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The image depicts a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) illuminating a section of the ocean floor. The ROV’s bright lights cast a blue glow on the textured seabed, highlighting its rough surface. The surrounding water is a deep blue, fading into darker shades as it extends away from the light source, creating a sense of depth.

2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration

Dive 10: East Samoa Basin Nodule Field (12C)

September 9, 2026

Location: Lat: -15.54622024°; Long: -165.5926715°  
Dive Depth Range: 5,524-5,529 meters (3.4-3.4 miles)
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Dive 10 of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition took place on an abyssal nodule field, parts of which had been mapped and imaged using an autonomous underwater vehicle during the American Samoa Survey project. During the dive, we observed the highest abundance of polymetallic nodules of seafloor seen during the expedition thus far, with approximately 80% of the seafloor being covered with nodules for most of the dive. Nodules were a mix of small spherical nodules (2-3 centimeters/0.8-1.2 inches in diameter), large spherical nodules (greater than 5 centimeters/2 inches in diameter), and large flat, angular nodules (10-15 centimeters/4-6 inches in diameter). Biological observations included a variety of fish, shrimp, corals, sponges, and other organisms. Because of the depth of the dive, time on the seafloor was limited, but there was still plenty to see!

During Dive 10 of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition, the team observed very large polymetallic nodules, some as large as 10 centimeters (4 inches) or greater in diameter. Nodules form around hard materials, such as fossilized shark teeth or fragments of rock, slowly accumulating around this nucleus. The large size of the nodules seen during the dive suggest that they may have been growing for a very long time. Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration. Download SD version (mp4, 27.2 MB) Download HD version (mp4, 56.2 MB)

While marine life seen during the tenth dive of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition wasn’t plentiful, it was present. From amphipods clinging to a dead sponge stalk to sea cucumbers, polychaete worms, and a benthic ctenophore with incredibly long (meters long) feeding tentacles, the dive reinforced that even with the harsh temperatures, pressures, and other conditions found at depths over 5,500 meters (3.4 miles), life still finds a way to thrive at the bottom of the ocean. Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration. Download SD version (mp4, 33.2 MB) Download SD version (mp4, 57.6 MB)

Several translucent white amphipods clinging to a thin vertical stalk underwater.

We saw these little barnacles and amphipods lined up on a potential dead sponge stalk, taking advantage of the boost up into the water column where they can catch more food as it drifts by. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 621 KB).

Underwater robotic arm interacting with a sandy seabed scattered with dark, rounded nodules.

The scoop sampler on remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer is used to collect a polymetallic nodule during Dive 10 of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 1 MB).

A small, white, spiky sea urchin on a sandy ocean floor surrounded by dark, rounded rocks.

An urchin perches on a polymetallic nodule. Seen during Dive 10 of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition at a depth of approximately 5,526 meters (3.4 miles). Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 1 MB).

A sandy ocean floor densely scattered with thousands of small, dark, rounded rocks.

Polymetallic nodules covered the seafloor explored during the tenth dive of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition. We saw the highest abundance of nodules during this dive out of any dive on the expedition thus far. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 905 KB).

A thin tube worm extending vertically from a dark, rounded rock on a sandy ocean floor.

This polychaete tube worm was seen attached to the sediment during Dive 10 of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition. These worms have the appropriate common name of “feather duster worms” and belong to the family Sabellidae. They build their tubes out of sediment and other bits of hard material and their feeding appendages project from the tubes into the water. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 1 MB).