Sedimentology

We provide our services to a broad range of organisations and businesses, including in oil and gas, nuclear and renewable energy, governance and marine and coastal infrastructure, and in the shipping industry. Our work is also called upon by specialists in climate change and ocean acidification.

As experts in particle size analysis (PSA) of marine sediments, we produce quality particle size data for a broad range of applications, including biological, contaminant, habitat mapping and acoustic ground-truthing assessments. Our team is internationally renowned and is responsible for method development and quality assurance of sediment data for programmes such as the Marine Conservation Zone and the Regional Seabed Monitoring Project for the aggregates industry.

Cefas regularly takes part in inter-calibration and proficiency testing schemes, such as the particle size component of the National Marine Biological Analytical Quality control scheme (NMBAQC). Cefas also manages the PSA contract for the NMBAQC.

Having acquired a Sediment Profile Imagery (SPI) system in 2004, Cefas has built a strong capability and solid track record applying the technology through monitoring and R&D programmes. SPI is a rapid, in-situ technique that takes vertical profile pictures of the upper 20cm of a sediment system. The SPI camera works like an ‘inverted periscope’ that penetrates the seafloor, producing an instant image.

We also offer oxygen/PH profiling of sediments for use in sediment biogeochemistry, and have wide-ranging experience of sample collection and fieldwork.

Our team also offer extensive knowledge and understanding of regulatory analytical requirements, and deliver outputs design that fulfils all relevant regulations.