SCIENCE & RESEARCH

HABITATS

Habitats

The Physical Formation of the Five Deeps

The first phase of research at each of the five deep dive sites, was in the collection of the higest resolution bathymetry data ever recored.

Using the Kongsberg EM124 multi-beam echo-sounder – the latest and most advanced sonar available – a complete 3D map of each area was recorded. The resolution of the sonar allowed us to pin-point seamounts, escarpments, fault scarps, canyons and depressions within often highly variable substrate and in areas of intense siesmic activity.

With the exception of Challenger Deep in the Pacific Ocean which is already well mapped, The Five Deeps Expedition filled in areas of the sea-floor map which were either blank or extremely low resolution.

With these maps we were able to make predictions as to which species live where before moving into the second phase of the science plan….

INHABITANTS