Seafloor observatories from experiments and projects to the european permanent underwater network EMSO

The establishment of a global network of seafloor observatories will help to provide the means to understand the ocean, and the complex physical, biological, chemical, and geological systems operating within it. This is a challenge for the opening decades of the 21st century. The EC experience on seafloor monitoring is outlined since the early stage (beginning of ‘90s). In particular, the attention is focused on the GEOSTAR experience, describing the technical characteristics and the sensors used in experiments. Some recent projects are detailed. Finally, the European effort towards permanent underwater network EMSO, one of the large-scale research infrastructures included in the ESFRI Roadmap, is also discussed. All the previous activities are framed in this context.Peer Reviewe