2023-06-03T08:18:51.857

NotApplicable

2023-06-04T00:45:36.627

Objectives (in order of priority) 1. Relocation and characterization of previous sites of low-temperature hydrothermal venting, including targeted fluid sampling. 2. Observation and collection of octopus. a. Collect a bottom seawater sample if octopus is successfully collected. 3. Observation and collection of other vent-type fauna (i.e., shrimps, worms). 4. Collection of rocks and bottom seawater in one area with venting and in one area without venting. 5. Deployment of OsmoSampler in area of venting. 6. Deployment of animal shelters in areas with octopus. 7. Deployment of microbe colonization experiments in areas with and without venting. 8. Observation of benthic fauna and targeted collection of other high target animal species. 9. Collection of sediment push cores and bottom seawater in abyssal plain.

2023-06-04T09:17:15.839

NotApplicable

2023-06-05T04:55:38.807

Description/Objectives (in order of priority) 1. Abyssal plain: a. Test of heat flow probe b. Collection of 8x sediment push cores c. Standard transects - random heading crossing transects of 100m length @ 0.03 kt (1m/min) and 1m off bottom with NO adjustments to forward camera. d. Targeted animal collection in abyssal plain sediment: i. black corals (no more than 2x) ii. octocorals (no more than 2x) iii. holothurians (no more than 2x) iv. yellow sponge (no more than 2x) 2. Nodule field: a. Deployment of 5x microbe trap experiments & marker in nodule field b. Collection of nodule (1x) for Microbiology + Niskin samples (1x 5L, 1x 2L) 3. Outcrop - Marker K area: a. Standard transects - random heading crossing transects of 100m length @ 0.1 kt and 1m off bottom with NO adjustments to forward camera. b. Deployment of new Animal Shelters - one in venting fluid and one not in venting fluid c. Collection of octopus (no more than 2x) and octopus egg sac masses (2x) d. Collection of rock (1x) for Microbiology from area of venting e. Collection of Niskin samples (1x 5L, 1x 2L) from area of venting f. Recovery of 2014-era OsmoSampler g. Temperature measurements of venting fluids h. Targeted squeezer sampling of venting fluids i. Reposition of Dive 529 Microbe Traps in venting fluids j. Reposition of Dive 529 PVC Animal Shelters - one in venting fluid and one not in venting fluid k. Position of new animal shelters - one in venting fluid and one not in venting fluid l. Deployment of wood exposure experiment in venting fluid 4. Outcrop - Marker E area a. Targeted animal collection (whatever space is left): crinoids, corals or sponges

2023-06-05T15:59:16.517

NotApplicable

2023-06-06T17:14:59

Objectives (in order of priority) Conduct a transect of heat flow measurements 1. Conduct a transect of heat flow measurements in the abyssal plain, crossing the outcrop a. Heat flow measurements to be spaced by ~100m b. Conduct photo transects with standardized settings when moving between waypoints c. If target fauna are observed, log waypoints in nav software, so we can potentially return for collection. Targeted animal collection in abyssal plain sediment – these should go in Coral Quivers or Suction Sampler: i. black corals (no more than 2x) ii. octocorals (no more than 2x) iii. holothurians (no more than 2x) iv. yellow sponge (no more than 2x) v. others (no more than 2x) 2. Explore high-relief features of the outcrop to hunt for signs of low-temperature venting and observe fauna a. If signals of low-temperature venting are observed (aggregations of octopus, black staining on rocks, sediment-cleared rocks, iron oxide staining on rocks, other vent-type fauna, etc.), then probe area with high-temperature probe. b. If signals of low-temperature venting are verified, i. collect squeezer samples ii. collect rock samples – samples for microbiology should go in BioBox 1 and for geology only should go in RockBox 2. iii. collect octopus and/or other vent-type fauna – samples should go in Biobox 2 and BioBox 3.

2023-06-07T01:01:54.074

NotApplicable

2023-06-08T11:28:33.53

1. Survey #1 – SW flank of Fuente - following the prominent ridge up a. Collect one heat flow measurement at the base of the seamount i. If thermal gradient seems warm (>200 mW/m2), collect sediment push cores, one 5L Niskin and one 2L Niskin b. Begin transit up the SW flank, making observations along the way, with a focus on examining for signs of heat flow i. If any signs of venting, collect temperature measurements, rock samples for MBIO (BioBox 1), squeezer samples, and Niskin sample. 2. Survey #2 – Summit of Fuente – focus is to explore the “crescent” features at the top of the summit on the southwest side that show indications of possible slumping towards the center, might have “fresher” exposed rocks for finding fauna i. If any signs of venting, collect temperature measurements, rock samples, squeezer samples, and Niskin sample. ii. If aggregations of octopus are observed, collect 2x specimens (BioBoxes 2 and 3) iii. If interesting geology observed, collect Rock samples to stow in RockBox 3. Survey #3 – SE flank of Fuente i. Collect target species with coral quivers and suction sampler as needed 4. Survey #4 – southern base of Fuente a. Collect one heat flow measurement at WP25 i. If sediment cores have not already been collected, collect them here as above. b. Sampling priority TBD 5. If time remains, follow the 3150m contour back to the W for additional heat flow measurements.

