Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition 2013

Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition 2013

Image and Video Gallery

This page contains photos and videos associated with the Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition 2013. Click on any image or video to view a larger version and for additional information.

This video captures highlights from the 15 dives that were conducted during Leg 2 of the expedition from the ROV Deep Discoverer and the Seirios camera platform.

Leg 2 Highlights

Video highlights from the 15 dives that were conducted during Leg 2 of the expedition.

In the last couple minutes of the last dive of the field season, we found the largest fish we have ever encountered with the ROV, a Greenland Shark.

Greenland Shark

In the last couple minutes of the last dive of the field season, we found a Greenland Shark.

Video of the Greenland Shark encountered on the last dive of the expedition.

Greenland Shark

Video of the Greenland Shark encountered on the last dive of the expedition.

A squid rests on the seafloor, changing color as it sits on its elbows to breathe.

Squid Changing Color

A squid rests on the seafloor, changing color as it sits on its "elbows" to breathe.

An octopus strikes a pose for the remotely operated vehicle near Shallop Canyon.

An octopus strikes a pose for the remotely operated vehicle near Shallop Canyon.

A sea spider, or pycnogonid, seen while exploring Oceanographer Canyon.

A sea spider, or pycnogonid, seen while exploring Oceanographer Canyon.

A porcupine crab makes its way over the muddy bottom.

A porcupine crab makes its way over the muddy bottom.

A chimaera swims lazily a couple meters above the seafloor in Lydonia Canyon.

A chimaera swims lazily a couple meters above the seafloor in Lydonia Canyon.

Anthomastus coral in Oceanographer Canyon.

Anthomastus Coral

Anthomastus coral in Oceanographer Canyon.

An unusual deep-sea jellysfish swims across the remotely operated vehicle's field of view.

An unusual deep-sea jelly swims across the ROV's field of view.

A striking purple coral, Clavularia sp., seen in Nygren Canyon.

A striking purple coral, Clavularia sp., seen in Nygren Canyon.

A squat lobster peeks out from under a rock in an intercanyon between Powell and Lydonia Canyons.

A squat lobster peeks out from under a rock between Powell and Lydonia Canyons.

A translucent holothurian, or sea cucumber, shifts through the sediment for his dinner.

A translucent holothurian shifts through the sediment for his dinner.

A fish gets up close and personal with the Deep Discoverer remotely operated vehicle.

A fish gets up close and personal with Deep Discoverer.

A Paragorgia with numerous brittle stars living in its branches.

Bubblegum Coral

A Paragorgia with numerous brittle stars living in its branches.

A scale worm makes her way across the sedimented seafloor of Lydonia Canyon.

A scale worm move across the seafloor of Lydonia Canyon.

As seen in Heezen Canyon, an eelpout rests on the seafloor.

As seen in Heezen Canyon, an eelpout rests on the seafloor.

A goosefish lays and waits for its dinner to swim through its strike zone.

A goosefish lays and waits for its dinner to swim through its strike zone.

Corals form habitat for other organisms. This Paramuricea coral has anemones and brittle stars living on it.

Corals as Habitat

This Paramuricea coral has anemones and brittle stars living on it.

An octopus hides in the rocks in Welker Canyon.

An octopus hides in the rocks in Welker Canyon.

A large black coral and two Paramuricea corals in Oceanographer Canyon.

A large black coral and two Paramuricea corals in Oceanographer Canyon.

A toadfish covered with parasites sits on the seafloor near Oceanographer Canyon.

A toadfish covered with parasites sits on the seafloor near Oceanographer Canyon.

Deep-sea coral provides a habitat for many other animals. In this image, a pycnogonid or sea spider may be feeding on an anemone while both of them are living on a Paramuricea coral.

Sea Spider Feeding

A pycnogonid may be feeding on an anemone while both of them are living on a Paramuricea coral.

A chimaera swims lazily a couple meters above the seafloor in Lydonia Canyon.

A chimaera swims lazily a couple meters above the seafloor in Lydonia Canyon.

ROV D2 inspecting a large block of mudstone displaced from the wall of Heezen Canyon.

