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Western Ionian Sea (WIS)
Infrastructure Profile
Infrastructure Provider
Location
Western Ionian Sea
Organisation & Address
Istituto Nazionale Di Geofisica E Vulcanologia (INGV), Via di Vigna Murata 605, Roma, Italy
Link to Infrastructure Schedules (if applicable)
NA
Normal Area of Operation
35.5 N 15.1 E to 37.54 N to 15.4 E
Maximum Number of Days Available
80 days
Scientists’ Travel and Logistics (T&L) Budget Available
€ 5,000.00
Overview
Depth of Operation
Up to 2100 m
Power Supply
N/A
Communication System(s)
Fiber optic
Dimensions
28 km
Sensors Available, Scientific Payload etc.
Fibre Optic Cable
Scientific and Technical Specifications
General Information
The Western Ionian Sea (WIS) is located in the central Mediterranean basin, Eastern Sicily Island (Southern Italy), Catania. The submarine site is operated by an electro-optical submarine cable located respectively 28 km off shore Catania at 2100 m depth. The infrastructure is a Regional Facility of EMSO ERIC.
The WIS is located in an area prone to numerous natural hazard issues due to high seismicity and the presence of Etna Volcano. The area is strategically relevant also for the oceanographic circulation between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean Sea through the Messina Strait and the Sicily Channel. The WIS facility is based on marine infrastructure built on an underwater electro-optical cable offshore Catania hosting seismic, geophysical and oceanographic sensors.
The land station may host devices (e.g. iDAS) which can be connected to the underwater optical fibers for measurements along the cable.
Support offered to AQUARIUS users
Temporary local storage of the acquired data (max 30 TB), including a protected endpoint for data retrieval
Infrastructure Availability and Contact Details
Year 2025
From June 2025
Year 2026
From Jan 2026
Year 2027
From Jan 2027
Contact email for applicants to discuss the initial feasibility of their work while they prepare their application
davide.embriaco[at]ingv.it, giuditta.marinaro[at]ingv.it
Certification and Clearance Requirements
Diplomatic clearances or permits required for area or type of activity
Access must be authorized by hosting facility