PARTNERS 1- CNR-ISMAR, Italy 2- Southampton Oceanography Centre, UK 3- University of Barcelona, Spain 4- University of Perpignan, France 5- University of Gent, Belgium 6- University of Utrecht, Netherlands 7- University of Bremen, Germany 8- University of Tromsø, Norway 9- University of Aix-Marseille III, CeregeFrance 10- Royal Holloway and Bedford New College,UK 11- NCMR, Greece 12- University of Deft, Holland 13- IFREMER, France 14- Geo-EcoMar,Romania Websites: EURODELTA EUROPEAN CO-ORDINATION ON MEDITERRANEAN AND BLACK SEA PRODELTAS Eurocean 2004, Galway Irelandslide 1 OBJECTIVES The overarching goals of the EURODELTA concerted action are to:  Understand the architecture and growth patterns of Mediterranean prodeltas  Improve projections of prodelta modifications in the future  Define how (and how much) sediment escapes to deeper basins RESULTS (1) Correlation between seismic profile and core log Seismic stratigraphy, physical properties & sediment budget River plume dynamics and sediment dynamic processes Delta history Prodelta sediment partitioning and thickness distribution can be determined by tracing key seismic surfaces. Correlating key surfaces at Mediterranean scale provides quantitative estimates of sediment budgets for the last 5000 yr. The historical evolution of modern deltas documents the close link among processes in the catchment area, in the delta plain and in the prodeltas offshore. This history reflects global change and human impact at local to regional scale. Geochronology Depositional events (such as river floods) produce deposits that stack progressively into a stratigraphic archive. The recurrence of river floods can be determined if a precise geochronology is established in prodelta areas. Satellite imagery, meteorological and stream gauging data and oceanographic measurements were synthesised to compare present day (observable) river plume dynamics and longer- term prodelta growth. The flood of the Century: Oct-2000 flood event off Po delta (X-Ray image) History of Danube delta A multi-disciplinary integrated approach to define modern prodelta deposits of the Mediterranean and Black Seas and their link to major coastal-plain deltas:

Eurocean 2004, Galway Irelandslide 2 RELEVANCE FOR SOCIETYRESULTS (2) DELTECH demonstration: boomer source and 3D acquisition system Modelling stratigraphy of prodeltas The EURODELTA data archive was implemented as a sub-archive of PANGAEA. This allowed a rapid set up, ensured technical assistance for the implementation and guarantees the sub-archive to be maintained beyond the duration of the project. The EURODELTA archive is designed to reach a large community dealing with prodeltas and to disseminate integrated data to the public, regional authorities, environmental agencies and scientific community. Deltech forum provided an assessment of state-of-the-art technologies in shallow water research. Improved geophysical imaging of prodeltas calls on the development of towed sources and cable sensors as well as seabed and subsurface sensors. A review/assessment of numerical and physical models applicable to prodeltas has been achieved. New technologies in geophysical studies GIS Data base Studies successfully undertaken in Eurotank proved the feasibility of process-oriented research in predicting the development of distributary channels in small laboratory deltas. Physical modelling of distributary channels (from Van Wagoner, 2003) 5-9 May 2003, Venice, Italy Prodeltas are important as: stratigraphic archives of short-term environmental changes and human impacts on river catchments and coastal zones preferential sinks for river-borne pollutants areas of potential sediment failure affecting the coastal zone areas of intense exploitation (trawling, cables, pipelines, platforms) By integrating existing data, EURODELTA contributes to:  Developing a new integrated approach for assessing prodelta systems as a key element of the coastal-shelf zone  Improved understanding of the natural variability of the environment through exploitation of already existing data  Defining technologies for very-shallow-water exploration  Assessing safety issues in a more cost-efficient and safer use of margin resources  Developing and propagating methods, skills, new technologies and expertises in Europe and across the Mediterranean region  Improving knowledge and models, which assist in risk assesment EURODELTA contributes to preserving the environment by integrating process-response observations, stratigraphic records and historical informations (maps and discharge data) on major Mediterranean and Black Sea prodeltas EURODELTA related events: DelTech Workshop - 5-9th May 2003, Venice, Italy OMARC th Sept Paris, France ComDelta Meeting th Oct. 2003, Aix-en-Provence, France Topical symposia, Ultra high-resolution studies of prodelta systems - OMARC - 32 nd IGC th Aug. 2004, Florence, Italy Risk assessment in prodelta areas Existing data on impacts from watersheds and sedimentary processes in prodelta areas is being integrated. Data available will be assessed to diagnose and forecats the risk associated with both natural processes and anthropogenic stress on prodeltas and to identify needs for further strategic research on Mediterranean prodeltas. EURODELTA EUROPEAN CO-ORDINATION ON MEDITERRANEAN AND BLACK SEA PRODELTAS