ROV D2 inspecting a large block of mudstone displaced from the wall of Heezen Canyon.

Recent sediment transport down the wall of Lydonia Canyon. The bivalve in the center of the image were carried downslope as part of the sediment flow.

Sediment Transport

"Recent" sediment transport down the wall of Lydonia Canyon.

Debris material of various sizes and shapes accumulated in a debris apron at the base of a wall in Block Canyon.

Debris Material

Debris material accumulated in a debris apron at the base of a wall.

Recent rockfall and spalling failure exposing a clean wall section within Oceanographer Canyon.

"Recent" rockfall and spalling failure exposing a clean wall.

An example of the layered nature and differential erosion of the stratigraphy exposed along the walls in Block Canyon.

The layered nature and differential erosion of the exposed stratigraphy.

Differential erosion between weaker (possibly chalk) and stronger (porcellanite?) lithologies result in tabular slab failure of the stronger rocks.

Differential erosion between weaker and stronger lithologies.

If you look closely, you can see a ctenophore, or comb jelly, being digested inside the larger predatory beroid ctenophore.

A ctenophore, or comb jelly, being digested inside the larger predatory beroid ctenophore.

An octopus makes his way along the seafloor before making a quick exit. Seen while exploring an intercanyon between Powell and Lydonia Canyons.

An octopus makes his way along the seafloor before making a quick exit.

A swordfish darts by, knocking over a red crab perched on a boulder, during Dive 11 in an intercanyon between Powell and Lydonia Canyons.

A swordfish darts by, knocking over a red crab perched on a boulder, during Dive 11.

A hake interrupts a red crab while it is eating ctenophore.

Hake and Red Crab

A hake interrupts a red crab while it is eating a ctenophore.

A catshark cruises along the seafloor during Dive 10 in an intercanyon area between Heezen and Nygren Canyons.

A catshark cruises along the seafloor during Dive 10 in an intercanyon area between Heezen and Nygren Canyons.

A view of the Deep Discoverer remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from the Seirios camera sled in Heezen Canyon, shows just how “up close and personal” the ROV can get to rock outcrops and associated biology.

Deep Discoverer

A view of the Deep Discoverer remotely operated vehicle from the Seirios camera sled in Heezen Canyon.

A scalloped portion of the wall in Heezen Canyon.

A scalloped portion of the wall in Heezen Canyon.

$An example of how, in Heezen Canyon, biology (in this case a hake) uses fractures in the rocks as suitable habitat.$

An example of how, in Heezen Canyon, biology uses fractures in the rocks as suitable habitat.

A boulder encrusted with biology – anemones and corals.

Biology-encrusted Boulder

A boulder encrusted with biology – anemones and corals.

The Okeanos Explorer’s ROV team uses the weather day to fine tune the vehicles and preform any maintenance that is required.

ROV Maintenance

The Okeanos Explorer’s ROV team uses the weather day to fine tune the vehicles.

It takes hundreds of years for corals to grow as big as the ones we found in Heezen Canyon. Some deepwater corals are believed to live as long as 4,000 years.

Deepwater Corals

It takes hundreds of years for corals to grow as big as the ones we found in Heezen Canyon.

It takes a diverse team with many kinds of skills to image the deepest regions of the ocean.

It takes a diverse team with many kinds of skills to image the deepest regions of the ocean.

The technical components of telepresence are older than you might think: Here, Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson in Washington, DC, uses the Bell Labs PicturePhone to call Dr. Elizabeth Wood and then-Major Robert F. Wagner in New York City, in 1964.

The technical components of telepresence are older than you might think.

The control room of the Okeanos is as well coordinated as any live television studio.

Okeanos Control Room

The control room of the Okeanos is as well coordinated as any live television studio.

A Paramuricea coral in Nygren Canyon which 165 nautical miles southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

A Paramuricea coral in Nygren Canyon which 165 nautical miles southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Cup corals and a sea star a mile underwater in Heezen Canyon.

Cup corals and a sea star a mile underwater in Heezen Canyon.

Close-up of a young bamboo coral colony.

Close-up of a "young" bamboo coral colony.

Keratoisis-like bamboo coral with several brittle stars (Ophiuroids) on the branches.

