The Bay of Biscay (BoB) is a hotspot of internal tide generation where internal solitary waves (ISW) are common phenomena. However, in situ observations of ISWs are relatively scarce off the shelf, and even more over the shelf. Because of the lack of relevant data, and the common use of hydrostatic hydrodynamic models over the BoB, ISWs have been neglected from all sediment dynamic studies in the region. However, ISWs could potentially be strong contributor during the summer time, as evidenced over other shelves worldwide. Therefore, a detailed assessment of the impact of internal tides and ISWs on sediment resuspension is needed to improve our understanding of the sediment dynamics in the BoB. In this context, the SOLIBOB study programme was set up in 2020. This programme benefits from the financial support of EC2CO, as well as the Scientific Direction of IFREMER, which is funding a PhD thesis within the framework of this programme. 

During the SOLIBOB 2021 cruise, two moorings were set up south of Belle-Ile along a cross-shore axis (30 and 50 m depth). The 2 moorings measured current (ADCP), temperature (MASTODON thermistors) and turbidity profiles during 1 month, and should allow to follow the temporal evolution of ISWs and their impact on sediment dynamics. MVP measurements (temperature, salinity) were also carried out during the first leg of the campaign to follow the propagation of ISWs between the two moorings.