Introduction to the Laboratory
The Geo-Ocean Laboratory is a research team in geosciences and eco-management of marine, coastal, and littoral environments. Our team, based at the University of Southern Brittany in Vannes, and the GO – IUEM UBO team are part of the Mixed Research Unit (UMR) 6538 CNRS UBO-UBS.
Our research focuses on mechanical couplings, chemical exchanges, transfers between interfaces of the solid Earth and surface envelopes, dynamic processes underlying seismic hazards and coastal risks, as well as sedimentary archives of these various processes. To conduct cutting-edge research in these fields, new observation, sampling, and analysis methods, as well as the mise en œuvre d’instrumentation implementation of instrumentation both at sea and in the laboratory, are being developed. Since the year 2000,the laboratory has been actively involved in the study and management in the study and management of marine, littoral, and coastal environments, both in France and internationally, focusing on their past and current evolution.
The researchers conduct multidisciplinary research in the fields of geomorphology, geochemistry, paleontology, oceanography, numerical modeling, risk and vulnerability, and ecology. Throughout its existence, they have established strong partnerships with various stakeholders, both in Brittany and internationally. The laboratory continues to strengthen these collaborations by actively participating in numerous projects and providing them with ongoing support.
Fields of activity
WIth the aim of understanding more deeply the environmental aspects of coastal and marine areas, our researchers, engineers, and technicians lead frequent field campaigns to collect and analyze data.The results, therefore, allow us to improve our current knowledge about this environment. In the end, the goal is to predict and assist local authority in making informed decisions for territorial management concerning this environment.
Some members of the GO team teach in the Life Sciences and Geosciences Bachelor's degree program. The laboratory offers the Coastal Engineering Master's degree. These two multidisciplinary programs allow the integration of fundamental techniques and knowledge,leading to different careers such as marine and coastal technicians and engineers.
Observation is focused on dynamics data (sediment, water quality, hydrodynamics, coastline...) at short- or long-term scales. The GO team possesses a GIS database about sediment dynamics spanning over 20 years. The establishment of a Citizen Observatory in 2017, also take part into the laboratory's activities. It is fueled by citizen science initiatives at the Morbihan level.
Research Areas and Centers of Expertise
OBSERVATION, DYNAMIC AND QUALITY OF COASTAL LITTORAL SYSTEMS
The study of coastal morphodynamics is at the heart of Geo-Ocean UBS's activities. Indeed, it contributes to high-quality expertise, promoting sustainable management of coastal areas and informed decision-making for the protection of the marine environment.
SEDIMENTOLOGY OF SEABEDS, LITTORALS AND COASTLINES
The sedimentology of the seafloor is studied during oceanographic expeditions and coring activities to understand their formation, analyze sediments, reconstruct paleoclimates, identify natural resources, and assess threats to coastal areas.
SEDIMENTARY ARCHIVES AND PALEOENVIRONMENTS
The study of paleoenvironments and sedimentary archives allows for predicting future climate changes, assessing environmental risks, as well as making informed decisions for coastal zone management and marine environmental protection.
REMOTE-SENSING AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Geo-Ocean UBS uses remote sensing and satellite image analysis to understand marine dynamics and monitor environmental changes. Additionally, the use of drones allows for collecting essential data for research and preservation of coastal ecosystems.
Our Regional Sponsorship