Bamboo Coral and Brittle Stars

Keratoisis-like bamboo coral with several brittle stars on the branches.

An unidentified bamboo coral projecting off the side of a wall.

An unidentified bamboo coral projecting off the side of a wall.

Bramble bamboo coral.

"Bramble" bamboo coral.

The marvelous giant bamboo fan, Jasonisis, from Nygren Canyon.

The marvelous giant bamboo fan, Jasonisis, from Nygren Canyon.

This pink geometric pattern we found in Nygren Canyon over a mile under water stumped the scientist for a while. The current thought is that it is some type of mollusk egg case.

Possible Egg Case

This pink geometric pattern we found in Nygren Canyon stumped the scientists; current thought is that it is a mollusk egg case.

Corals were diverse on Mytilus Seamount, but composition and abundance of corals differed between the north and south side of the seamount.

Corals were diverse on Mytilus Seamount, but composition and abundance of corals differed between the north and south side.

Sponges are abundant and diverse at Mytilus Seamount.

Sponges are abundant and diverse at Mytilus Seamount.

The deep-sea lizard fish (Bathysaurus) was observed on the south side of Mytilus Seamount.

The deep-sea lizard fish was observed on the south side of Mytilus Seamount.

This view of steep basalt pillars on the north side of Mytilus Seamount resembles a lava flow, illustrating the seamount’s volcanic origin.

This view of steep basalt pillars on the north side of Mytilus Seamount resembles a lava flow.

A crinoid or feather star hangs out on a deepwater coral on the south side of Mytilus Seamount.

A crinoid or feather star hangs out on a deepwater coral on the south side of Mytilus Seamount.

The deep-sea lizard fish (<em>Bathysaurus</em>) was observed on the south side of Mytilus Seamount. This fish sits on the bottom and grabs prey from the water column.

The deep-sea lizard fish (Bathysaurus) was observed on the south side of Mytilus Seamount.

Abundance and diversity of corals are just some of ecosystem characteristics that can be gleaned from the live Okeanos Explorer feeds.

Abundance and diversity of corals are just some of ecosystem characteristics that can be gleaned from the live Okeanos Explorer feeds.

A colony with bright color and full branches with many extended polyps would be considered healthy or in good condition.

Bubblegum Coral

A colony with bright color and full branches with many extended polyps would be considered healthy or in good condition.

A large toppled <em>Paragorgia</em> or bubblegum coral colony was observed in Hydrographer Canyon.

A large toppled Paragorgia or bubblegum coral colony was observed in Hydrographer Canyon.

Longlines, such as the one seen here, can cause injury to coral.

Longlines, such as the one seen here, can cause injury to coral.

NOAA’s ROV, Deep Discoverer, examines a deepwater coral colony on the north flank of the almost wholly unexplored Mytilus Seamount.

Coral Investigation

Deep Discoverer examines a deepwater coral colony on the north flank of the almost wholly unexplored Mytilus Seamount.

NOAA’s ROV, Deep Discoverer, examines a collection of deepwater corals on the western wall of Oceanographer Canyon.

Deepwater Corals

Deep Discoverer examines a collection of deepwater corals on the western wall of Oceanographer Canyon.

A squat lobster hangs out in a black coral more than a kilometer underwater.

A squat lobster hangs out in a black coral more than a kilometer underwater.

An octopus dances for the remotely operated vehicle near Shallop Canyon.

An octopus dances for the remotely operated vehicle near Shallop Canyon.

An octopus flies by during Dive 02 at a minor canyon near Shallop Canyon.

Octopus "Fly Up"

An octopus "flies" by during Dive 02 at a minor canyon near Shallop Canyon.

Diverse deep-sea coral and sponge habitats were imaged in the canyons explored during the Northeast U.S. Canyons 2013 Expedition. In this image from Hydrographer Canyon, a rock face is shown with a diversity of octocorals (soft corals and sea fans) and cup corals.

Coral and Sponge Habitat

Diverse deep-sea coral and sponge habitats were imaged in the canyons explored during the expedition.

