Image and Video Gallery: 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones: New England and Corner Rise Seamounts: NOAA Ocean Exploration

Summary Map

2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones: New England and Corner Rise Seamounts (EX-21-04) expedition map with dive sites.

Happy Anniversary Northeast Monument

September 15, 2021, marks the five-year anniversary of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.

U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center researcher Kira Mizell talks about the discovery of a ferromanganese nodule field on a seamount deep in the North Atlantic Ocean during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Discovery of a Ferromanganese Nodule Field

Kira Mizell talks about the discovery of a ferromanganese nodule field on a seamount deep in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Abyssal Plain Nodules

Abyssal plain nodules from the central Pacific Ocean.

Nodules Collected from Seamounts

Ferromanganese nodules collected from seamounts in the Pacific Ocean.

Field of Ferromanganese Nodules

An extensive field of ferromanganese nodules, often interspersed with wide patches of ripple-ornamented sediment.

Crab with Coral on its Back

A Parapagurus sp. crab with a coral in the genus Epizoanthus on its back makes its way across a field of ferromanganese nodules.

This beautiful red jellyfish in the genus may be an undescribed species.

Red Jellyfish Video

This beautiful red jellyfish in the genus Poralia may be an undescribed species.

Annotating Organisms

Quinn Girasek at her monitors annotating organisms.

Comb Jelly

Scientists were able to identify this undescribed ctenophore, or comb jelly, as belonging to the order Cydippida.

Red Ctenophore

This red ctenophore in the genus Vampyroctena was seen at a depth of 700 meters (2,297 feet).

Solmissus

This jellyfish in the genus Solmissus was collected during Dive 20 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition at a depth of 900 meters (2,953 feet).

Dive 19 GFOE Highlight: Caught Red Handed

During Dive 19 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones, scientists were surprised to see this sea urchin.

Dive 19 GFOE Highlight: Protected Oasis

Dive 19 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition took place on one of the prominent pinnacles of Retriever Seamount.

A Hungry Sea Star

During Dive 11 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expeditions, scientists observed this sea star, Sthenaster emmae, feeding on a whip coral.

Spongebob and Patrick

Video of a yellow sponge (genus Hertwigia) and pink sea star (genus Chondraster)

On Dive 20, the last dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, while exploring the water column above Hydrographer Canyon, we encountered this helmet jellyfish during our midwater transect at a depth of 700 meters (2,297 feet).

Helmet Jellyfish

On Dive 20, while exploring the water column above Hydrographer Canyon, we encountered this helmet jellyfish during our midwater transect at a depth of 700 meters (2,297 feet).

Bathocyroe fosteri Ctenophore

Bathocyroe fosteri ctenophores were the most frequently observed organisms during Dive 20 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Red Jellyfish in the Genus Poralia

This beautiful red jellyfish in the genus Poralia may be an undescribed species.

Physonect Siphonophore

While exploring the water column during the 700-meter (2,297-foot) transect of Dive 20 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we imaged this physonect siphonophore.

Bathocyroe fosteri Ctenophore

Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration ROV pilots deftly maneuver to collect a potential new species of jellyfish during the 1200-meter (3,937-foot) dive transect.

Larvacean House

A close look at a larvacean house, seen during the 1200-meter (3,937-foot) water column transect of Dive 20 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Juvenile Rattail Fish

Towards the end of the 700-meter (2,297-foot) water column transect, we saw this juvenile rattail fish in the family Macrouridae.

Bathymetry

Bathymetry collected during the transit from the site of Dive 01 to Dive 02 of the expedition.

Example of Sub-bottom Profiler Data

Sub-bottom profiler data collected from the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in between the first and second dives of the expedition.

Sediment Layers Seen in Sub-bottom Profiler Data

Sediment layers seen in the sub-bottom profiler data collected from the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in between the first and second dives of the expedition.

Buried Volcanic Ridges

Sub-bottom profiler data of sediment layers adjacent to exposed and buried volcanic ridges collected from the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Viperfish

This viperfish was imaged during the 700-meter (2,297-foot) transect to explore the water column above Hydrographer Canyon during Dive 20.

Iridigorgia

The beautiful and characteristic spiral shape of the octocoral, Iridigorgia is often a favorite! This soft coral was imaged during Dive 11 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Iridiogorgia fontanalis Next to Acanella arbuscula Bamboo Coral

Seen during Dive 09 of the expedition near the upper summit of a carbonate platform on Yakatut Seamount, this was only the second time this species of Iridiogorgia has ever been observed!

Images from Marcel’s Time on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

A compilation of images from Marcel’s time on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

High-diversity Coral Environment

High-diversity coral environments were found throughout Dive 19, particularly on areas with displaced ferromanganese-encrusted boulders and lobate and pillow lava outcrops.

