The Porcupine Abyssal Plain Observatory is a scientific adventure in the deep ocean. We try to understand just what processes are at work now and those that will have a long-term effect on both the future of this little-known realm and the climate of the Earth as a whole.

To do this, in 1989 we set up an environmental study site in the Northeast Atlantic that has become an important focus for international scientific research and monitoring involving a wide range of disciplines.

In more detail, the PAP site observatory examines complex oceanic processes from surface waters to the seafloor by recording data on the biological, chemical and physical conditions. This allows scientists to understand short-term variability of the oceans including physical mixing, ecosystem dynamics and nutrient cycling, but also to gain a better understanding about longer-term trends in the Earth’s climate.

Take your time to have a look around this site and find out some of the fascinating data we are collecting about the deep oceans.

July 2009
The Royal Research Ship Discovery is currently engaged in a long cruise investigating in the PAP region. The ship board activities are being reported at the following web sites:-
EuroSITES Outreach
Classroom@Sea

If you have any questions about anything you find, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.