Rare stalked crinoids were observed during a deep dive in Block Canyon. Stalked crinoids were first described as fossils and were thought to be long extinct until the early 19th century.

Stalked Crinoid

Rare stalked crinoids were observed during a deep dive in Block Canyon.

Chemosynthetic mussels of varying sizes were present at New England Seep Site 1.

Chemosynthetic Mussels

Chemosynthetic mussels of varying sizes were present at New England Seep Site 1.

Bathymetric map summarizing operations conducted during Leg 1 of the Northeast U.S. Canyons 2013 Expedition.

Bathymetric Map

Bathymetric map summarizing operations conducted during Leg 1 of the expedition.

Close up of a brisingid sea star.

Brisingid Sea Star

Close up of a brisingid sea star.

A king crab explores the soft sediment.

A king crab explores the soft sediment.

A skate rests vertically along the wall of Atlantis Canyon.

A skate rests vertically along the wall of Atlantis Canyon.

Chemosynthetic mussels of varying sizes were present at New England Seep Site 1.

Chemosynthetic Mussels

Chemosynthetic mussels of varying sizes were present at New England Seep Site 1.

Dr. Brendan Roark preps the CTD rosette onboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Dr. Brendan Roark preps the CTD rosette onboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

An eel unsuccessfully attacks a squid while it is resting on the seafloor in 750 meters waters.

An eel unsuccessfully attacks a squid while it is resting on the seafloor in 750 meters waters.

Video of the eel attempting to catch a squid.

Video of the eel attempting to catch a squid.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer prepares to depart for the Northeast U.S. Canyons 2013 Expedition.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer prepares to depart for the Northeast U.S. Canyons 2013 Expedition.

A telepresence-enabled platform, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer uses satellite technology to transmit data and video in real-time from the ship and ROVs working at depth, to a shore-based hub where the video is transmitted in high definition out on Internet2 to a variety of receiving stations on shore include a number of Exploration Command Centers located around the country.

A telepresence-enabled platform, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer uses satellite technology to transmit data and video to shore.

During the first leg of the Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition, we have had more than 40 students and scientists engaged from two countries, three federal agencies, 15 states, and 16 universities.

Expedition Participants

We have had more than 40 students and scientists engaged from two countries, three federal agencies, 15 states, and 16 universities.

U.S. Geological Survey scientists Amanda Demopoulos and Jennifer McClain-Counts participate from their office in Gainesville, Florida.

Expedition Participants

U.S. Geological Survey scientists participate from their office in Gainesville, Florida.

Bob Carney follows along with the expedition from his lab at Louisiana State University.

Expedition Participants

Bob Carney follows along with the expedition from his lab at Louisiana State University.

During Leg 1 of the Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition, an average of one to two dozen scientists and students participated from shore for any one dive.

Eventlog Chat Room

During Leg 1, an average of one to two dozen scientists and students participated from shore for any one dive.

Telepresence provides many opportunities, including training the next generation of scientists. Here, Tim Shank, Co-science team lead for this cruise, and several of his students join the expedition from the Inner Space Center.

Student Participation

Tim Shank and several of his students join the expedition from the Inner Space Center.

Here the South Carolina Aquarium hosted NOAA scientists as well as aquarium visitors during part of the expedition. Scientists were able to engage with the public and answer questions as they joined the expedition together.

Aquarium Visitors

The South Carolina Aquarium hosted NOAA scientists as well as aquarium visitors during part of the expedition.

16 dives in 16 days, and everyone is still smiling! We had a great first leg of the Northeast U.S. Canyons 2013 Expedition. Mission personnel pose for a group photo as NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer steams to port in New York, New York.

Mission Personnel

Mission personnel pose for a group photo as NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer steams to port in New York, New York.

A squat lobster, Munidopsis sp., is associated with a branching stony coral on the east wall of a minor canyon explored on July 24, 2013.

A squat lobster, Munidopsis sp., is associated with a branching stony coral on the east wall of a minor canyon.

Anthony Sylvester (left) pilots ROV Deep Discoverer for the first time while Bobby Mohr watches from the navigator position.

Piloting the ROV

Anthony Sylvester pilots ROV Deep Discoverer while Bobby Mohr watches.