Spiral Iridigorgia Coral Covered in Crinoids

This spiral Iridigorgia coral, seen during Dive 19 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, was covered in crinoids, an unusual observation.

Scattered Rock Debris

Towards the end of Dive 19 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we continued to observe the scattered rock debris sitting on the lobate and pillow lava outcrops that we’d seen earlier.

Large Bubblegum Coral

This large bubblegum coral (Paragorgia arborea) was observed during Dive 19 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Based on published radial growth rates for this species, this colony is approximately 100 years old!

Gadiform Fish

This gadiform fish in the genus Lepidion was one of several species of fish observed during Dive 19.

Sea Urchin

This sea urchin in the genus Echinus was observed to have seemingly eaten over half of a bamboo whip coral.

Colony of Bamboo Coral on Mytilus Seamount

A colony of bamboo coral with crinoids on Mytilus Seamount, which is within both the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument and the Georges Bank Deep-Sea Coral Protected Area.

Discarded Fishing Gear

Discarded fishing gear caught on stony corals on Manning Seamount—part of the New England Seamount Chain.

CCollecting Glass Sponge Sample

The robotic arm of remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer collects a glass sponge off the rocky slope of the Rockaway Seamount on July 8, 2021.

Large Boulder Covered in Bamboo Corals

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Seafloor Data Map

Overview of seafloor data collected during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones: New England and Corner Rise Seamounts expedition (rainbow gradient), overlaid on the previously collected bathymetry data (blue gradient).

Dive Planning Products

Dive planning products for Michael Seamount: bathymetry (left), slope (mid), backscatter (right).

Data Comparison

Pre-existing data (left) compared to newly collected bathymetry data (right).

New Bathymetry Data

New bathymetry data of the New England Seamounts collected with the EM 304 MK II variant.

Cloud Mapping Diagram

A diagram depicting how data is transferred from ship to team members working remotely.

Seafloor Bathymetry Data

Seafloor data from the depths of the Atlantic to my home computer in California, delivered in near real time.

Dolphins at Sea and a Dog at Home

Dolphins at the bow versus my dog napping on the floor. One more spectacular than the other, but both undoubtedly cute.

During Dive 18 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we observed more than five rare rock pens, despite being on the seafloor for less than an hour. It has been confirmed that these observations, made at a depth of 3,790 meters (12,434 feet) depth, represent the deepest-known record for rock pens in the Atlantic. The rock pens were also an unknown species, though unfortunately we were not able to collect one for further analysis.

Deepest Record

During Dive 18, we observed more than five rare rock pens. It has been confirmed that these observations represent the deepest-known record for rock pens in the Atlantic.

Bamboo Coral

A close look at a bamboo coral seen at 3,787 meters (12,425 feet) depth, note that some of the individual coral polyps are partially open, while others are closed.

Displaced Boulder

We saw several of these large displaced boulders during the dive, suggesting that the slope above the dive transect may be significantly unstable.

Rock Pen

Rock pens were abundant on Dive 18 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, with more than five being seen during our short time on the seafloor.

Grenadier Fish

This grenadier fish was seen swimming above the seafloor of “Asterina” Seamount at a depth of 3,790 meters (12,434 feet).

At a depth of approximately 1,700 meters (5,577 feet), Dive 17 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition was one of the shallowest dives we conducted, and we were not disappointed by the diversity and density of life we encountered. Corals in particular were well represented, with many species of large corals growing on larger ferromanganese nodules.

A Coral Garden

Dive 17 was one of the shallowest dives we conducted, and we were not disappointed by the diversity and density of life we encountered.

Paragorgia Bubblegum Corals with Encrusting Zoanthids

During Dive 17 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones, we saw several Paragorgia bubblegum corals with encrusting zoanthids (in yellow in this image).

Field of Ferromanganese Nodules

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer traverses over an extensive field of ferromanganese nodules that formed the bulk of the hard seafloor substrate for much of Dive 17 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Chimaera Rabbit Fish

This chimaera rabbit fish paid us a visit during Dive 17 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Purple Sea Cucumber

A purple sea cucumber seen on the seafloor surrounded by brittle stars.

Wide Patches of Ripple-ornamented Sediment

We encountered these alternating wide patches of ripple-ornamented sediment with pteropod tests and ferromanganese chips accumulating on the side of the ripple facing the current and pavement with ferromanganese-coated cobbles, boulders, and nodules.

Doing What They Do

During Dive 16 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we observed several sea stars, including some actively feeding on other organisms.

Field of Ferromanganese Nodules

Upon arrival on the seafloor at Gosnold Seamount on Dive 16 of the North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we came across an extensive field of ferromanganese nodules that continued the entire length of the bottom transect.

