Researchers Surveyed Basalt Formations for Carbon Storage
A geophysical expedition off the Canadian Pacific coast established baseline data to support future carbon dioxide storage monitoring.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Geology
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Researchers from GEOMAR, Ocean Networks Canada, and the University of Victoria have launched a 72-hour geophysical survey mission. This research-stage project aims to collect subsurface data off the Canadian Pacific coast to help monitor future carbon storage sites.
Why it matters
Establishing baseline geophysical data is essential for ensuring the long-term reliability of subsurface carbon dioxide storage systems. This expedition serves as a critical first step in developing permanent monitoring infrastructure for geologic carbon sequestration.
The team deployed 12 Ocean Bottom Electromagnetic (OBEM) stations to record signals over a 72-hour window. Data is gathered using the CAGEM transmitter, which maps electrical resistance across basalt formations to create a baseline for subsurface conditions.
The players
GEOMAR
A Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research focused on marine geochemistry, ocean circulation, and the impacts of climate change.
Ocean Networks Canada
An initiative of the University of Victoria that operates ocean observatories to provide real-time data from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic coasts.
SONNE
A research vessel operated by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research for deep-sea exploration and geophysical surveying.
The details
The research team utilizes controlled source electromagnetics, a technique where a transmitter generates electromagnetic signals to map underground electrical resistivity. By moving the transmitter along measurement profiles in two directions, the team captures data to account for measurement uncertainty in the basalt bedrock. This process maps the electrical properties of the sub-seafloor to verify that future carbon storage sites remain stable and secure.
Timeline
October 3, 2026: Expedition SO321-3 began operations.
October 5, 2026: Geophysical survey work commenced on the seabed.
October 13, 2026: Expedition SO321-3 is scheduled to conclude.
The Tech Race
This mission aligns with the global effort to establish standardized, long-term monitoring for subsurface carbon storage sites. It follows a growing trend of field-based geophysical validation required for large-scale carbon sequestration projects to move from research to industrial viability.
This project is currently in the research phase and does not have immediate implications for public infrastructure or consumer energy prices. The results will eventually influence the regulatory and planning frameworks used by industries to implement carbon sequestration technologies.
The takeaway
The expedition highlights the necessity of baseline geophysical modeling before carbon storage can be deployed at scale. Watch for upcoming peer-reviewed data from this survey to understand the efficacy of electromagnetics in monitoring deep basalt reservoirs.
Further reading
For more on how subsurface imaging informs climate mitigation strategies, visit our Geology section.
More information
View the technical parameters and mission logs in the Expedition SO321-3 project details.
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