period of measurement, without gap of data or relevant sensor problem.

NEAREST 1 - Turbidity meter
Instrument: Wet Labs ECO-BB(RT)D 6000m
Abstract: Turbidity measurements were provided by means of an auxiliary turbidity meter sensor (made by WetLabs manufacturer) connected to the CTD probe. The collection period ranges from August 2007 through July 2008.
Purpose: CTD and turbidity meter have been used in order to monitoring possible variations of bottom sea water masses in an area strongly interested by the mixing of different water masses (Mediterranean and Atlantic waters). Turbidity measurement also provides information about possible resuspension of particle matter due to bottom currents.
Quality of data: The series is complete and continue through all period of measurement, without gap of data or relevant sensor problem.

NEAREST 1 - ADCP
Period: September 01, 2007 - July 15, 2008
Abstract: ADCP velocity profiles were obtained with 3m vertical resolution through a 300 kHz Workhorse ADCP unit mounted in a upward looking configuration on one side of the GEOSTAR station free from any possible obstacle. The record lasted one year with an hourly sampling rate providing current data of water column above the station.
Purpose: ADCP current profiler allowed to monitor the hydrodynamic condition of a water column only 50 m high, because of the lack of big quantity of particle matter necessary to scatter the acoustical signal.
Quality of data: The record series is complete and continue through all period of measurement.

NEAREST 1 - Seismometer
Abstract: This digital database comprises seismological data recorded during the EC NEAREST project by a 3 component broadband seismometer. The sensor was installed on the GEOSTAR deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory, in the Gulf of Cadiz (Portugal). In the same vessel together with the seismometer there was an accelerometer. Both sensors were connected to a 24 bit digitizer, and their time reference came from an external rubidium clock connected to the digitizer.
Purpose: The seismometer was part of a prototype of tsunami early warning system together with a pressure meter on board GEOSTAR. Also, the sensor was used together with the other 25 OBS deployed in the NEAREAST experiment, to better define the local seismic sources and tectonic structures.
Quality of data: The data series is complete for all working sensors (see problems below), 95 % of expected bytes has been recorded. Strong long period disturbance on seismometer and accelerometer channels due to continuous re-centring of levelling platform (144 s recurrence period) due to Guralp electronics.

GNDT 2 - Hydrophone
Instrument: OAS E-2PD
Period: January 25, 2005 - April 30, 2008
Abstract: This digital database comprises data recorded from the hydrophone during the GNDT 2 project. The hydrophone was installed on the frame of the GEOSTAR deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory, deployed offshore of the Eastern coast of Sicily (Southern Italy) at a depth of 2065 m.The sensor was connected to a 24 bit digitizer, and its time reference came from an external rubidium clock connected to the digitizer, and synchronized with the seismometer.
Purpose: As this site is of great interest given its proximity to the Etna volcano (~ 50 km) and to important offshore seismogenic structures, the main purpose of the hydrophone is to record seismic data in combination with the seismometer.

GNDT 2 - Seismometer
Period: January 25, 2005 - April 30, 2008
Abstract: This digital database comprises seismological data recorded during the GNDT 2 project by a 3 component broadband seismometer, together with a hydrophone. The sensor was installed on the GEOSTAR deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory, offshore of the Eastern coast of Sicily (Southern Italy) at a depth of 2065 m. The seismometer is installed in a dedicated vessel integrated in a separate structure connected to the observatory via a special mechanical release. To guarantee a good coupling with the sea bottom, the structure is disconnected just after the observatory touch-down and kept linked to the frame by a slack rope (Favali et al., 2006). The sensor was connected to a 24 bit digitizer, and its time reference came from an external rubidium clock connected to the digitizer.
Purpose: This project is a continuation of GNDT 1 where the main objective was to establish a multiparameter seafloor observatory off-shore eastern Sicily. Long-term broad-band seismic measurements from this site is of great interest given its proximity to the Etna volcano (~ 50 km) and to offshore seismogenic structures where some of the most destructive earthquakes, some of which accompanied by tsunamis, have occurred in Italy.