Rosellid “Mushroom” Sponges

As we moved upslope during Dive 16 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition and began to encounter larger ferromanganese boulders mixed with smaller nodules, we saw several of these larger rosellid “mushroom” sponges.

Collecting a Ferromanganese-coated Cobble

A ferromanganese-coated cobble more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter was collected during Dive 16 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Cutthroat Eel

Several of these cutthroat eels in the family Synaphobranchidae were present along the track for Dive 16 and may represent range extensions and deepest depths for some of the species once identified.

Parapagurus sp. Crab with Coral in the Genus Epizoanthus on its Back

These Parapagurus sp. crabs with corals in the genus Epizoanthus on their backs were seen throughout Dive 16 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Jellyfish in the Genus Ptychogastria

This benthopelagic jellyfish in the genus Ptychogastria was observed at a depth of 3,170 meters (10,400 feet) during Dive 16 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. This was one of several of these beautiful little animals seen during the dive.

Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument Map

The monument is in two units: one on the continental shelf with canyons and one in the open ocean with seamounts.

Brittany Petersen

Brittany Petersen, superintendent of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, finds wonder in all things wild.

Whales

The monument is a haven for marine mammals, like these whales.

Deep-sea Coral

Tall, thin, deep-sea corals form a forest in the monument.

Fishing for Marlin

Fishermen pull in a marlin.

Pink Coral

Can this coral cure cancer?

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer will visit the monument to explore with submersibles in July.

Given the depth of Dive 15 of the 2012 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, down to 3,400 meters (11,155 feet), scientists didn’t expect to find much life... they were pleasantly surprised by the bountiful life that Allegheny Seamount revealed.

Life Two Miles Down

Given the depth of Dive 15, down to 3,400 meters (11,155 feet), scientists didn’t expect to find much life... they were pleasantly surprised by the bountiful life that Allegheny Seamount revealed.

Cerianthid Anemone

A few cerianthid anemones were seen on Dive 15 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. This particular cerianthid was seen at 3,440 meters (11,286 feet) depth and likely represents an unknown species!

Bamboo Coral

These corals have an opaque and milky appearance from a distance, due to very small calcareous sclerites (hardened parts of the coral body) that reflect light.

Ctenophore

This beautiful ctenophore was observed during Dive 15 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Sea Cucumber

This sea cucumber was observed at 3,385 meters (11,106 feet) depth during Dive 15 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Flow Layers Rich with Biodiversity

We came across these dipping sheet flow layers rich with biodiversity towards the end of Dive 15 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Onboard and Onshore Teams Processing a Brittle Star Sample

The onboard ship team works with the onshore data sample managers to process a small brittle star that was collected during Dive 09 of the 2021 ROV Shakedown.

Collecting a Rock Sample

This rock sample was collected at a depth of 4,170 meters (13,681 feet) while exploring Rockaway Seamount.

Processing an Octocoral Sample

During exploration of MacGregor Seamount on Dive 08 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, the team collected a small piece of an octocoral in the family Plexauridae that may be a new species.

Collecting a Bamboo Coral Sample

The manipulator arm of remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer is used to clip a branch off a bamboo coral during Dive 02 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. A small anemone was observed living on the coral, causing the coral to create small, basket-like branches around the anemone. The collected sample, once processed and made available to scientists, may help scientists better understand the relationship between the anemone and its coral host.

High Seas

Unfortunately, 25-knot winds and sustained swells resulted in the dive on July 21 being cancelled. As weather allows, the team will continue with mapping objectives and keep an eye out for the next available dive day.

“Seven” Seamount was explored on Dive 14 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. The team nicknamed the seamount “Seven” because it was the seventh seamount of the expedition that had not previously been mapped or visually surveyed. As the first “eyes on the ground” at these seamounts, we are seeing things no person has ever seen before and increasing our understanding of our largely unknown ocean.

Eyes on the Ground

The team nicknamed the seamount “Seven” because it was the seventh seamount of the expedition that had not previously been mapped or visually surveyed. As the first “eyes on the ground” at these seamounts, we are seeing things no person has ever seen before and increasing our understanding of our largely unknown ocean.

Shrimp

This shrimp was seen swimming in the water column at a depth of 2,130 meters (6,990 feet).

Metallogorgia sp.

This is a mature Metallogorgia sp. as indicated by the single stalk and the living polyps at the top, forming an umbrella-like structure.

Pteraster sp.

This slime star was measured to be over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in size and was observed at 2,133 meters (6,998 feet). Slime stars are recognizable by having a central opening with an outer covering.

Sediment-filled Collapsed Pillow

Progressing upslope from the landing area, we encountered a sediment-filled collapsed pillow, which was one of just a few “outcrops” on the broad low-relief pavement.

Candelabra Bamboo Coral

This particular bamboo coral has a distinct candelabra shape and was seen at 2,065 meters (6,775 feet).

