Improved seismic characterisation of offshore glacial deposits in Finland

Jonathan Ford
Geological Survey of Finland (GTK)

Finnish geology has been strongly shaped by the melting of the Fennoscandian ice sheet.

The resulting deposits are often better preserved offshore than on land, but are difficult to image with geophysics due to their complex morphology. GTK recently acquired Finland’s first marine multi-channel seismic system for the R/V Geomari, enabling sub-seafloor imaging with greatly improved resolution and depth penetration. My objective is to characterise the distribution and structure of glacial deposits using this data, together with cone-penetrometer measurements and cores. I will develop methods to invert for geotechnical parameters directly from seismic data, reducing the need for costly sediment sampling.

Improved seafloor characterisation is crucial for offshore engineering such as wind farms, pipelines and cables, key to transitioning to a decarbonized energy sector. As such, the project supports Finland’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2035 while advancing knowledge of glacial processes.

Programme

Find out the research institutes that implement the Programme and where to find open positions.

Progress

Great start for the Programme! The first 36 postdoctoral researchers have been recruited and started their work. Half of them relocated to Finland from abroad.
Tulanet logo

Tutkimuslaitosten yhteenliittymä Tulanet

Latokartanonkaari 9
00790 Helsinki

Sanna Marttinen

Toiminnanjohtaja
puh. 029 532 6356
sanna.marttinen@tulanet.fi
© 2026 Tulanet