GNDT 2 - Current meter
Instrument: Falmouth 3D-ACM 3 axis acoustic current meter

GNDT 2 - Gravimeter
Abstract: The dataset contains relative values of gravity acceleration measured by a prototype of gravity meter, with sensitivity close to 10^-9 g/sqrt(Hz) in the range from 10^-5 to about 1 Hz. The prototype was developed at the Istituto di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario (IFSI) of the National Institute of Astro-Physics (INAF).
Purpose: In a multidisciplinary approach the continuous gravimetric measurements with other available data could help to better understand the dynamics of Etna volcanic system.
Quality of data: The gravimeter acquired with a sampling rate of 1 Hz. The mission has some data gaps. When gravimetric data are available, they are of good quality in S/N sense.

GNDT 2 - CTD
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 37-SM
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom) acquired through a SBE 37-SM installed on SN-1 station. The collection period ranges from January 2005 through April 2008.
Purpose: CTD has been used in order to monitoring possible variations of bottom sea water masses in the area.

NEAREST 1 - Pressure gauge
Period: August 26, 2007 - April 06, 2008
Abstract: The dataset contains absolute pressure values measured by the Paroscientific 8CB-4000-I installed on the sea-bottom station GEOSTAR in the Gulf of Cadiz. Data are sampled at 15 seconds and with a resolution of 0.01 mbar.
Purpose: Pressure data were used to real time monitor the sea water level for tsunami warning purpose in the Gulf of Cadiz area. The data were analysed by a dedicated algorithm running on GEOSTAR which is able to detect a tsunami wave travelling on the sea surface and corresponding to few centimetres of sea water level changes.
Quality of data: Pressure data were recorded from 25 August 2007 until 6 April 2008. The record presents one gap of around 10 hours the day 18 October 2007 when the acquisition was stopped due to maintenance operation on the GEOSTAR site. In the remaining period the data recorded are the 99.8 % of the expected samples.

MABEL 1 - CTD
Area: Weddell Sea
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 16
Period: December 06, 2005 - December 31, 2006
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom) acquired by SBE 16 SEACAT.
Purpose: CTD is used in order to monitor possible variations of bottom sea water masses in an area interested by the mixing of different water masses.
Quality of data: The series is complete and continue through all period of measurement, without gap of data or relevant sensor problem.

MABEL 1 - Seismometer
Area: Weddell Sea
Instrument: PMD Scientific Inc - EENTEC EP300-DT
Period: December 06, 2005 - December 31, 2006

MABEL 1 - Transmissometer
Area: Weddell Sea
Instrument: Chelsea Technologies Group Alphatracka II
Period: December 06, 2005 - December 31, 2006
Abstract: Alphatracka MKII is a transmissometer monitors the total suspended matter in water by measuring the beam attenuation coefficient alfa at 660 nm.
Purpose: Transmissometer provides information about possible suspension of particle matter due to bottom currents.
Quality of data: The time-series is complete and continue through all period of measurement, without gap of data or relevant sensor problem.

ORION 2 - CTD
Area: Marsili Basin
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 16
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom) acquired through a SBE 16 installed on GEOSTAR - SN-3 station.

ORION 2 - Current meter
Area: Marsili Basin
Instrument: Falmouth 3D-ACM 3 axis acoustic current meter
Abstract: Falmouth 3D-ACM 3 axis acoustic current meter, a high-accuracy meter with vector-averaged current speed and direction.
Purpose: The high sampling rate (2Hz) was used in order to better observe possible influences of seawater currents on seismological data.