Members of the ROV team recover Deep Discoverer after a dive.

Members of the ROV team recover Deep Discoverer after a dive.

Dr. Brian Bingam conducts a pre-dive briefing with the ROV team.

Pre-dive Briefing

Dr. Brian Bingam conducts a pre-dive briefing with the ROV team.

Bobby Mohr (left) and Jeff Williams (right) provide guidance during Anthony Sylvester's first experience as an ROV pilot.

Piloting the ROV

Bobby Mohr and Jeff Williams provide guidance during Anthony Sylvester's first experience as an ROV pilot.

ROV Deep Discoverer investigates the geomorphology of Block Canyon.

Deep Discoverer

ROV Deep Discoverer investigates the geomorphology of Block Canyon.

Close up view of a stalked crinoid’s (sea lily) mouth and arms. At least two species of crinoids were noted during the dive today at Block Canyon, including stalked crinoids.

Stalked Crinoid

Close up view of a stalked crinoid’s (sea lily) mouth and arms.

One of the more strange-looking animals we came across in Veatch Canyon, a bathysaurus.

One of the more strange-looking animals we came across in Veatch Canyon, a bathysaurus.

A baby octopus (Graneledone verrucosa) moves across the seafloor as ROV Deep Discoverer explores Veatch Canyon.

A baby octopus moves across the seafloor as Deep Discoverer explores Veatch Canyon.

A shrimp rests on octocoral in Hydrographer Canyon.

Shrimp in Octocoral

A shrimp rests on octocoral in Hydrographer Canyon.

A red brittle star occupies a beautiful white octocoral.

A red brittle star occupies a beautiful white octocoral.

A large white glass sponge growing on a canyon wall.

A large white glass sponge growing on a canyon wall.

During ROV launch one morning we had a special visitor – a whale shark!

During ROV launch we had a special visitor – a whale shark!

An eel pout, Lycenchelys paxillus, poses for ROV Deep Discoverer’s cameras.

An eel pout poses for ROV Deep Discoverer’s cameras.

Throughout the expedition we have seen several cephalopods, but few have been as cute as this bobtail squid!

Throughout the expedition we have seen several cephalopods, but few have been as cute as this bobtail squid!

Benthic ctenophores are a rare find even for deep-sea biologists.

Benthic ctenophores are a rare find even for deep-sea biologists.

A jellyfish swims in the water column as ROV Deep Discoverer approaches the seafloor.

A jellyfish swims in the water column as Deep Discoverer approaches the seafloor.

Antimora rostrata (blue cod) fish with a parasitic copepod attached.

Antimora rostrata (blue cod) fish with a parasitic copepod attached.

Small shrimp hide in a glass sponge in Hydrographer Canyon.

Shrimp in Sponge

Small shrimp hide in a glass sponge in Hydrographer Canyon.

A brittle star hangs out on a black coral.

A brittle star hangs out on a black coral.

We encountered a lime green heart urchin in Veatch Canyon.

We encountered a lime green heart urchin in Veatch Canyon.

Lithodid king crab finds a spiky urchin friend.

Crab and Urchin

Lithodid king crab finds a spiky urchin friend.

A brisingid sea star rests on a small bubblegum coral in Hydrographer Canyon.

Brisingid Sea Star

A brisingid sea star rests on a bubblegum coral in Hydrographer Canyon.

A small hermit crab drags a shell across the seafloor, maybe he has just found himself a new home.

A small hermit crab drags a shell across the seafloor.

Pycnogonids or sea spiders have muscles so small that they are only a single cell surrounded by connective tissue!

Pycnogonids have muscles so small that they are only a single cell surrounded by connective tissue!

Whiplash (Mastigoteuthis) squid waits in the water column while hunting.

Whiplash squid waits in the water column while hunting.

Corals, including cup corals and bubblegum corals reside on the hard substrate near the edge of the mussel bed.

Corals, including cup corals and bubblegum corals, reside on the hard substrate near the edge of the mussel bed.

Highlights from Dive 13, which was conducted at “New England Seep 1,” further investigating gas seep areas previously detected in sonar data and ground-truthed during a remotely operated vehicle shakedown cruise this past June.

