Master's in Marine Geology and Seafloor Survey
This master's combines advanced marine geology with state-of-the-art survey technology to help you understand and characterize the ocean floor. You will learn how ocean basins form and evolve, read sediments and stratigraphy, acquire and interpret seismic, magnetic, gravity and multibeam data, assess geological hazards for offshore infrastructure and build 3D models of the seabed, preparing you for work in research, offshore engineering, hydrography and environmental management.
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What is the Master's in Marine Geology and Seafloor Survey?
This master's approaches the seafloor as a geological system. You will study the formation and evolution of ocean basins, plate tectonics and continental margins; ocean geodynamics, submarine volcanism and hydrothermal activity; marine sedimentology, stratigraphy and paleoenvironmental reconstruction from sediment cores; marine geophysics, from seismic reflection and refraction to magnetometry, gravimetry, multibeam sonar and sub-bottom profilers; mineral and energy resources of the seafloor; survey platforms, ROVs, AUVs and ocean observation networks; geohazards such as submarine landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis and their impact on cables, pipelines and offshore installations; ocean governance and environmental management; and geological modeling, GIS and digital twins of the seafloor.
What sets this master's apart: it treats the seafloor through geology first, so that resources are only one part of a broader picture that includes geohazards, geotechnical stability and the climate record stored in sediments; it includes a full module on seafloor mapping and hydrographic processing to IHO survey standards; it connects geological interpretation with the safe planning of offshore wind farms, cables and pipelines; and it closes with a Final Project in which you design a survey campaign for an ocean region, integrate bathymetric, seismic, sedimentological and structural data and present a 3D model with management or research proposals.
Program highlights
- Ocean basins, plate tectonics, continental margins, submarine volcanism and hydrothermal systems.
- Marine sedimentology, stratigraphy, sediment cores and paleoceanographic reconstruction.
- Marine geophysics: seismic methods, magnetometry, gravimetry, multibeam sonar and sub-bottom profilers.
- Seafloor mapping and hydrographic processing: side-scan sonar, acoustic seabed classification and IHO standards.
- Geohazards and geotechnical stability for offshore wind farms, subsea cables and pipelines.
- Geological modeling, GIS, digital twins of the seafloor and artificial intelligence for interpretation.
Syllabus of the Master's in Marine Geology and Seafloor Survey
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Foundations of marine geology, geological oceanography and the evolution of the ocean floor
- 1.1. The concept of submarine geology and how it differs from marine geophysics, geological oceanography and ocean geosciences
- 1.2. Earth's internal structure and its influence on the geology of oceans and marine basins
- 1.3. Formation and evolution of ocean basins throughout geological history
- 1.4. Plate tectonics, seafloor spreading and the dynamics of continental margins
- 1.5. Geomorphology of mid-ocean ridges, trenches, abyssal plains and seamounts
- 1.6. Sedimentary, volcanic and tectonic processes that shape the seafloor
- 1.7. Interaction between marine geology, physical oceanography and deep-sea ecosystems
- 1.8. Main submarine geological provinces and their global distribution
- 1.9. History of the geological exploration of the oceans and the development of survey technologies
- 1.10. An integrated view of submarine geology as the basis for scientific and economic exploration of the seafloor
Ocean geodynamics, marine tectonics and geological processes of the seafloor
- 2.1. Foundations of internal geodynamics applied to the ocean environment
- 2.2. Tectonic processes at divergent, convergent and transform boundaries beneath the ocean
- 2.3. Submarine volcanism, oceanic crust formation and hydrothermal activity
- 2.4. Formation and evolution of seamounts, guyots and volcanic chains
- 2.5. Formation of marine sedimentary basins and evolution of continental margins
- 2.6. Subsidence, tectonic uplift and structural deformation beneath the sea
- 2.7. Geological hazards from submarine earthquakes, tsunamis and mass movements
- 2.8. Fault and fracture systems in the deep ocean
- 2.9. Interaction between tectonic processes and marine geological resources
- 2.10. Geodynamic interpretation of the structural evolution of the seafloor
Marine sedimentology, ocean stratigraphy and paleoenvironmental reconstruction
- 3.1. Foundations of sedimentology applied to marine and ocean environments
