Mission PLATMAR2 - 2018

From August 23 to September 12, 2018, an oceanographic mission was carried out to the Santa Maria Island and Formigas Islets, under the project PTDC / GEO-GEO / 0051/2014 PLATMAR, funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology.

This mission was carried out on board the Research vessel "Archipelago" of the University of the Azores (partner of the project) and led by the Auxiliary Researcher Rui Quartau of the Hydrographic Institute, with the following objectives:

1) Sediment sampling on the Santa Maria Island and Formigas Islets platform at pre-determined sites using a Smith-McIntyre grab;

2) Underwater footage using a "drop-down camera" for the mapping of underwater habitats;

3) Installation of a permanent GPS / GNSS station in the Antas Islets's lighthouse;

4) Geological mapping and sampling for geochemistry of Formigas Islets;

5) Ultra-high resolution aerial photogrammetric survey of the Formigas Islets, with the aid of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone).

The mission was a success with the collection of 169 samples of sediment, 18 mini-colors and 70 videos of filming in the platform of the Santa Maria Island and bank of the Formigas Islets. Fifteen kilograms of rock sample for dating and geochemistry of the Formigas Islets were also collected.