Exploring the Alentejo continental shelf for minerals and PlioQuaternary environmental changes: preliminary results of the MINEPLAT survey

Abstract

This study presents the preliminary results of MINEPLAT survey, organised by Universidade de Évora in partnership with Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera). It is based on the analysis of geophysical data collected during that survey: ultra-high resolution seismic data, multibeam data (both bathymetry and backscatter data) and magnetic data. The survey took place on the north part of Alentejo continental shelf (30 to 200 meters depth) between Tróia and Sines. The interpretation and integration of the acquired data allowed substantial improvement in the knowledge of the morphology and geology of both the surface and subsurface of this area, towards the assessment of the mineral resources potential in the continental shelf off Alentejo. It also contributed to improve the understanding of the Pliocene-Quaternary environmental conditions caused by the tectonic uplift.