About
Phreatic is a not-for-profit organization based in Cala Gonone (Sardinia, Italy), founded by a group of extreme environment explorers, scientists and researchers. We started our operations in 2014, in the Supramonte plateau and the Gulf of Orosei. We are mainly active in the Mediterranean basin and our projects cover an ever-growing spectrum of scientific subjects, such as environmental processes, geology, speleology, marine biology and conservation of delicate ecosystems, including: hypogene environments, groundwater resources, marine caves and their integration with coastal environment.
Mission
Explore, Know, Protect. Phreatic exists to advance knowledge about groundwater resources and marine caves, and to insure their protection and conservation.
Review our Project Report from 2024 to learn about our activities
Activities
Cave systems and aquifers are being damaged and destroyed because many people do not understand their value. Most of the coastal and marine areas in the Mediterranean Sea are affected by anthropogenic impact and for most of them there is scarce information; less than 7% of them are designated as Marine Protected Areas. Phreatic supports an ever-growing spectrum of projects aimed at increasing knowledge of these delicate environments and promoting public awareness about their importance.
Survey
Understanding caves and costal underwater environments requires mapping and surveying. We use both traditional techniques and new digital instruments to build digital cartography.
3D Model
Representing a cave in a 3D model is aesthetically very pleasing but generally not very accurate. We have introduced new techniques allowing a closer match, but especially we have developed tools and methodologies for underwater cave photogrammetry.
Sediment Analysis
Collecting samples and cores for researchers is a delicate task; not only it requires solid understanding of the specific techniques, but also communication between divers and researchers to ensure proper application and scientific method.
Exploration
Despite true cave exploration is a task that only few people can accomplish, we strongly believe in a team approach; this does not mean only pushing boundaries in a team comprising divers and non-divers alike, but also publishing the results and involving local communities.
Media
Photo and video experts have captured each and every operation run during the campaigns and we will continue to produce materials that document the work, but especially will allow the whole community to understand and appreciate the importance of citizen science and preservation of the environment.
Paleontology
Conservation and protection of palaeontological remains starts with survey and study in situ, using media documentation and detailed 3D models to allow researchers to get a good understanding and local communities to appreciate the resources of their own areas.
Citizen Science
We believe in the power of Citizen Science. Over the years, we gathered a lot of experience in coordinating groups of volunteers, working with professional scientists to achieve common goals. Large volunteer networks often allow scientists to accomplish tasks that would be too expensive or time-consuming to accomplish through other means.
Researchers collaborating with Phreatic can count on our network of volunteers, recruited to carry out specific tasks according to the project scope and ranging from experienced recreational and technical divers, cave divers and speleologists.
Mission
Get involved
Be a part of Phreatic, where we organize impactful projects and citizen science initiatives each year, open to volunteers from any country and diverse backgrounds. Contribute to solving environmental challenges and studying underwater caves. Contact us at info@phreatic.org to join the team or propose your project! Together, let’s make a difference and create a sustainable future.
Join an Existing Project: Contact us for the current project calendar and discover ongoing initiatives. Whether collecting data and surveying in the field or analyzing findings, there’s a place for you in our vibrant team.
Contact Us: If you’re excited about any projects or want more information, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@phreatic.org. We are here to answer your questions and guide you through becoming a Phreatic volunteer.
Propose Your Project: Are you brainstorming ideas for a citizen science project that aligns with our mission? Share your vision with us; together, we can explore the possibilities and make it happen.
Join Phreatic today and become part of a global movement that empowers individuals like you. Let’s embark on this exciting journey of discovery and scientific exploration together!
Diver
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University or school
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Organization
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