Follow along as participants in the cruise provide updates and reflections on their experiences, the science, the technology, and other elements of the expedition.
By Timothy M. Shank, Edward T. Baker, Robert W. Embley, Stephen Hammond, James F. Holden, Scott White, Sharon L. Walker, Miguel Calderón, Santiago Herrera, T. Jennifer Lin, Catriona Munro, Taylor Heyl, Lucy C. Stewart, Mashkoor Malik, Meme Lobecker, and Jeremy Potter
In June and July 2011, the GALREX 2011 expedition explored the diverse habitats and geologic settings of the deep Galápagos region, including axial volcanic ridges, hydrothermal vents, off-axis sulfide mounds, and seamounts. The discovery of deep-sea hydrothermal vents and associated organisms on the Galápagos Rift (GR) in 1977 profoundly changed our view of the deep-sea and revolutionized the biological and Earth sciences.
Read moreJuly 24, 2011 | By Taylor Heyl, Santiago Herrera, Catriona Munro, and Tim Shank
Typical when exploring unknown areas of the deep-ocean, feelings of great anticipation that we would discover something that could fundamentally change the way we think about deep-ocean geology and biology flooded our thoughts.
Read moreJuly 22, 2011 | By Coquille Rex
This experience at the Hatfield Marine Science Center has truly opened up a whole new world to me; it has been interactive, fast-paced, hands-on learning.
Read moreJuly 20, 2011 | By Jim Holden
During our third ROV dive on the Galápagos Rift, while searching for active hydrothermal vents, we experienced a strong signal in Seirios’ sonar.
Read moreJuly 19, 2011 | By Elaine Stuart and Mashkoor Malik
The data the Multibeam EM302 system on board the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer collects consists of bathymetry and backscatter; both are valuable in understanding the seafloor structure.
Read moreJuly 18, 2011 | By Bob Embley
We know when and where most of the volcanic eruptions have been on the Earth’s land surface for the past several decades.
Read moreJuly 17, 2011 | By James Connors
As children, we all heard the adage “where there’s smoke, there’s fire”, whether in the context of actual fire, or used metaphorically to describe some event that seems to always be causally connected to another.
Read moreJuly 16, 2011 | By Colleen Peters
NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer departed Rodman, Panama on August 2nd, beginning her transit to the Mid-Cayman Rise, where a team of scientists will use advanced technologies to explore the region from August 5 - 15th.
Read moreJuly 14, 2011 | By Catriona Munro, Santiago Herrera, and Taylor Heyl Muric
This expedition’s inaugural dive was on the Paramount Seamount, an underwater mountain with a summit less than 300m below the sea surface.
Read moreJuly 13, 2011 | By James Connors
Despite the great advice given from many in the office about what to expect as web coordinator, no one could have prepared me for the marathon first day of ROV operations.
Read moreJuly 11, 2011 | By Jeremy Potter
I have a nasty habit of incessantly checking my BlackBerry when I’m preoccupied with something at work.
Read moreJuly 8, 2011 | By Jeremy Potter
Where is the ship going to be in 2011?
Read moreBy Ed Baker and Meme Lobecker
Scientists were stunned by the discovery of hydrothermal venting and strange biology on the Galápagos Rift in 1977.
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