IRL - Cork’s spectacular coastline revealed in all its magnificent glory through new high-res maps
Bathymetric maps reveal stunning never before seen views of Ireland’s coastline.
A SERIES of fascinating new high-resolution images mapping out Cork’s coastline in stunning detail is in the process of being released to the general public.
Each Friday, commencing from September 15 last the images, produced by the INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource) will upload new maps to their website.
Their Blue Scale Map Series, a collection of 18 high-res bathymetric images measuring the depth of the seas around the Irish coastline, have been developed by a team of expert hydrographers and cartographers highlighting the topography of our coast in remarkable detail.
Bathymetric maps appear similar in style to three-dimensional topographic maps, which use lines to show the shape and high of features on land.
They can be used to help scientists determine where marine life lives, feeds and breeds. The data extrapolated can also be used to create maps of underwater habitats that assist in conversation and monitoring.
Established in 2006 INFOMAR, a joint initiative between the Geological Survey Ireland the Marine Institute, is currently the one of the largest and most comprehensive seabed mapping programmes in the world.
A spokesperson for the project said the ultimate aim being to map the entire 3,171km length of Ireland’s coastal seabed, which they said, “boasts some of the most unique and dynamic marine environments in Europe”.
“The Blue Scale Map Series is the culmination of more than a decade of work,” said the spokesperson.
“The ultimate aim being to map Ireland’s seabed and deliver a comprehensive baseline bathymetry dataset to underpin the future management of Ireland’s marine resource,” they added.
The firs pair of Cork maps detail the coastline around Bantry Bay and Mizen Head. Over the next three Friday’s maps of Roaringwater Bay, Galley Head and Cork Harbour will be released.
“The Blue Scale Map series offers a new and unique way not only to showcase the mapping effort to date, but also to visualize and communicate complex scientific information to the wider public,” said the INFOMAR spokesperson.
“As with all INFOMAR data, these high-resolution maps are available for free to download and have huge potential to communicate with local coastal communities and raise awareness on the importance of maintaining the health & integrity of our marine environment,” they added,
To view the maps already released and those set to be released over the coming weeks visit www.infomar.ie.
Bantry Bay:
Bantry Bay runs approximately 35 km (22 miles) from northeast to southwest into the Atlantic Ocean.
It is approximately 3 to 4 km (1.8 to 2.5 miles) wide at the head and 10 km (6.2 miles) wide at the entrance. Bantry Bay is a ria, a bay formed from a drowned river valley as a result of a relative rise in sea level.