ORION 2 - Transmissometer
Area: Marsili Basin
Instrument: Chelsea Technologies Group Alphatracka II
Abstract: Alphatracka II is a transmissometer that measures the beam attenuation coefficient at 660 nm.
Purpose: Purpose - WORK IN PROGRESS

ORION 2 - ADCP

ORION 1 - ADCP
Period: December 14, 2003 - April 24, 2004

ORION 1 - CTD
Instrument: SeaBird SBE 16
Period: December 14, 2003 - April 24, 2004
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom) acquired through a SBE 16 installed on GEOSTAR - SN-3 station.

ORION 1 - Transmissometer
Instrument: Chelsea Technologies Group Alphatracka II
Period: December 14, 2003 - April 24, 2004
Abstract: Alphatracka II is a transmissometer that measures the beam attenuation coefficient at 660 nm.

ORION 1 - Current meter
Abstract: Falmouth 3D-ACM 3 axis acoustic current meter, a high-accuracy meter with vector-averaged current speed and direction.

GNDT 1 - Hydrophone
Period: October 09, 2002 - May 12, 2003
Abstract: This digital database comprises data recorded from the hydrophone during the GNDT 1 project. The hydrophone was installed on the frame of the GEOSTAR deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory, deployed offshore of the Eastern coast of Sicily (Southern Italy) at a depth of 2071 m.The sensor was connected to a 24 bit digitizer, and its time reference came from an external rubidium clock connected to the digitizer, and synchronized with the seismometer.
Purpose: As this site is of great interest given its proximity to the Etna volcano (~ 50 km) and to important offshore seismogenic structures, the main purpose of the hydrophone is to record seismic data in combination with the seismometer.

GNDT 1 - Seismometer
Period: October 09, 2002 - May 12, 2003
Abstract: This digital database comprises seismological data recorded during the GNDT 1 project by a 3 component broadband seismometer, together with a hydrophone. The sensor was installed on the GEOSTAR deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory, offshore of the Eastern coast of Sicily (Southern Italy) at a depth of 2071 m. The seismometer is installed in a dedicated vessel integrated in a separate structure connected to the observatory via a special mechanical release. To guarantee a good coupling with the sea bottom, the structure is disconnected just after the observatory touch-down and kept linked to the frame by a slack rope (Favali et al., 2006). The sensor was connected to a 24 bit digitizer, and its time reference came from an external rubidium clock connected to the digitizer.
Purpose: This project's main objective was to establish the first node, off-shore eastern Sicily, of multiparameter seafloor observatories which include a seismometer. Long-term broad-band seismic measurements from this site is of great interest given its proximity to the Etna volcano (~ 50 km) and to offshore seismogenic structures where some of the most destructive earthquakes, some of which accompanied by tsunamis, have occurred in Italy.

GNDT 1 - CTD
Period: October 09, 2002 - February 20, 2003
Abstract: The dataset contains sea bottom Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure data (about 1 m above the bottom) acquired through a SBE 37-SM installed on SN-1 station. The collection period ranges from October 2002 through February 2003.
Purpose: CTD has been used in order to monitoring possible variations of bottom sea water masses in the area.
Quality of data: The sensor pressure shows anomalous trend although tidal oscillations are correct. The probe was changed for the next SN1 campaigns

GNDT 1 - Gravimeter
Period: October 10, 2002 - February 20, 2003
Abstract: A prototype of gravity meter built at the Istituto di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario (IFSI) of the National Institute of Astro-Physics (INAF) was installed on the SN1 deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory, offshore of the Eastern coast of Sicily. The gravity meter provides measurements of variation of the vertical component of the acceleration with respect to an initial reference value.
Purpose: The comparison between seismic signal with the continuous gravimetric measurement can help to characterise different styles of the Etna volcanic activity.
Quality of data: The gravity meter acquires one sample per second in continuous mode. The data show a good signal to noise ratio (S/N).

GNDT 1 - Current meter
Period: October 09, 2002 - February 18, 2003
Abstract: Falmouth 3D-ACM 3 axis acoustic current meter, a high-accuracy meter with vector-averaged current speed and direction.