Sponges Encrusted on Pillow Lava

Dive 14 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition was dominated by sponges encrusting the sides of pillow lava rocks, both dead (brown) and live (white).

Bloody Belly Ctenophore

A ctenophore seen during Dive 04 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

The Oreo Fish

This oreo fish was seen during Dive 09 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Oreo Fish

We saw several oreo fish during our dives on the Corner Rise Seamounts. This one was imaged at 1,208 meters (3,963 feet) during Dive 11 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

During Dive 13 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, this dandelion siphonophore was seen at a depth of 2,447 meters (8,028 feet). Dandelion siphonophores are unusual and unique siphonophores because they anchor themselves to the seafloor using their tentacles. In this video, you can see the multiple threads attaching the animal to the seafloor and it appears to be potentially throwing out more threads or spawning.

Deep-sea Dandelion

Dandelion siphonophores are unusual and unique siphonophores because they anchor themselves to the seafloor using their tentacles.

Cusk Eel

Several large igneous boulders covered in bamboo corals were encountered midway through Dive 13 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Fallen Slabs

Several of these flat-topped slabs were observed near the beginning of Dive 13 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. They appeared to have detached from the upper summit of the seamount and fallen intact downslope along with sediments.

Sea Spider Feeding on Coral

This large pycnogonid, or sea spider, was observed feeding on a coral during Dive 13 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition at a depth of 2,375 meters (7,792 feet).

Sea Toad

This cute little coffinfish or sea toad in the anglerfish family Chaunacidae was seen at a depth of 2,362 meters (7,749 feet) during Dive 13 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Coral with Entwined Snake Star

Near the end of Dive 13 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we encountered this mature coral (Metallagorgia sp.) with a snake star deeply entwined within the center of its branches.

Slime Star

This slime star was seen opening then closing its osculum, which is the central hole visible on the sea star that allows water to come in and out in much the same way a fish flushes water over its gills.

Cusk Eel

This cusk eel in the family Ophidiidae was seen at a depth of 2,782 meters (9,127 feet).

Cusk Eel

During Dive 12, we had a close encounter with this cusk eel.

Slit Limpet

During Dive 12 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we observed this slit limpet, a kind of sea snail, actively eating away the surface of a rock.

A Great (Little) Discovery

This slime star was seen opening then closing its osculum, which is the central hole visible on the sea star that allows water to come in and out in much the same way a fish flushes water over its gills.

Primnoid Coral Colony with Brittle Stars

This large primnoid coral colony with several brittle stars entwined in its upper branches was observed during Dive 12 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Bouldered Terrain

After landing on rippled sediment, the remotely operated vehicles moved towards a steep slope, along the way encountering a large boulder field that looked to be the result of mass wasting of igneous rocks from above.

Venus Flytrap Anemone

This beautiful Venus flytrap anemone was observed perched high on the branches of a bamboo coral at a depth of 2,766 meters (9,075 feet).

Slime Star

It’s not hard to see why this rather fuzzy-looking slime star belongs to the phylum Echinodermata, which literally means “spiny skin.”

A Strange Squid

At the start of Dive 02 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we imaged this small squid, which was originally thought to have been a juvenile giant squid, but is actually likely another squid in a related family.

A Dumbo Dive

During Dive 07, we had our first octopod sighting of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition — a dumbo!

Dumbo Octopod

During 2014 exploration of the main edifice of the Atlantis II Seamounts group, we saw this dumbo octopod.

Multibeam Bathymetry of Rockaway Seamount

Multibeam bathymetry showing a perspective view of Rockaway Seamount (looking north), which was explored during Dive 05 of the expedition.

Collecting a Rock Sample

This rock sample was collected during Dive 09 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition dive on Yakutat Seamount.

Magnified Image of a Rock Sample

A magnified image of the nummulite agglomeration sample collected during Dive 09 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Multispecies Coral Garden

A multispecies coral garden, shown here on an outcrop ledge, was discovered during Dive 11 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Bathymetric Data Collected Around the Corner Rise Seamounts

Map showing the bathymetric data collected around the Corner Rise Seamounts during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Much of this area had not been mapped at all prior to the expedition, and in addition to providing critical information needed to successfully plan expedition dives, this mapping data contributes to our overall understanding of the seafloor.

Bubble-like Landscape

The bubble-like landscape imaged during Dive 06 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition dive on Castle Rock Seamount.

Crinoids Living on Octocoral

Several crinoids were seen living in the branches of a primnoid octocoral during Dive 08 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Coral Garden

During Dive 11 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we discovered what is defined by the Oslo/Paris Convention as a multispecies coral garden. This image shows part of the large area of coral garden habitat on top of a ledge outcrop.