- 3.2. Sources, transport and deposition of sediments on shelves, slopes and deep basins
- 3.3. Terrigenous, biogenic, volcanogenic and authigenic sediments
- 3.4. Marine stratigraphy and analysis of ocean sedimentary sequences
- 3.5. Diagenesis and the evolution of submarine sedimentary deposits
- 3.6. Sedimentary records as indicators of past climate and environmental change
- 3.7. Sampling and analysis of ocean sediment cores
- 3.8. Paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic reconstruction from geological evidence
- 3.9. Applications of marine stratigraphy in natural resource exploration
- 3.10. Integrating sedimentological information to interpret the geological history of the oceans
Marine geophysics and seafloor exploration methods
- 4.1. Foundations of geophysics applied to seafloor research
- 4.2. Seismic reflection and refraction methods for submarine geological characterization
- 4.3. Marine magnetometry and analysis of ocean magnetic anomalies
- 4.4. Marine gravimetry and assessment of deep geological structures
- 4.5. Multibeam sonar, advanced bathymetry and high-resolution seafloor mapping
- 4.6. Sub-bottom profilers and characterization of sedimentary layers
- 4.7. Processing and interpretation of marine geophysical data
- 4.8. Integrating geological and geophysical information into 3D models
- 4.9. Geophysical applications in scientific, energy and mining exploration
- 4.10. Designing geophysical survey campaigns in complex ocean settings
Mineral, energy and geological resources of the seafloor
- 5.1. Types of geological resources on the seafloor and in the deep ocean
- 5.2. Polymetallic nodules, ferromanganese crusts and seafloor massive sulfides
- 5.3. Hydrothermal systems and the formation of mineral deposits at mid-ocean ridges
- 5.4. Offshore hydrocarbons and the geology of petroleum basins
- 5.5. Gas hydrates and their potential as a future energy resource
- 5.6. Geological assessment of submarine mineral reserves and resources
- 5.7. Exploration and survey methods for strategic marine resources
- 5.8. Economic, technological and environmental factors in the use of ocean resources
- 5.9. Geological risks linked to submarine extractive activities
- 5.10. Sustainable management of seafloor geological resources
Survey technologies, autonomous vehicles and underwater observation systems
- 6.1. Oceanographic research platforms and vessels specialized in geological survey
- 6.2. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for underwater exploration and sampling
- 6.3. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for mapping and geological data acquisition
- 6.4. Oceanographic and geological sensors used in marine research campaigns
- 6.5. Positioning and navigation systems for precise underwater operations
- 6.6. Geological sampling technologies and recovery of seafloor materials
- 6.7. Ocean observation networks for continuous geological monitoring
- 6.8. Automation and digitalization of underwater exploration processes
- 6.9. Artificial intelligence in the analysis of marine geological data
- 6.10. Optimizing survey campaigns in deep and ultra-deep waters
Marine geological risks, geohazards and the safety of offshore infrastructure
- 7.1. The concept of marine geohazards and their impact on human activity at sea
- 7.2. Submarine landslides and gravitational sediment movements
- 7.3. Tsunami generation by submarine tectonic and geological phenomena
- 7.4. Marine seismic activity and hazard assessment for offshore infrastructure
- 7.5. Risks from submarine volcanism and hydrothermal activity
- 7.6. Geotechnical stability of the seafloor for energy installations and subsea structures
- 7.7. Geological risk assessment for subsea cables, oil pipelines and gas pipelines
- 7.8. Geological monitoring and early warning systems in the marine environment
- 7.9. Mitigation and management strategies for ocean geological risks
- 7.10. Applying geological studies to the safe planning of offshore projects
Legislation, ocean governance and environmental management of seafloor exploration
- 8.1. International legal framework for the geological exploration of the seafloor
- 8.2. The regime for mineral resources in areas under national and international jurisdiction
- 8.3. International institutions involved in seabed governance
- 8.4. Environmental impact assessment of survey and exploration activities
- 8.5. Protection of vulnerable ecosystems associated with deep geological settings
- 8.6. Regulation of scientific and extractive activities in international waters
- 8.7. Environmental management of marine geological campaigns and offshore exploration
- 8.8. Conflicts between resource extraction and marine conservation
- 8.9. Sustainability and environmental responsibility in ocean geology projects
- 8.10. Developing governance strategies for responsible seafloor exploration
