Jean Georges Harmelin's Quadrat

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The renowned researcher Jean Georges Harmelin, a marine biologist with a keen eye for detail, embarked on an ambitious project in 1969 to study the colonization and dynamics of biological succession among species. To achieve this goal, Harmelin installed pristine surfaces consisting of a framework measuring approximately 0.5 meters squared, upon which were fixed 12 plots of limestone. The objective was clear: to examine the complex processes that govern the growth and development of marine life. Among the various sites in the Marseille region where these frames were installed, only two remain active today, attracting the attention of teams of scientists who continue to monitor their progress. Cutting-edge 3D models provide a fascinating glimpse into one of these frames, situated approximately 30 meters beneath the surface near an underwater cave entrance. The frame remains an important part of ongoing research efforts, as it has proven instrumental in validating dating methods for red coral growth. This breakthrough has significant implications for the study of marine ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them. Innovative techniques in underwater photogrammetry played a crucial role in this project, which was made possible through a collaborative effort between Septentrion Environnement and LIS (Laboratory of Computer Science and Systems) at Aix-Marseille University, UMR CNRS 7020. To learn more about this groundbreaking research, please contact Olivier Bianchimani of Septentrion Environnement or Pierre Drap of LIS, CNRS.