Mission Plan
Mission Plan

Education
Education

Multibeam
Multibeam

Origin of Bermuda
Origin of Bermuda

Explorers
Explorers

 

Photo & Video Log

This page contains photos and videos regarding the Bermuda: Search for Deep Water Caves 2009 exploration, taking place this year from September 5 to September 30. Click on any image to view a larger version and for additional information. If a movie camera icon camera icon is present, a video can be viewed by clicking on the image. Multiple video formats are available on the linked pages. If a Podcast icon Podcast Icon is present, a video or audio file is available for download or you can subscribe to the RSS Podcast Feed. NOAA Podcast RSS 2.0 Feed

If a slideshow icon slideshow icon is present, a visual log of exploration images can be viewed. You can scroll through them one by one, or select the play button for an automatic slideshow.

(HR) = "High Resolution" images available.

camera icon Video & Slideshows

The ROV collects a rock sample in about a 60-meter (197-foot) depth and brings it to the surface for future analysis.

camera icon September 28 Log
The ROV collects a rock sample in about a 60-meter (197-foot) depth and brings it to the surface for future analysis.

R/V Endurance Captain, Tim Hasselbring, deploys the sea anchor off the bow to steady the boat for ROV operations.

camera icon September 25 Log
The R/V Endurance captain, Tim Hasselbring, deploys the sea anchor off the bow to steady the boat.

Highlight video of the Bermuda Search for Deep Water Caves 2009 expedition.

camera icon Bermuda Intro
Highlight video of the Bermuda: Search for Deep Water Caves 2009 expedition.

Watch a video explaining the formation of the caves in Bermuda.

camera icon Watch a video explaining the formation of the caves in Bermuda.

See a slideshow of the Bermuda: Search for Deep Water Caves 2009 Exploration's photos.

slideshow icon Mission Summary
See a slideshow of the Bermuda: Search for Deep Water Caves 2009 Exploration's photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images

Dr. Rikk Kvitek and graduate student Krystle Gomez prepare the ROV for deployment in the waters off the Bermuda Platform.

Mission Summary
Dr. Rikk Kvitek and graduate student Krystle Gomez prepare the ROV for deployment in the waters off the Bermuda Platform.

A potential deep water cave, initially pinpointed by sonar and then explored with the ROV.

Mission Summary
A potential deep-water cave, initially pinpointed by sonar and then explored with the ROV.

Dr. Tom Iliffe pays close attention as the ROV explores targets identified during the multi-beam survey as potential cave locations.

Mission Summary
Dr. Tom Iliffe pays close attention as the ROV explores targets identified as potential cave locations during the multibeam survey.

Colorful reef fish, as well as invasive Lionfish were present in deeper waters along the Bermuda Shelf.

Mission Summary
Colorful reef fish, as well as invasive lionfish, were present in deeper (about 80 meters) waters along the Bermuda Shelf.

Todd Hallenbeck focuses on the live video feed while piloting the ROV beneath the surface of Bermuda’s waters.

September 28 Log
Todd Hallenbeck focuses on the live video feed, while he pilots the ROV beneath the surface of Bermuda’s waters. (HR)

Colorful reef fish seen through the ROV's camera during a dive to explore for caves.

September 28 Log
Colorful reef fish as seen through the ROV's camera during a dive to explore for caves. (HR)

The underwater environment of Bermuda is anything but soft and flat.

September 28 Log
The underwater environment of Bermuda is anything but soft and flat. (HR)

 

 

 

 

 

The SeaBotix LBV ROV, used for exploration of potential underwater caves during the expedition.

September 25 Log
The SeaBotix LBV ROV is used for exploration of potential underwater caves during the expedition. (HR)

Kvitek and Krystle Gomez work together to position the acoustic transducer off the side of the boat.

September 25 Log
Dr. Rikk Kvitek and Krystle Gomez position the acoustic transducer off the side of the boat. (HR)

A wireless headset allows CSUMB graduate student, Krystle Gomez, working on the back deck to communicate with the ROV pilot.

September 25 Log
A wireless headset allows Krystle Gomez, working on the back deck, to communicate with the ROV pilot. (HR)

 

 

 

 

The wake of R/V Endurance leaving harbor in the early morning hours.

September 24 Log
The wake of R/V Endurance as it leaves harbor in the early morning hours. (HR)

The wreck of the HMS Vixen, sunk during World War II to block the channel into Hamilton (?) from German U-Boats.