Geological modeling, spatial analysis and digital twins of the ocean
- 9.1. Foundations of geological modeling applied to submarine environments
- 9.2. Geographic information systems for marine geological data analysis
- 9.3. Building 3D models of submarine structures and deposits
- 9.4. Integrating geological, geophysical and oceanographic data in digital environments
- 9.5. Simulation of geological processes and the evolution of ocean basins
- 9.6. Advanced spatial analysis for resource exploration and risk assessment
- 9.7. Digital twins of the seafloor and ocean geological systems
- 9.8. Artificial intelligence for geological interpretation and complex pattern detection
- 9.9. Collaborative platforms for geoscientific analysis and advanced visualization
- 9.10. Applications of digital transformation in marine geological exploration and management
Seafloor mapping and geophysical data processing
- 10.1. Multibeam bathymetry and data processing
- 10.2. Side-scan sonar and interpretation
- 10.3. Sediment profilers and high-resolution seismic
- 10.4. Marine magnetometry and gravimetry
- 10.5. Positioning and data correction
- 10.6. Hydrographic processing software
- 10.7. IHO standards for hydrographic surveys
- 10.8. Acoustic seabed classification
- 10.9. Production of charts and digital models
- 10.10. Geophysical survey project
Final Project
- 11.1. Defining the study area and the geological, scientific or exploration objectives
- 11.2. Geological, geophysical, environmental and operational assessment of the selected ocean region
- 11.3. Designing the survey campaign and the marine data acquisition strategy
- 11.4. Applying geological and geophysical methods to characterize the seafloor
- 11.5. Integrating bathymetric, seismic, sedimentological and structural information
- 11.6. Assessing geological resources, geodynamic risks or specific ocean processes
- 11.7. Developing digital models and a 3D representation of the study area
- 11.8. Preparing management, exploration or research proposals based on the results
- 11.9. Writing the full technical report with methodology, analysis, interpretation and conclusions
- 11.10. Presentation and defense of the Final Project with scientific, technical and operational validation
Duration and format of the Master's in Marine Geology and Seafloor Survey
It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Master's in Marine Geology and Seafloor Survey
Career opportunities after the Master's in Marine Geology and Seafloor Survey
Questions about the Master's in Marine Geology and Seafloor Survey
Resources are only one module here. The program is built around marine geology as a whole: tectonics, sedimentology and paleoclimate, marine geophysics, seafloor mapping, geohazards for offshore infrastructure and geological modeling.
Yes. A dedicated module covers multibeam bathymetry, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profilers, positioning and data correction, hydrographic processing software, IHO survey standards, acoustic seabed classification and chart production.
Yes. It covers geotechnical stability of the seafloor, seismic and landslide hazards, risk assessment for subsea cables and pipelines and the use of geological studies in the safe planning of offshore projects.
You work with seismic, magnetic, gravity and bathymetric data, GIS, 3D geological modeling and hydrographic processing tools, and you are introduced to artificial intelligence for geological interpretation.
Not necessarily. Graduates in marine sciences, engineering or related fields, or professionals with experience in marine geology or geophysics, can also apply; the admission interview confirms that the program suits your profile.
Through practical exercises in each module, such as data interpretation, campaign design and risk assessments, and a Final Project in which you design a survey campaign, build a 3D model of the study area and defend your conclusions.
A master's issued by Navalis Institute, together with the models, survey designs and technical reports you develop during the program.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7 with live sessions that are recorded, forums and tutorials. It comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at geologists and geophysicists, oceanographers and marine biologists, mining and petroleum engineers, environmental consultants and public sector specialists, and graduates in marine sciences, geology or engineering. A degree in geology, marine sciences, geological engineering or a related field, or proven professional experience in marine geology, geophysics or marine resource exploration, is recommended.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection and, ideally, software for visualizing geophysical and geological data.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.