Sediment Ripples

Upon reaching seafloor of Caloosahatchee Seamount on Dive 11 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, large sediment ripples were observed.

Chaceon Crab

We observed larger scar marks that were likely feeding holds for fish and/or Chaceon crabs — like the one pictured here.

Viperfish

Dive 11 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition was particularly abundant for fish species, with multiple oreo fish, black dogfish, Codling, lanternfish, a snubnose spiny eel, and, at the very end of the dive, this midwater viperfish with an impressive set of chompers.

Crinoid on Glass Vase Sponge

This glass vase sponge was seen providing a home for a beautiful crinoid at a depth of 1,240 meters (4,068 feet).

Glacial Dropstone

Glacial dropstones of various sizes were observed sporadically throughout Dive 11 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. This particular dropstone lends its dark appearance to a ferromanganese coating.

Deep Discoverer Imaging Wall Feature

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer images the impressive wall feature explored during Dive 10 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Potentially New Species of Sea Star

During Dive 10 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we collected this potentially new species of sea star within the genus Lophaster. We saw another similar sea star later in the dive.

Black Coral Inside Collapsed Pillow Lava

A small black coral can be seen making a home on the underside of this very large, collapsed pillow lava structure.

Coral Structure

A close look at the backside structure of a coral in the genus Enallopsammia. A feature of these kinds of corals is that all of the individual coral polyps face in one direction, likely into the current to catch food floating by. At the base of the wall explored during Dive 10 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we also saw black corals in the genera Bathypathes and Stauropathes, Acanella bamboo corals, and Chrysogorgia and Anthomastus soft corals.

Rattail

This rattail (Coryphaenoides carapinus) was observed at a depth of 1,915 meters (6,283 feet) during exploration of Yakatut Seamount on Dive 10 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. These fish are known to eat brittle stars, of which we saw quite a few dotting the coral rubble on the seafloor.

Nemertean Worm

This deep-sea nemertean worm was seen during Dive 09 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. These worms have the ability to produce a slippery mucus to help them navigate across the seafloor... and also makes them more difficult to catch!

Eelpout

This eelpout in the ray-finned fish family Zoarcidae was spotted slowly swimming through the water column just above the seafloor at a depth of approximately 1,350 meters (4,430 feet) during exploration of Yakutat Seamount.

Purple Octocoral

This unusual purple octocoral in the family Plexauridae was observed at a depth of 1,368 meters (4,488 feet) during Dive 09 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Unknown “Finger Sponge”

Throughout the ninth dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we saw this unknown “finger sponge” in high-density patches. The white sponge was often covered in a yellow encrusting sponge.

Carbonate Rock Sample

An impressively thick sample of in-place carbonate rock was collected during Dive 09 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition (note the two red dots, which are lasers spaced 10 centimeters (4 inches) apart).

Urchin of the Genus Pentametrocrinus

A close look at the spiky spines of an urchin of the genus Pentametrocrinus, seen during the ninth dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition at a depth of 1,254 meters (4,115).

Spiraled Coral Alongside Bamboo Coral

A spiraled Irridiogorgia fontanalis coral, only the second of this species ever observed, alongside an Acanella arbuscula bamboo coral.

Goniasterid Sea Star

This hefty goniasterid sea star measured over 10 centimeters (4 inches) across. It was one of several sea stars seen during Dive 09 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Cerianthid Anemone

Cerianthid or tube anemones, belonging to the subclass Ceriantharia, are rather distant relatives of sea anemones. All tube anemones have a quite uniform appearance, with an elongated body and two crowns of non-branched tentacles.

What Could Have Formed This?

During our exploration of MacGregor Seamount on the eighth dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we explored along the face of a near-vertical wall that may have been the remnants of an old volcanic cone that has since been eroded away.

Sponge Garden

During Dive 08 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we observed a large and extensive sponge garden at the top of a carbonate reef platform, alongside reef-building hard corals and associated fauna.

Crinoids Living on Octocoral

Several crinoids were seen living in the branches of a primnoid octocoral during Dive 08 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Deep Discoverer Traverses a Steep Wall

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer traverses the steep wall of the paleo-reef structure explored during the eighth dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Oreo Fish

Oreo fish, also known as false boarfish, were seen throughout Dive 08 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Shrimp in the Genus Heterocarpus

This shrimp in the genus Heterocarpus measured over 10 centimeters (4 inches) long.

Collecting a Carbonate Sample

At the base of the wall feature explored during Dive 08 of the expedition where the slope was steepening, sedimentary rocks were exposed that appeared to be carbonate conglomerate with ferromanganese coatings. A loose sample of this carbonate material was sampled.

