Beyond the Blue: Johnston Atoll Mapping

During both expeditions, the team conducted 24-hour-a-day exploratory mapping operations using the ship’s deepwater mapping systems, expendable bathythermographs (XBTs), conductivity, temperature, depth profiler (CTD) casts, and a high-bandwidth satellite connection for continuous ship-to-shore communications via telepresence. The team mapped more than 29,750 square kilometers (11,487 square miles) of seafloor in waters deeper than 200 meters (656 feet) were mapped, including 22,590 square kilometers (8,722 square miles) within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), during the first expedition. Bathymetry mapping coverage for the second expedition covered 49,044 square kilometers (18,936 square miles) in waters deeper than 200 meters (656 feet), including 32,873 square kilometers (12,692 square miles) within the U.S. EEZ.

Data collected during the two expeditions will support priority NOAA science and community management needs, helping to establish a baseline assessment of the ocean environment, increase understanding of marine life and habitats to inform management decisions, improve knowledge of past and potential future geohazards, and increase public awareness of ocean issues.