Highlights from Dive 13, which was conducted at “New England Seep 1,” to further investigate gas seep areas.

A rarely observed deepwater skate is imaged on the seafloor of Veatch Canyon during a dive on July 20, 2013.

Deepwater Skate

A rarely observed deepwater skate is imaged on the seafloor of Veatch Canyon.

Dive 12 investigated the transition from canyon processes to landslide deposition within Veatch Canyon to explore the relative timing of past landslide events.

Highlights from Dive 12 to investigate the transition from canyon processes to landslide deposition within Veatch Canyon.

A lithodid king crab seen in Veatch Canyon.

A lithodid king crab seen in Veatch Canyon.

A baby octopus (<em>Graneledone verrucosa</em>) moves across the seafloor as ROV <em>Deep Discoverer</em> explores Veatch Canyon on July 20, 2013.

A baby octopus moves across the seafloor as ROV Deep Discoverer explores Veatch Canyon.

A brisingid sea star rests on a group of cup corals in Alvin Canyon.

Brisingid Sea Star

A brisingid sea star rests on a group of cup corals in Alvin Canyon.

Video highlights from Dive 11 to explore the geomorphology and benthic habitats of Block Canyon.

Video highlights from Dive 11 to explore the geomorphology and benthic habitats of Block Canyon.

NOAA’s Seirios camera sled images ROV Deep Discoverer during exploration of the eastern wall of Alvin Canyon during a dive on July 18, 2013.

Deep Discoverer

NOAA’s Seirios camera sled images ROV Deep Discoverer during exploration of the eastern wall of Alvin Canyon.

Video highlights from Dive 11 to explore the geomorphology and benthic habitats of Block Canyon.

Highlights from the dive to investigate the geomorphology and benthic habitats on the eastern canyon wall of Alvin Canyon.

Desmophyllum (cf.) dianthus (cup coral) is a solitary deep-sea scleractinian, or stony, coral common along the walls of Alvin Canyon.

Desmophyllum (cf.) dianthus (cup coral) is a solitary deep-sea scleractinian, or stony, coral common along the walls of Alvin Canyon.

Dive 09 was conducted on the west wall of Alvin Canyon to characterize the diversity of submarine canyon geomorphology and benthic habitats from 926 to 863 meters.

Dive 09 was conducted on the west wall of Alvin Canyon to characterize submarine canyon geomorphology and benthic habitats.

Tyler Sheff, Chief Boatswain, operates ROV Deep Discoverer’s crane with a wireless control.

Crane Operation

Tyler Sheff operates Deep Discoverer’s crane with a wireless control.

Crew members BGL Jerrod Hozendorf (left) and AB Kelson Bracey aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer prepare for the 2013 Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition.

Crew members BGL Jerrod Hozendorf and AB Kelson Bracey prepare for the expedition.

AB Kelson Bracey (left), BGL Jerrod Hozendorf (center) and AB Doug McKay (right) launch Camera Sled Seirios from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Camera Sled Seirios is launched from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

The NOAA and American flags fly above NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

The NOAA and American flags fly above NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

A considered obligate relationship between a specific species of octocoral (cf. Metallogorgia melanotrichos) and brittle star (cf. Ophiocreas oedipus). To our knowledge, these species were previously not known to occur in the Northeast U.S. Canyons Region.

Octocoral and Brittle Star

A considered obligate relationship between a specific species of octocoral and brittle star.

Highlights from Dive 08 to explore the east wall of Atlantis Canyon, between 1,800 meters and 1,600 meters depth, in order to characterize canyon geomorphology and benthic habitats, including possible coral and sponge communities.

Highlights from Dive 08 to explore the east wall of Atlantis Canyon, between 1,800 meters and 1,600 meters depth.

A bobtail squid is imaged by ROV D2 during Dive 07 in Atlantis Canyon. The squid is less than one foot in length.

A bobtail squid is imaged by ROV D2 during Dive 07 in Atlantis Canyon.

Dive 07 was conducted along the western wall of Atlantis Canyon to characterize benthic biodiversity and habitats as well as collect information about canyon geomorphology.

