Bathymetic map of DeSoto Canyon generated at 50 meter grid cell size resolution based on preliminary data processing onboard during the expedition. Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Gulf of Mexico 2012. Download image (jpg, 82 KB).
NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer began her second voyage of the year from Charleston, SC on February 27, 2012. The ship arrived in vicinity of DeSoto canyon, the primary exploration area of this expedition, on March 4 and commenced mapping of the canyon using the Kongsberg EM 302 multibeam echosounder (EM302 MBES), Kongsberg EK 60 singlebeam fisheries echosounder (EK60), and Knudsen sub-bottom profiler (SBP). High-resolution bathymetry and water column data collected during the expedition are expected to provide scientists with new insights into distribution of the gaseous seeps and benthic habitats.