NAI
2006 Annual Science Report
University of Hawaii, Manoa
Reporting | JUL 2005 – JUN 2006
Rapid Response to Remotely Detected Seafloor Eruptions
Project Summary
May 2006 – Geophysicists aboard R/V Knorr during a recent cruise to the East Pacific Rise at 9° 51’ N suspected that a recent eruption may have occurred during attempted recovery of ocean bottom seismometers (OBS)
Project Progress
May 2006 – Geophysicists aboard R/V Knorr during a recent cruise to the East Pacific Rise at 9° 51’ N suspected that a recent eruption may have occurred during attempted recovery of ocean bottom seismometers (OBS). After failed attempts to recover and/or communicate with the OBSs, water column profiles using in situ temperature and turbidity sensors suggested that the hydrothermal flux of the region was different than previously observed. Subsequently, Jim Cowen acted as chief scientist for a response cruise to intensely map and characterize the current hydrothermal plumes. CTD tow-yos and vertical casts yielded a suite of in situ data (including voltammetry) and discrete samples that, together with a TowCam sled (WHOI), have confirmed the suspicion that a large-scale eruption took place at the hydrothermal ridge. New seeps and microbial communities were observed. Physical and chemical in situ data, as well as a suite of geochemical analyses on discrete samples, are currently being processed.
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PROJECT INVESTIGATORS:
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PROJECT MEMBERS:
Brian Glazer
Co-Investigator
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RELATED OBJECTIVES:
Objective 5.1
Environment-dependent, molecular evolution in microorganisms
Objective 5.2
Co-evolution of microbial communities
Objective 5.3
Biochemical adaptation to extreme environments
Objective 6.1
Environmental changes and the cycling of elements by the biota, communities, and ecosystems
