The scope of this WP is to highlight all the characteristics of the MA, such as granulometry, specific weight, mineralogy and chemical composition. The adequate description and especially the accurate classification of the MA, according to several criteria, is related mostly to their mineralogy and physicochemical characteristics. This has been recognized as a critical issue for the scientific and industrial community. Thus, the correct classification and sufficient understanding of each particular characteristic is an essential factor for the maximum exploitation of MA, in terms of yield, compatibility and minimizing the environmental impacts. Particular emphasis is given in the identification of the land derived (predominance of silicon) or the dominance of marine biological processes leading to the dominance of CaCO₃ through micro- or nano-fossils. The WP-4 includes the implementation of the following four (4) tasks.

 Task 4.1. Seabed sediment sampling related to the MA identified deposits

Description / Methodology: Following the identification of possible MA deposits, extended sediment sampling will follow, which will include surficial samples and gravity cores for the internal examination of sedimentological characteristics. The sampling will take place with the use of a “van-Veen” or a “Smith-Mclntyre” type of grab, coring will be conducted with gravity cores, since there is no expectation for deeper penetration in cases of sandy MA deposits. The samples, will be carried to the laboratories of the Geology & Geoenvironment Department of Athens for detailed analyses (see WP4-T2 and WP4-T3).

Deliverable: D16- Catalogue and maps of sampling locations (Technical Report)

 Task 4.2. Granulometric analysis of MA deposits

Description / Methodology: The scope of the present task is the identification of the physical characteristics of the MA deposits; this includes primarily their granulometry and secondarily other parameters such as shape, texture, color, density. The granulometric analysis (weighting, classification, statistical processing) will take place in the laboratory of Physical Geography, according to Folk’s methodology (1974) for all the surficial samples and those extracted from the cores recovered.

Deliverables: D17- Results of granulometric analyses (Technical Report)

 Task 4.3. Mineralogy of MA deposits

Description / Methodology: Lithologic and mineralogical determination will be conducted to the selected sediment samples, through: (a) macroscopic observations, (b) mineralogical analyses (with the use of X-Ray Diffraction) and, (c) mineralogical analyses (with the use of SEM-EDS). The macroscopic observations will help to identify any coarse impurities, such as mollusk shells. The bulk mineralogical analysis by using the X-ray diffraction techniques will assist to distinguish the CaO- and/or SiO₂-rich sand and gravel deposits. The scanning electron analysis [SEM] will be a key tool for textural analysis of the specific particles and the estimation the erosional status and the development of efflorescences. Any micro-impurities or inclusions of undesirable or valuable metals will also be detected. The laboratory equipment will be available from the Geology & Geoenvironmental Department of the University of Athens and secondarily in the labs of the Oceanography Institute of HCMR.

Deliverable: D18- Results of Mineralogical analyses (Technical Report)

 Task 4.4. Geochemistry of MA deposits

Description / Methodology: In this task, geochemical determination of the collected samples will be conducted, through chemical analyses of major elements (i.e. form of acids), trace-elements and organic matter. The most important parameter in washed and unwashed samples is the content in iron, chlorine, sulphates, calcium, silica, magnesium and also Hg, As, Cr, Pb and others . The analyses will take place in the laboratories of the Faculty of Economic Geology  and Geochemistry of the Department of  Geology & Geoenvironment, NKUA and alternatively at the Oceanography Institute of HCMR, and in certificated cooperating laboratories from abroad, if necessary. The conducted methods of analysis include: (i) atomic absorption (AAS) and (ii) Inductively Coupled Plasma analysis (ICP-OES).

Deliverable: D19- Results of Geochemical analyses (Technical Report)