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Cruise Info
| Cruise ID | MV1003 |
| Vessel | R/V MELVILLE |
| Abstract | The purpose of this project is to collect biologic, geologic, and chemical data on the Chilean cold seeps, El Quisco and the Concepcion Methane Seep Area (CMSA), and explore the Chilean Triple Junction region for potential hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. Description of faunae and geochemistry at those locations will be done in collaboration between Chilean, US and UK scientists. High resolution bathymetric maps and photomosaics will be performed with the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle SENTRY to guide sampling and provide the first in situ photographs of Chilean cold seeps. An at-sea course on the geology and biology of seep and vent habitats aimed at US and Chilean graduate students will be taught by international experts and lead by Dr. Lisa Levin, Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Specimens will be preserved for both molecular and morphological identification and description to address biodiversity, connectedness among seep and vent habitats, dispersal modes of deep-sea organisms, and the impact of vent and seep fluids on the micro- and macrobiology of the seafloor and overlying water column. Free vehicles will be used to collect samples from the southern most extent of the Peru-Chile trench to compare the Chilean hadal (trench) microbial fauna to those of other global hadal habitats. This cruise is funded to support student research at the University of California (both San Diego and Santa Barbara campuses) and as such the Chief Scientist is a late stage Ph.D. student, Andrew Thurber, under the guidance of Professor Lisa Levin. Seven additional students from these two universities will participate in leading roles. Intermediate port stop 2010-03-12 in Valparaiso to disembark WHOI personnel. |
| Description | Biological and Geological Processes and Patterns of the Chilean Margin |
| Starting Port | Puerto Montt, Chile |
| Ending Port | Valparaiso, Chile |
| Starting Date | 2010-02-24 |
| Ending Date | 2010-03-17 |
| Principal Investigator | Thurber, Andrew |