Highlights of exploration along the western wall of Atlantis Canyon.

This squid was filmed by the <em>Deep Discoverer</em> remotely operated vehicle during Dive 07 in Atlantis Canyon.

This squid was filmed during Dive 07 in Atlantis Canyon.

A bobtail squid is imaged by the <em>Deep Discoverer</em> remotely operated vehicle during Dive 07 in Atlantis Canyon. The squid is less than one foot in length.

A bobtail squid seen in Atlantis Canyon. The squid is less than one foot in length.

During Dive 07 to explore the western wall of Atlantis Canyon, scientists got up close with a skate resting on the canyon wall.

While exploring the western wall of Atlantis Canyon, scientists got up close with a skate resting on the canyon wall.

>An octopus makes his way along the seafloor; note the siphon that is out and then retracted. Seen while exploring the western wall of Atlantis Canyon.

An octopus makes his way along the seafloor near the western wall of Atlantis Canyon.

Amongst the diverse coral community along Hydrographer Canyon, ROV D2 observed a glass sponge containing cephalopod eggs. If you look closely you can see what looks to be a recent hatchling!

Cephalopod Eggs

ROV D2 observed a glass sponge containing cephalopod eggs. If you look closely, you can see a recent hatchling!

Dive 06 was conducted in Hydrographer Canyon, exploring the east wall to characterize and discover benthic habitats and biodiversity, including anticipated deep-sea coral and sponge communities, as well as examine canyon geomorphology.

Dive 06 was conducted in Hydrographer Canyon, exploring the east wall to characterize and discover benthic habitats and biodiversity.

A Rhinochimera (Harriotta sp.) swims 10 meters above the seafloor.

A Rhinochimera (Harriotta sp.) swims 10 meters above the seafloor.

Hydrographer Canyon proved to be a diverse habitat for deep-sea corals.

Hydrographer Canyon proved to be a diverse habitat for deep-sea corals.

An octopus guards her eggs under an overhang in Hydrographer Canyon.

An octopus guards her eggs under an overhang in Hydrographer Canyon.

A coral recruit and a glass sponge along the wall of Hydrographer Canyon.

Coral Recruit and Glass Sponge

A coral recruit and a glass sponge along the wall of Hydrographer Canyon.

ROV D2 explores steep slopes and cliff faces along the walls of Hydrographer Canyon.

Deep Discoverer

ROV D2 explores steep slopes and cliff faces along the walls of Hydrographer Canyon.

A bivalve surrounded by cup corals and soft corals are attached to a steep cliff face. A squat lobster is associated with soft coral on the lower left, and a jellyfish swims to the left of the bivalve.

Bivalve and Corals

A bivalve surrounded by cup corals and soft corals are attached to a steep cliff face.

Highlights from exploration of Hydrographer Canyon along a section of the western wall at depths from approximately 1,300 to 1,420 meters.

Highlights from exploration of Hydrographer Canyon along a section of the western wall.

A Rhinochimera (<em>Harriotta</em> sp.) swims 10 meters above the seafloor in Hydrographer Canyon.

A Rhinochimera (Harriotta sp.) swims 10 meters above the seafloor in Hydrographer Canyon.

Bathymodiolus mussels discovered by the ROV Deep Discoverer in areas of active hydrocarbon seepage.

Bathymodiolus Mussels

Bathymodiolus mussels discovered in areas of active hydrocarbon seepage.

Dive 04 highlights, including the discovery of active methane seeps and more chemosynthetic communities.

Dive 04 highlights, including the discovery of active methane seeps and chemosynthetic communities.

An octopus during a dive to ground truth bubbles plumes in the water column detected by our multibeam sonar in 2012 as well as characterize diverse habitats that may exist within and outside potential seep areas.

An octopus during a dive to ground truth bubbles plumes in the water column.

Clusters of live Bathymodiolus mussels (left side, foreground, and background) like these were encountered by D2 on both the July 11 and July 12 dives at seep sites south of Nantucket.

Bathymodiolus Mussels

Clusters of live Bathymodiolus mussels encountered by D2.