2023-06-09T10:59:11.98

NotApplicable

2023-06-09T23:16:18.229

Objectives (in order of priority) 1. If any signs of venting, collect temperature measurements, rock samples, squeezer samples, and Niskin sample. Also deploy a marker. 2. If target octopus are observed, collect 2x specimens (BioBoxes 2 and 3) and a Niskin. 3. If interesting geology observed, collect Rock samples to stow in RockBox 4. Collect target species with coral quivers and suction sampler as needed 5. If sedimented areas are found, collect heat flow measurement, sediment push cores, and a Niskin sample.

2023-06-10T10:56:19.41

NotApplicable

2023-06-10T23:18:18.907

This is a second 12-hour exploratory dive of Tengosed Seamount. The dive track will follow a Sw-NE trending ridge feature up to the summit to see if there are exposed rocks. Our primary goals of this dive are to investigate if there are signs of low-temperature hydrothermal discharge, if there are nurseries of octopus here, and what kind of benthic fauna are here. If venting areas are found, we will pause on continued exploration to conduct detailed investigation. We will collect opportunistic samples of target deep-sea fauna, sediments, rocks, and water. On this dive, BioBox 1 should be prioritized for rock samples for microbiology; BioBox 2 should be prioritized for octopus, and BioBox 3 should be prioritized for other benthic fauna; quivers and slurp chambers can be used for other target species.

2023-06-11T10:58:20.732

NotApplicable

2023-06-11T22:57:11.064

Objectives (in order of priority) 1. At every waypoint, if sediment is thick enough, collect a heat flow measurement. Sediment push cores can be collected opportunistically, and a Niskin sample. 2. If any signs of venting, collect temperature measurements, rock samples (BioBox1), squeezer samples, and a Niskin sample. 3. If target aggregations of octopus are observed, collect specimens (BioBoxes 2) and a Niskin. 4. If interesting geology observed, collect Rock samples to stow in RockBox or BioBox1 5. Collect other target species for BioBox 3, coral quivers and suction sampler as needed

2023-06-12T10:57:01.472

NotApplicable

2023-06-12T21:50:34.157

This is a 12-hour exploratory dive of unnamed outcrop in the area that may be the southern extension of the “cooler” plate area. Prior ship-based heat flow survey using thermistors attached to a gravity coring-like device recorded indications of warmer temperatures around this outcrop – indicating hydrothermal discharge at this place, and yesterday’s dive confirmed higher heat flow. Today’s dive track is designed to follow a flank on the S side of the outcrop, with the primary goal of looking for evidence of venting. If venting areas are found, we will pause on continued exploration to conduct detailed investigation, and also to deploy experiments. Until then, we will continue along the dive track in exploration mode. Opportunistic sampling of target fauna or interesting geology should wait until the final 1-2 hours of the dive, as we get closer to the end of the waypoints. If sedimented areas are observed, we might collect heat flow measurements or push coring, but this will be decided situationally. On this dive, BioBox 1 will be prioritized for rock samples for microbiology; BioBox 2 should be prioritized for octopus, and BioBox 3 should be prioritized for other benthic fauna; quivers and slurp chambers can be used for other target species. Surveys will be done in exploration mode with ROV/Ship speed over ground of ~0.2-0.3 m/s – allowing camera zooming instead of standard video transect settings. Objectives (in order of priority) 1. Continue along way points, exploring for venting. If any signs of venting, collect temperature measurements, rock samples (BioBox1), squeezer samples, and a Niskin sample. Then deploy a T logger, a Microbe Trap experiment and a marker. 2. If aggregations of octopus are observed, collect specimens (BioBoxes 2) and a Niskin. 3. If sediment is thick enough, try to collect a heat flow measurement. If time allows, sediment push cores can be collected opportunistically, and a Niskin sample. 4. Towards end of dive: a. Collect other target species for BioBox 3, coral quivers and suction sampler as needed b. If interesting geology observed, collect Rock samples to stow in RockBox or BioBox1

2023-06-14T15:21:14.927

NotApplicable

2023-06-15T03:08:12.318

This 11-hour dive will return to the Dorado Outcrop, with the primary objective of deploying and recovering experiments at known sites of venting (Marker K/W region). After competing those priority tasks, time will be dedicated to collecting video imagery of octopus behavior and potential collection of octopus. If time allows, opportunistic samples of target fauna will be attempted (although biobox space will be very limited due to other priorities). As we are not expecting to go over sedimented areas, push cores will not be collected on this dive.

