ÍSOR begins seabed surveys for the Eyjagöng tunnel project. A sparker seismic profiler used for the first time in Iceland

ÍSOR opens a new chapter in its work today as our specialists head out to sea aboard the hydrographic survey vessel Baldur together with specialists from abroad.

ÍSOR opens a new chapter in its work today as our specialists head out to sea aboard the hydrographic survey vessel Baldur together with specialists from abroad. The project continues the seabed research which, if all goes well, can shed light on the structure and quality of the seabed between the mainland and Vestmannaeyjar.

The surveys are carried out for Eyjagöng ehf. and are a step in gathering data that can be used to assess a possible tunnel connection between the mainland and Vestmannaeyjar. If the surveys succeed they will provide important information on the structure and quality of the seabed and lay the groundwork for further research in the area.

For the project, a sparker seismic reflection profiler will be used for the first time in Iceland, a specialised research instrument that makes it possible to map the uppermost strata beneath the seabed with great precision.

The sparker profiler was recently purchased by eight Icelandic institutions with support from RANNÍS and is the first of its kind in the country.

The project in Vestmannaeyjar therefore also marks the maiden voyage of the instrument, which is eagerly anticipated by those involved in the surveys.

The measurements take place aboard the hydrographic survey vessel Baldur, owned by the Icelandic Coast Guard, and will continue over the next two weeks. During that time ÍSOR's specialists, in cooperation with specialists from abroad, will gather data for continued research and assessment of the geological conditions in the survey area.

In Eyjafréttir's coverage from the quay in Heimaey of the instrument's maiden voyage, the excitement in the air is plain to see. In the report, Haraldur Pálsson, managing director of Eyjagöng, describes the preparation of the project and the mood among the islanders ahead of the measurements.

Nýr áfangi í rannsóknum Eyjaganga að hefjast. (Eyjafréttir, in Icelandic)