Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Hydrothermal Processes on the Gakkel Ridge  (Gakkel Vents)

Outline
We have obtained funding from NASA and NSF to study hydrothermal processes on the Gakkel Ridge in the Eastern Arctic Basin. The Gakkel Ridge is a key target for hydrothermal studies because it has distinctive geological characteristics as a result of ultra-slow spreading and because it is hydrographically isolated from the rest of the world’s ocean basins, which has important implications for vent field biological communities. Although thermal and particulate signatures indicative of hydrothermal fluids were found in nearly 80% of the CTD casts from the recent US/German AMORE expedition to the ridge in 2001, no vent fields have yet been sampled because the ice cover precludes the use of ROVs and subsubmersibles, which are the standard platforms for sampling fine-scale vent field studies in the open ocean. We will solve the technical challenges imposed by the ice pack by utilizing nested surveys with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to map water column plumes, locate buoyant plume stems, conduct fine-scale micro-bathymetric surveys, and to generate photomosaics of the biological communities. We will use the AUV survey data to identify geological and biological sampling targets, and then to use a combination of wireline and autonomous methods to obtain the samples. We will complement and guide our technologically intensive AUV and sampling efforts with a more traditional, comprehensive CTD/hydrocast program to measure key parameters such as methane, hydrogen, and manganese in the overlying hydrothermal plumes. Our project has a strong technology component. We will be showcasing some new technologies we are developing under NASAs Astrobiology program that is focused on future missions to Europa, the ice-covered moon of Jupiter.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Our project is at the forefront of polar exploration as we will be using underwater robots to find, map, and sample deep-sea vent fields with minimal human interaction. Scientifically we are focused on understanding hydrothermal circulation on an extremely slowly diverging plate boundary with ubiquitous peridotite exposures, and determining what sorts of organisms populate vent fields in the Arctic Basin. Genetic comparisons of Arctic vent fauna with Atlantic and Pacific vent fauna will help constrain the pelagic dispersal of these organisms. We also have a significant outreach effort funded as part of our NASA grant. We will be bringing teachers and science writers on the expedition, and we are planning to disseminate the technological and scientific advances via publications in high profile journals like Scientific American and via the internet.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
None at this time. Some scientists from Alfred Wegner Institute in Germany have expressed some interest in a collaboration, but we have not pursued this matter up to this point with any vigour.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Gakkel Ridge in the Eastern Arctic Basin, focusing at least initially on the 85E site.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/07            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
We will need a fully capable scientific icebreaker such as the Healy for our work. We will bring our own AUVS and wireline systems.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes, in the form of deep submergence technology for ice-covered waters.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
National agency

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

How will the project be organised and managed?
Through individual PIs at various institutions.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
See section 1.6.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
We will follow the relevant NSF and NASA guidelines for data management and dissemination.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Already funded.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Robert Reves-Sohn
360 Woods Hole Rd., MS 24
Woods Hole, MA
02543
USA

Tel: 508-289-3616
Mobile: no
Fax: 508-457-2150
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation