Finding Life in the Volcanic Systems of the Antarctic Polar Front

Photo: The yeti crabs on the sorting table before being shared out to scientists. CREDIT/SOURCE Hot Vents, Cold Ocean

From Science Daily

Dec. 13, 2012 — Volcanic waters in the cold Southern Ocean are the destination for RRS James Cook’s current expedition. Scientists are exploring a 2-mile deep water system of hydrothermal vents, calderas and cold seeps on the seabed off the coast of Antarctica.

Led by Prof Paul Tyler of the University of Southampton Ocean and Earth Science, which is based at the National Oceanography Centre, the scientists are investigating four sites that were discovered on an earlier expedition to the region. . . . Read Complete Report

Official Website: Hot Vents, Cold Ocean
Friday, 21 December 2012
9 – Collecting the creatures of the deep
When the ROV Isis  finds an interesting place on the seafloor, the sampling begins! Isis  is equipped with manipulator arms that can pick up samples to place them in boxes on the front of the vehicle, but as many deep-sea animals are very delicate, it is usually best to use the suction sampler (see image below). . . . Visit site

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