Galway’s Marine Institute has released a new map showing the Aran Islands, their surrounding waters and seabed in never-before-seen detail.
Ireland’s seabed mapping programme, INFOMAR has completed its ‘Blue Scale Map’ series with the publication of the Aram Islands bathymetric map.
The programme has now come full circle, after starting the series of high-resolution bathymetric maps with a display of Galway Bay back in August.
In parallel with this new release, INFOMAR are also delighted to announce the release of all 18 maps as Gaeilge.
Thomas Furey, INFOMAR Joint Programme Manager at the Marine Institute, emphasises the dual significance of this release.
“The Blue Scale Map Series is a testament to our commitment to both data quality and improving public accessibility of data.”
“The release of all maps as Gaeilge also represents our efforts in promoting linguistic inclusivity and connecting with Gaeltacht communities nationwide”.
Developed by a dedicated team of hydrographers, data processors and cartographers, the maps highlight the topography of the coast in remarkable detail.
In addition to the launch of the final map of the series, this week also sees the launch of all 18 maps available in Irish, which are available free to download in their own dedicated gallery at www.INFOMAR.ie.
The Aran Islands are a group of three islands at the mouth of Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland, with a total area of around 46km².
From west to east, the islands are: Inishmore (Árainn) which is the largest; Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), the second-largest; and Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the smallest. There are also several islets.
The Islands’ geology is mainly karst limestone, related to the Burren in Co Clare (to the east), not the granites of Connemara to the north.
Solutional processes have widened and deepened the grykes of the limestone pavement. Pre-existing lines of weakness in the rock (vertical joints) contribute to the formation of extensive fissures separated by clints (flat, pavement-like slabs). The rock karstification facilitates the formation of subterranean drainage.
Seán Cullen, INFOMAR Joint Programme Manager at Geological Survey Ireland said, “These maps aim to offer Irish Speakers an opportunity to engage with Marine Science in their native tongue and provide a means of communicating complex scientific data to the broader public”.
INFOMAR invites scientists, educators and the public to explore the newly launched Aran Islands map and delve into the dedicated Irish Gallery on its website.
This comprehensive resource not only enriches our understanding of Irish coastal landscapes but also aligns with INFOMAR’s commitment to scientific outreach and data accessibility.
Since 2006, INFOMAR’s seabed mapping efforts have been instrumental in enhancing our understanding of Ireland’s underwater landscape.
Michael Gillooly, Interim CEO of the Marine Institute said, “The Gaeltacht constitutes 25% of the overall Irish coastline so I am delighted to see this new series of unique maps now available as Gaeilge.”
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.
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 of the importance of maintaining the health and integrity of our marine environment.
