The cruise, led by Dr. Charles Fisher from Pennsylvania State University and Dr. Peter Girguis from Harvard University, examined the patterns and changes in biological, geological and chemical characteristics of hydrothermal vents. The team conducted complimentary surveys, sampling, and laboratory experiments facilitated by the remotely operated vehicle ROPOS. Expansive sonar mapping wias used to characterize the seafloor morphology and identify evidence of volcanic and tectonic events that alter the environment. High-resolution two- and three-dimensional imagery and advanced in situ chemical and temperature sensors were used to document ecosystem changes at long-term study sites. High pressure aquaria for collected specimens were used to study the physiology of vent animals while molecular tools elucidated vent connectivity and population dynamics.

Date: 04/10/2016
Location: Niua South vent site
This is a first live stream in VR equirectangular format from a hydrothermal vent on the bottom of the ocean. It is situated at the Niua South vent site in Tongan waters of the northeastern Lau Basin.

Date: 04/10/2016 (Dive 2)
Location: Niua South vent site
This is a first live stream in VR equirectangular format from a hydrothermal vent on the bottom of the ocean. It is situated at the Niua South vent site in Tongan waters of the northeastern Lau Basin.

 ROPOS Dive R1922 – Dive Site ABE – FK160407 – Survey and Sampling at ABE
Date: 04/10/2016
Location: Dive Site ABE, Tongan waters
Depth: 2130 m
Work Completed: Multibeam survey, followed by photo mosaic survey, vent fluid and biological sampling.

ROPOS Dive R1924 Part 1 – Tui Malila – FK160407
Date: 04/13/2016
Location: Tui Malila
Depth: 1900 m
Work Completed: Photomosaic survey, multibeam mapping, and biological/chemical sampling.

ROPOS Dive R1924 Part 2 – Tui Malila – FK160407
Date: 04/13/2016
Location: Tui Malila
Depth: 1900 m
Work Completed: Photomosaic survey, multibeam mapping, and biological/chemical sampling.

ROPOS Dive R1925 – Tui Malila – FK160407
Date: 04/15/2016
Location: Tui Malila
Depth: 1900 m
Work Completed: The science team continues to survey the vent field at dive site Tui Malila. They will be conducting multibeam survey, photomosaic survey and more biological sampling of Vent Life.

ROPOS Dive R1928 – Tui Malila – FK160407 (Leg 2 Begins)
Date: 04/21/2016
Location: Tui Malila
Depth: 1900 m
Work Completed: Leg 2 of the #VentLife_Expedition begins at Tui Malila in the Lau Basin. The team resumes the surveys and sampling of water chemistry and biological samples from the Vent communities.

ROPOS Dive R1929 – Exploring Mariner – FK160407
Date: 04/22/2016
Location: Mariner
Work Completed: This was the team’s first time exploring the Mariner dive site, collecting multibeam, water chemistry and biological samples.

ROPOS Dive R1930 – Tui Malila –  FK160407
Date: 04/23/2016
Location: Tui Malila
Depth: 1900 m
Work Completed: Surveys and sampling of water chemistry and biological samples from the Vent communities.

 ROPOS Dive R1931 Part 1 – Dive Site ABE – FK160407
Date: 04/24/2016
Location: Dive Site ABE, Tongan waters
Depth: 2130 m
Work Completed: Multibeam survey, followed by photo mosaic survey, vent fluid and biological sampling.

 ROPOS Dive R1931 Part 2 – Dive Site ABE – FK160407
Date: 04/24/2016
Location: Dive Site ABE, Tongan waters
Depth: 2130 m
Work Completed: Multibeam survey, followed by photo mosaic survey, vent fluid and biological sampling.

ROPOS Dive R1932 – Tahi Moana –  FK160407
Date: 04/25/2016
Location: Tahi Moana
Work Completed: Extensively surveyed with multibeam, photomosaics, water and biological samples.

ROPOS Dive R1935 –  FK160407
Date: 04/29/2016
Work Completed: Primary goal of gathering snail biological samples.