Tiny Red Jelly

This tiny red jellyfish in the class Scyphozoa was seen just above the seafloor during exploration of “Corner Rise 1” Seamount on Dive 07 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Hydroid

This beautiful solitary hydroid in the family Corymorphidae was imaged at a depth of 2,563 meters (8,409 feet) during Dive 07 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Solitary Hydroid

This beautiful solitary hydroid in the family Corymorphidae was imaged at a depth of 2,563 meters (8,409 feet) during Dive 07 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Black Coral

Black coral in the genus Bathypathes, shown in this image, was the most abundant coral seen during Dive 07 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Cup Coral Fossils

A large outcrop of cup coral (Desmophyllum dianthus) fossils, covered in live sponges and bamboo corals, was seen during the seventh dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Octopod

During Dive 07, we had our first octopod sighting of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Deep Discoverer Traversing Block of “Corner Rise 1” Seamount

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer traversed a large, seemingly intact block of the flank of “Corner Rise 1” Seamount.

Brisingid Sea Star and a White Echinoid Urchin

A brisingid sea star in the process of regrowing some of its arms and a white echinoid urchin seen at 2,586 meters (8,484 feet) depth during exploration of “Corner Rise 1” Seamount.

Major Spirals

Few corals are as recognizable as the beautifully spiral-shaped octocorals in the genus Iridogorgia.

Organisms Living on a Sponge Skeleton

A brisingid sea star, several crinoids, a coral, and other organisms were seen living on a dead sponge skeleton during Dive 06 of the expedition.

Brittle Star Living on Coral

A brittle star (Ophiocreas sp.) clings to the branches of a beautiful, umbrella-like Metallogorgia coral.

Sponge Belonging to the Genus Polymastia

Although not as plentiful as they were on Dive 05 of the expedition, sponges were fairly well presented during the sixth dive.

Stalked Crinoids Living on Pillow Lava

Pillow lava formations with sediment ponds were abundant on Dive 06 of the expedition, and they were often covered in fields of stalked crinoids.

Octocoral, Iridogorgia magnispiralis

This image shows the beautiful and characteristic spiral shape of the appropriately named octocoral, Iridogorgia magnispiralis. Dive 06 marked our first sighting of this species during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Yellow Stalked Crinoid

A close look at a yellow stalked crinoid. In addition to yellow crinoids, we also saw red and white (both stalked and unstalked) crinoids during Dive 06 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

The Green Bomber

During Dive 05 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones, we encountered this worm in the genus Swima — a rather descriptive name given that we saw it swimming in the water column!

“Water Walker” Isopod

A “water walker” isopod, in the family Munnopsidae, drifts slowly to the seafloor. was seen at a depth of 4,113 meters (2.6 miles) while exploring Rockaway Seamount on the fifth dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Deep Discoverer Over Rocks

The lights of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Deep Discoverer shine down on a rock outcrop during Dive 05 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Hexactinellid Glass Sponge

This hexactinellid glass sponge with several siliceous, fibrous rays attaching it to the seafloor was seen at a depth of approximately 4,140 meters (2.6 miles).

“Water Walker” Isopod

This “water walker” isopod, in the family Munnopsidae, was one of several swimming invertebrates seen during the dive.

Rock Debris Flow Channel

Near the end of the fifth dive of the expedition, we saw this rock debris flow channel and possible rock dam.

Bamboo Coral

We collected a sample of this bamboo coral from the genus Bathygorgia shortly after the start of Dive 05 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition at 4,165 meters (2.6 miles) depth. It set a potential new depth record for this genus and may also be a new species.

Squat Lobster

Throughout Dive 05 of the expedition, we observed several of these squat lobsters in the genus Munidopsis on the faces of rocks and not in their more common association with sponges or corals.

Ribbon Worm

This ribbon worm was seen swimming in the water column at a depth of 2,330 meters (1.45 miles) during the fourth dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Scientists were surprised to see it so far off the seafloor.

Cliff Face Covered in Sponges

We saw many scenes like this one during the fourth dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, with a cliff face covered in both living and dead sponges.

Unidentified Crinoid

Our on-shore science team was not able to identify this dark red stalked crinoid, seen during Dive 04 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition at 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) depth.

Chrysogorgia Coral with Squat Lobster

During Dive 04 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, corals in the genus Chrysogorgia were commonly seen with squat lobster associates.

Collecting a Rock Sample

This rock sample was collected during the fourth dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition from a sedimentrock pavement.

Octocoral with Brittle Stars

The branches of this primnoid octocoral supported several beautiful brittle stars.

Glass Sponge

This image provides a close-up view of the barrel of a hexactinellid glass sponge.

Cliff Covered in Sponges

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer images one of the very large glass trumpet-shaped sponges we saw during the dive; for reference, Deep Discoverer is 2.7 meters (9 feet) tall!

Diverse Deep-sea Corals

An example of an area of diverse deep-sea corals on the Atlantis II seamount complex.

