Geological study of the seafloor applied to marine renewable energies

This paper shows an example of how to create morphological and geological maps of the seabed combining high-resolution bathymetric data and onshore geological information. The mapped area corresponds to the BIMEP offshore test site, located in the south-eastern part of the Bay of Biscay, in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula. In the Morphological map, using semi-automatic methods, the seafloor is categorized in 10 classes, obtained by the combination of terrain variables and a decision table. In the Geological map, onshore-defined geological units are extended into the continental shelf, and bedding traces, folds, and fractures are depicted. These maps could serve as valuable tools for stakeholders involved in marine energy projects, enabling informed decision-making and promoting sustainable development practices.