September 24 Log
The wreck of the HMS Vixen, which was sunk during World War II to block the channel into Hamilton from German U-boats. (HR)

Flying fish are a common sight in the waters just outside Bermuda’s protective reef.

September 24 Log
Flying fish are a common sight in the waters just outside Bermuda’s protective reef. (HR)

 

Dr. Rikk Kvitek prepares to deploy the ROV with a clump weight attached to help it descend faster.

September 21 Log
Dr. Rikk Kvitek prepares to deploy the ROV with a clump weight attached to help it descend faster. (HR)

Todd Hallenbeck, Krystle Gomez and Alexis Hall work together to prepare the ROV for launch and exploration.

September 21 Log
Todd Hallenbeck, Krystle Gomez, and Alexis Hall prepare the ROV for launch and exploration. (HR)

 

 

CSUMB Graduate Student Katie Glitz installs computer platforms on the scientific lab tables inside the Endurance.

September 19 Log
CSUMB graduate student Katie Glitz installs computer platforms on the scientific lab tables inside the R/V Endurance. (HR)

The RESON multibeam sonar installed off the port side of the Endurance.

September 19 Log
The RESON multibeam sonar installed off the port side of the R/V Endurance. (HR)

The cabin of the Endurance before the expedition team installed its equipment.

September 19 Log
The cabin of the R/V Endurance before the expedition team installed its equipment. (HR)

The cabin with all the scientific equipment and computers installed and ready to explore.

September 19 Log
The cabin of the R/V Endurance with all the scientific equipment and computers installed and ready to explore! (HR)

 

Maps of Bermuda showing its location in the North Atlantic.

Origin of Bermuda
Maps of Bermuda showing its location in the North Atlantic. (HR)

Cross-sectional view across the Bermuda Pedestal showing the relationship between limestone and volcanic rocks.

Origin of Bermuda
The view across the Bermuda showing the relationship between limestone and volcanic rocks. (HR)

Divers swim between massive submerged stalagmites in Crystal Cave, Bermuda.

Origin of Bermuda
Divers swim between massive submerged stalagmites in Crystal Cave, Bermuda. (HR)

Simplified geological map of Bermuda showing the location for surface outcrops.

Origin of Bermuda
Simplified geological map of Bermuda showing the location for surface outcrops. (HR)

Water in inland tidal cave pools in Bermuda is brackish at the surface.

Origin of Bermuda
Water in inland tidal cave pools in Bermuda is brackish at the surface. (HR)

The crustacean order Mictacea is represented by only a single species, Mictocaris halop.

Origin of Bermuda
The crustacean order Mictacea is represented by only a single species, Mictocaris halop. (HR)

 

 

 

Multibeam sonar transducer.

Multibeam
Multibeam sonar transducer. (HR)

Multibeam sonar transducers deployed at the end of a pole secured alongside the boat.

Multibeam
Multibeam sonar transducers deployed at the end of a pole secured alongside the boat. (HR)

Use of multibeam sonar to map the seafloor.

Multibeam
Use of multibeam sonar to map the seafloor. (HR)

Multibeam image of a submarine landslide off the coast of Bermuda.

Multibeam
Multibeam image of a submarine landslide off the coast of Bermuda.(HR)

Multibeam bathymetric map of a section of the submerged cliff line surounding Bermuda at 100 m depths.

Multibeam
Multibeam bathymetric map of a section of the submerged cliff line surrounding Bermuda at 100 meter depth. (HR)

Multibeam image of the dredger King George that sunk in 1930 near North Rock, Bermuda.

Multibeam image of the dredger King George that sunk in 1930 near North Rock, Bermuda. (HR)

 

 

Prof. Tom Iliffe examines a large stalagmite in the North Shore Passage of Green Bay Cave, Bermuda.

Mission Plan
Tom Iliffe examines a large stalagmite in the North Shore Passage of Green Bay Cave, Bermuda. (HR)

Prof. Tom Iliffe, diving with a Megalodon closed circuit rebreather to collect small animals.

Mission Plan
Tom Iliffe dives with a Megalodon closed-circuit rebreather to collect small animals. (HR)

Ostracods are small, bivalve crustaceans that can inhabit underwater caves.

Mission Plan
Ostracods are small, bivalve crustaceans that can inhabit underwater caves. (HR)

Cave diver Brian Kakuk places a Doppler current meter in a submarine cave.

Cave diver Brian Kakuk places a Doppler current meter in a submarine cave. (HR)

 

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