Deep-sea Coral Larvae

Larvae of the deep-sea coral Flabellum thouarsii from Antarctica.

A Fusion of Adjacent Spicules

"While exploring “Hopscotch” Seamount during Dive 03 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we encountered several of these rather large glass sponges.

Hermit Crab

This hermit crab was on the move! It was spotted crawling over a sea star in the genus Henricia.

Deep Discoverer Imaging Large Glass Sponge

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer images one of the very large glass trumpet-shaped sponges we saw during the dive; for reference, Deep Discoverer is 2.7 meters (9 feet) tall!

Anemone Living on Bamboo Coral

Note how the branching pattern of this bamboo coral near the center of the image is different from elsewhere on the coral. This is due to a small anemone living on the coral, causing the coral to create small, basket-like branches around the anemone.

Pillow Lava

Much of the seafloor during the middle part of the third dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition was dominated by these impressive pillow lavas with extensively developed botryoidal (or bubbly, grape-shaped) ferromanganese crust textures.

Hydroid Attached to a Dead Coral Stalk

This delicate hydroid was one of many observed attached to a dead coral stalk at a depth of 2,616 meters (8,583 feet) while exploring “Hopscotch” Seamount during Dive 03 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Belonging to the class Hydrozoa, hydroids are cnidarians, related to corals, sea anemones, and jellies.

Glass Sponge

A glass sponge seen attached to a rocky wall.

Boulder Covered in Life

This rock has multiple species of coral and sponges associated with it.

Bamboo Corals (family Isididae)

Bamboo corals were the most frequently observed corals throughout the second dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Sea Anemone

This beautiful sea anemone was seen during Dive 02 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Very little is known about this animal—it is likely an unknown species, genus, and even family.

Colony of Yellow Zoanthid Polyps

This colony of yellow zoanthid polyps overgrowing a bamboo coral skeleton was seen at 2,775 meters (9,104 feet) depth on Congress Seamount during the second dive of the expedition.

Deep Discoverer Traverses Over Rock Debris

In this image, remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer traverses over an apron of rock debris. Sediment cover here was thin and primarily limited to spaces between rocks, suggesting a geologically dynamic environment.

Small Squid

Within a few minutes after reaching the seafloor at the start of Dive 02 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we imagined this small squid.

Sea Star Perch

A beautiful brisingid sea star sits at the very top of a bamboo coral, taking advantage of the perch off the seafloor for better feeding opportunities.

Sea Spider

This sea spider, or pycnogonid, was observed crawling up a colony of bamboo coral overgrown by yellow zoanthids at 2,623 meters (8,605 feet) depth.

Multibeam Data

The multibeam data displayed in this image was collected and processed by the NOAA Ocean Exploration mapping team just hours before Dive 01.

Bamboo Coral

A close look at a bamboo coral in the family Isididae with an associated barnacle, seen at 2,530 meters (8,300 feet) depth.

Geological Sample

A close look at a geological sample collected during Dive 01 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition.

Sea Star Feeding

During the first dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, we saw this goniasterid sea star feeding on a predatory sponge in the family Cladorhizidae, a behavior that none of our participating scientists had previously observed.

Live Community Near Ferromanganese Coating

These live corals and sponges were frequently seen in conjunction with dead coral and sponge stalks that were covered in a ferromanganese coating.

Sponge

Sponges were well represented during the first dive of the expedition, including this large, plate-like demosponge seen at 2,423 meters (7,950 feet) depth that may represent a potential species range extension.

Anthomastus Soft Coral

This colorful Anthomastus soft coral was observed at a depth of 2,550 meters (8,366 feet) during Dive 01.

All New Exploration

During the first dive of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones, we explored a seamount that had not been mapped, much less visually surveyed, making the dive a true exploration endeavor.

Facebook Live Event

On July 1, 2021, members of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition team, including Kasey Cantwell, Rhian Waller, and Chris Ritter, participated in a Facebook Live event.

Sargassum

Sargassum is a genus of large brown seaweed (a type of algae) that floats in island-like masses.

The Sargasso Sea Map

The Sargasso Sea, located entirely within the Atlantic Ocean, is the only sea without a land boundary, being instead defined by currents.

William Beebe Exits His Bathysphere

William Beebe exits his bathysphere—head first!—after a dive.

Bathysphere Painting

A painting of Beebe’s bathysphere by Else Bostelmann.

Clump of Sargassum natans

A clump of Sargassum natans holds a sargassum swimming crab as well as flying fish eggs.

Leaving Port

View from the back deck of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer as the ship leaves Newport, Rhode Island, on June 30, marking the beginning of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones: New England and Corner Rise Seamounts expedition.

Dumbo Octopus

In 2014, we had a great dive exploring the main edifice of the Atlantis II Seamounts group, encountering a wide diversity of life, including this squee-worthy dumbo octopus!