2023-06-15T11:25:32.574

NotApplicable

2023-06-16T03:24:58.635

This 16-hour dive will return to the new vent site – Marker Q – discovered on Dive 535 on the unnamed outcrop E of Caballito. The first objective of this dive is to revisit this site of venting to conduct additional temperature measurements, collect additional samples, and deploy experiments for recovery in December 2023. After completing those priority operations, we will then explore the summit region to interrogate for other areas of venting; if found, we will also sample them and deploy another T logger and marker. We will also attempt to collect up to 2 octopus specimens from this location. If other target fauna are seen during the above operations, we will mark their locations for returning for collection after completing vent exploration. After exploring, we will conduct 3x standard transects of the summit region for assessing fauna diversity and abundance. Finally, we will begin to head to WP2, heading downslope towards an area where a ship-based heat flow measurement was done. If sedimented areas are intercepted, stop to attempt a heat flow measurement and collection of sediment push cores.

2023-06-16T10:57:00

NotApplicable

2023-06-17T03:18:17

This 16-hour dive will return dive on a site that has never been explored before – the so-called Caballito “Seamount”. The first objective of this dive is to conduct ~6 heat flow measurements in the abyssal plain to the east of the seamount, moving in a WSW trending line towards to the seamount. Sediment push cores may be collected along this transect. Waypoints are ~100m apart. Standard imagery transects will be done between discrete way points for benthic fauna diversity studies. Around WP6 the terrain will likely start to become steeper; heat flow measurements past this point may not be possible. Once in steeper terrain, the focus will switch to exploring for signs of venting, aiming to get to the summit by 16:00 local. If venting or octopus aggregations are found, we will also sample them and deploy another T logger and marker. We will also attempt to collect up to 2 octopus specimens from this location. If other target fauna are seen during the above operations, we will mark their locations for returning for collection after completing vent exploration.

2023-06-17T10:50:07.382

NotApplicable

2023-06-18T03:21:24.791

This 16-hour dive will return to the so-called Caballito “Seamount”. The first objective of this dive is to conduct ~6 heat flow measurements in the abyssal plain to the north of the seamount, moving in a NE-SW trending line towards to the seamount. Sediment push cores may be collected along this transect (don't forget niskins!). Waypoints are ~100m apart. Standard imagery transects will be done between discrete way points for benthic fauna diversity studies. Around ~WP8 the terrain will likely start to become steeper. Once in steeper terrain, the focus will switch to exploring for signs of venting, following a depth where we expect to find rocks. If the end of the line is reach, head towards the summit. If venting is found, we will sample and deploy experiments and collect fauna. Other target fauna can be collected opportunistically during exploration.

2023-06-18T11:31:34.911

NotApplicable

2023-06-19T03:10:05.948

This 16-hour dive will return to the Tengosed Seamount. The dive will start in a place on the southern summit that we have not explored yet, where seafloor topography is rougher and might have exposed rocks. Look for any sings of venting. If found, sample. If not found, fly fast (i.e. no stopping, no transects) to WP2, which is a pronounced edge of the “ledge” material we saw on dive 534. Look for signs of venting. If not found, fly fast to WP3, which is the site with the crater and local discharge that we found on Dive 534. Our goal is to deploy an extended T logger with Marker into the venting fluids, and to try again to collect a squeezer sample. After completing this task, fly fast (no stopping) to WP4 to return to the skate nursery to look for any signs of venting. If not found, continue to WP5 which the is a second summit that we have not explored yet. If no signs of venting, continue along way points. Opportunistic animal samples can be collected from this point forward.

2023-06-19T10:05:52.276

NotApplicable

2023-06-20T03:30:05.014

This 16-hour dive will return to the Dorado Outcrop. We will visit the northern end, where we have not been yet on this expedition. We will look for Marker A, which is a site with the highest temperature at this location, at the top of a pile of rocks. There were a few octopus seen here in 2013/2014. After locating the site and getting visual documentation, measure the venting fluid temperature and collect squeezer samples. If octopus are observed, try to collect 1-2. After completing these tasks, go explore and collect samples ☺