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Cruise Report: EX-14-02 Leg 3, Exploration of the Gulf of Mexico 2014 (ROV and Mapping)
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2021
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Series: EX-14-02
[PDF-4.07 MB]
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Alternative Title:Cruise Report: EX-14-02 Leg 3, Exploration of the Gulf of Mexico 2014 (ROV and Mapping), Gulf of Mexico, Pascagoula, Mississippi to St. Petersburg, Florida, April 10, 2014, to May 1, 2014
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Description:EX-14-02 Leg 3 was the final cruise in a series of ocean exploration cruises that together comprised the Exploration of the Gulf of Mexico 2014 expedition. During 22 days at sea, 16 successful telepresence-enable remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives were conducted in two different areas of the Gulf of Mexico: 1) the northwestern part of the basin, characterized by a thick accumulation of sediments which have been altered by intrusions of salt, and 2) the central part of the Florida Escarpment, the western edge of a thick carbonate platform, and the adjacent outer shelf. All 16 dives were identified by management groups or support management interests from within the region. Dive 01 was conducted on April 12, 2014, and Dive 16 was conducted on April 29, 2014. Highlights from the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico Dives included investigation of three historic shipwrecks, possible extension ranges of a few deep-sea coral types, Paleodictyon ‘burrows,’ and the discovery of a chronometer at Monterrey Wreck Site A. Highlights from the Western Florida Escarpment Dives included incredible deep-sea coral diversity (at least 23 species) during one of the deep escarpment dives; the discovery of two potential new species of crinoids; and close-up imagery documenting a sea urchin eating an octocoral—an observation rarely, if ever, captured on camera. In addition to ROV dives, a suite of deepwater mapping sonars were used to acquire data from the water column, seafloor, and sub-seafloor. Over 18,600 km2 of largely previously unmapped seafloor were targeted and mapped. More than 70 scientists and students participated in these dives from shore, providing their input and expertise to help characterize these areas and guide the exploration. Data collected from this expedition will help improve scientific understanding of the deep-ocean habitats of U.S. Gulf of Mexico waters, the U.S. continental margin, and the connections between these communities throughout the Gulf of Mexico Basin.
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Rights Information:Public Domain
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Compliance:Submitted
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