2014 Highlights from Atlantis II Seamounts

Highlights from exploration of the main edifice of the Atlantis II Seamounts in 2014.

Sea Star Feasting on Bamboo Coral

In this image from our Atlantis II Seamounts dive, a sea star feasts on a bamboo coral.

Lobate Lava Tongues

During the Atlantis II Seamounts dive in 2014, the team encountered this unusual patch of very smooth, almost polished lobate lava tongues covered in a glassy manganese coating.

Dandelion Siphonophore

Even though they are rare, we were lucky enough to see dandelion siphonophores on three dives during the 2014 expedition.

2014 Overview of Gosnold Seamount Dive

This video provides an overview of our 2014 dive on Gosnold Seamount.

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer descends on a seafloor densely populated with a diversity of deep-sea corals and sponges during our 2014 dive at Gosnold Seamount.

Shrimp and Crinoids

This benthic shrimp and several crinoids were seen sitting on a beautiful glass sponge during the 2014 dive on Gosnold Seamount.

Sea Spider

In this single, colorful image from our 2014 Gosnold Seamount dive, you can see a (orange) sea spider, a (white) Corallium coral colony, a (purple) octocoral, and (pink) brittle stars.

2014 Highlights of Kelvin Seamount Dive

Highlights from the 2014 exploration of Kelvin Seamount.

Octocoral

The delicate pink polyps of this octocoral provide a home for a brittle star, wrapped in the middle of the coral’s branches.

Deep Discoverer on a Field of Ripples

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer moves across a field of bedforms or ripples on a flat area of Kelvin Seamount during our 2014 dive.

Grenadier

During our 2014 dive on Kelvin Seamount, we encountered only a handful of fish species, including this small grenadier in the genus Macrourus.

2014 Highlights of Retriever Seamount Dive

Some of the highlights from our 2014 dive on Retriever Seamount.

High Diversity of Sponges

The area we surveyed on Retriever Seamount in 2014 had a high diversity of sponges, including this one with several crinoids using the sponge to elevate their positions in the water column.

Red Crab

We caught a glimpse of this red crab hiding against a ferromanganese-encrusted boulder during 2014 exploration of Retriever Seamount.

High Diversity of Corals and Sponges

A large diversity of corals and sponges were seen throughout the Deep Connections 2019 expedition dive on Retriever Seamount.

Deep Discoverer at Retriever Seamount

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer seen imaging a diverse deep-sea coral habitat on Retriever Seamount, explored during the Our Deepwater Backyard: Exploring Atlantic Canyons and Seamounts 2014.

Map of Planned Operations

Map showing the two seamount chains we will visit during this cruise - the New England and Corner Rise.

Pillow Lava Drainbacks

Pillow lava drainbacks imaged at Kelvin Seamount in 2014 provide evidence that, at one time, hot lava was being erupted here.

Remotely Operated Vehicles Deep Discoverer and Seirios

Remotely operated vehicles Deep Discoverer and Seirios are prepared for launch off NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during the 2019 Southeastern U.S. Deep-sea Exploration.

Sun Star

While exploring Gosnold Seamount in 2014, we imaged this rare sun star.

Deep Discoverer at Kelvin Seamount

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer images the seafloor during a dive on Kelvin Seamount.

Map of the Track of the Hotspot that Formed the New England Seamounts

Map of the entire track of the hotspot that formed the New England Seamounts and other associated volcanoes, from the Monteregian Hills (red dots) in the west to Great Meteor Seamount in the east.

Dive on One of the Corner Rise Seamounts

During the summer of 1974, scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution conducted a dive using human occupied vehicle Alvin on one of the Corner Rise Seamounts.

Biodiversity at Gosnold Seamount

While exploring Gosnold Seamount in 2014, we encountered a high diversity of deep-sea corals and sponges, such as those shown here on a steep outcrop during our transit upslope.

Deep Discoverer at Retriever Seamount

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer exploring deep-sea corals and sponges on Retriever Seamount during a 2014 expedition to the Atlantic Canyons and Seamounts.

Deepwater Upwelling

Diagram showing deepwater upwelling, caused by nutrient-rich bottom-water hitting the seamounts and circulating around them, and potential flow of larvae from one seamount to another.

2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones: New England and Corner Rise Seamounts

Image & Video Gallery

Expedition Plan

Expedition Summary

Image & Video Gallery

Dive Summaries

Expedition Features

For Educators

Media Resources

Meet the Explorers

Expedition Data

2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones: New England and Corner Rise Seamounts

Image & Video Gallery

Expedition Plan

Expedition Summary

Image & Video Gallery

Dive Summaries

Expedition Features

For Educators

Media Resources

Meet the Explorers

Expedition Data

Related Links