Gottfried, Susan

"Winter is now approaching in the Great Lakes. The high winds and cold temperatures have ended our field work for the year. Our data collection efforts have given way to sample processing and data analysis until we can resume field data collection this coming spring. We obtained sensor measurements and collected samples at nearshore El Cajon and the Middle Island Sinkhole system and the offshore Isolated Sinkhole system during the summer and fall. Sensor observations and diver observations have given us insight into the physical, biological, and chemical characteristics of the sinkholes. Sample processing continues to reveal the way life in these extreme systems behaves, as well as to provide hopeful insights into the potential value of these organisms for use in pharmaceutical applications. We have also begun to publish some of our results in scientific journals" -- Ocean Explorer website.

Ocean Exploration Program
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)