Mission map showing the operating areas, with priority areas outlined in black, for Leg 3 of Ocóano Profundo 2015. Map created with ESRI ArcMap software and data displayed is provided by ESRI, Delorme, GEBCO, USGS, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors. Download larger version (jpg, 1.4 MB).
Meet Andrea Quattrini (deep-sea biologist, U.S. Geological Survey), Mike Cheadle (geologist, University of Wyoming), and Brian Kennedy (NOAA ocean explorer and NOAA Corps officer). They are participating on an expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, conducting some of the first deepwater exploration ever in areas of the Caribbean, including the Puerto Rico Trench. As one of the deepest places in the ocean, the Puerto Rico Trench offers opportunities for cutting-edge exploration of some of the least-understood habitats on the planet.
They expect to encounter productive ecosystems with life specially adapted to the harsh conditions of the deep ocean. Additionally, information gathered will improve understanding of seismic interactions in a tectonically active part of the ocean and provided increased knowledge about deepwater fisheries.
During the expedition, they are using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore the seafloor. The video stream is being transmitted via satellite from the ship to shore, and is available LIVE online. This means that anyone, anywhere with an Internet connection can follow our discoveries as they happen.
They have all participated in numerous deep-ocean exploration missions. Join Andrea, Mike, and Brian on Reddit as they answer your questions about the Puerto Rico expedition or ocean exploration in general. "Ask them anything"!
When: April 16, 1:00 pm ET to 3:00 pm ET
Where: Reddit.com/r/Science/
