GeoLab is an initiative aimed at the research community with the participation of FCT, FCCN, ARDITI, EllaLink, EMACOM, and GÉANT.

As part of GeoLab, a single dark optic fibre on the Madeira branch of EllaLink was made available for research in seismology, oceanography, and biology. It extends for 57 km from the Cable Landing Station of Praia Formosa, in Funchal.

Within the scope of OOM, the GeoLab fibre will enable a more comprehensive characterization of the Madeira Basin when used with other observational capabilities. By integrating DAS with data from surface and satellite observations, moorings, gliders, and other autonomous underwater platforms, it will be possible to study various oceanographic and biological parameters throughout the water column.

The GeoLab fibre will function as a permanent acoustic monitoring station, offering insights into the ocean’s soundscape, aiding in identifying both anthropogenic and natural sources of underwater noise.

The high density of sensing channels enabled by DAS also allows a detailed study of local and regional seismicity and imaging of the crustal structure beneath the fibre, contributing to a holistic understanding of the geological, geophysical, and environmental dynamics of the region.

Seismic data streaming

Since December 2025, twenty-eight DAS channels have been streamed in real time to IPMA, contributing to the densification of the permanent seismic observation network.