The red and yellow symbols respectively mark the locations of the July 11 and July 12, 2013, Okeanos Explorer and D2 explorations of the seafloor at cold seeps south of Nantucket.

Locations of July 11 and July 12 explorations at cold seeps south of Nantucket.

Several different fish species, including this Gaidropsarus peaking out from under a carbonate rock, were observed on the two seep dives.

A Gaidropsarus peaking out from under a carbonate rock.

Massive carbonates (brown rocks), live and dead mussels, and white bacterial mats were found at a seep site explored by D2 on July 11, 2013.

Massive carbonates, live and dead mussels, and white bacterial mats.

Gas hydrates found at the seafloor on July 11 and July 12 had different forms. Here, a small piece of massive gas hydrate formed above leaking methane.

A small piece of massive gas hydrate formed above leaking methane.

White gas hydrate formed under a rock overhang.

White gas hydrate formed under a rock overhang.

Close-up of methane hydrate observed at a depth of 1,055 meters, near where bubble plumes were detected in previous sonar data.

Methane Hydrate

Close-up of methane hydrate observed at a depth of 1,055 meters.

Dive 03 of the expedition was conducted at New England Seep 3 in approximately 1,100 meters of water.

Dive 03 was conducted at "New England Seep 3" in approximately 1,100 meters of water.

An aggregation of deep sea red crabs prey on what appear to be eggs lying on the seafloor.

An aggregation of deep sea red crabs prey on what appear to be eggs lying on the seafloor.

Highlights from the second dive of the expedition to explore between Veatch and Nantucket Canyons.

Highlights from the second dive of the expedition to explore between Veatch and Nantucket Canyons.

ROV Deep Discoverer (D2) as seen from the camera platform Seirios, investigating boulders at the base of the landslide scarp visited during Dive 01.

Deep Discoverer

Deep Discoverer investigating boulders at the base of the landslide scarp visited during Dive 01.

The seafloor in this image is a mix of semi-consolidated to consolidated material overlain by sediment, providing a number of different types of habitats for sessile and mobile fauna.

The seafloor in this image is semi-consolidated to consolidated material overlain by sediment.

Multibeam map of the Dive 01 overlaid with the track of ROV Deep Discoverer (D2). Multibeam sonar helps scientists identify potential targets for exploration and helps ROV pilots navigate.

Multibeam map of the Dive 01 overlaid with the track of Deep Discoverer.

Mudstone outcrops along the upper portion of a 250-meter-high landslide headwall scarp located on the lower continental slope south of New England visited by ROV <em>Deep Discoverer</em> (D2) during Dive 01.

Mudstone Outcrops

Mudstone outcrops along the upper portion of a 250-meter-high landslide headwall scarp.

Angular mudstone boulder sitting on silty-clay sediment at the base of the landslide scarp investigated during Dive 01.

Mudstone Boulder

Angular mudstone boulder sitting on silty-clay sediment at the base of the landslide scarp.

Multibeam map of the Dive 02 overlaid with the track of ROV Deep Discoverer.

Multibeam map of the Dive 02 overlaid with the track of Deep Discoverer.

Round igneous rock, most likely dropped from a melting iceberg, sitting in soft sediments within one of the pockmarks investigated during Dive 02 in water depths between 500 and 650 meters.

Round igneous rock sitting in soft sediments within a pockmark.

One of the numerous Atlantic deep-sea red crab mating pairs seen by ROV Deep Discoverer (D2) during Dive 02. The male crab is carrying the inverted female.

One of the numerous Atlantic deep-sea red crab mating pairs seen during Dive 02.

NOAA's new deepwater remotely operated vehicle, Deep Discoverer (D2), is deployed off the fantail of the ship for the first dive of the expedition.

Deep Discoverer is deployed for the first dive of the expedition.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer pierside at her homeport in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer pierside at her homeport in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research’s ROV team prepares the ROV Deep Discoverer for the first dive of the mission.

The ROV team prepares Deep Discoverer for the first dive of the mission.

Crew aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer prepare for the 2013 Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition.

Crew aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer prepare for the expedition.

Google Earth map showing management interest in the expedition operating area.

Google Earth map showing management interest in the expedition operating area.

NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research’s ROV team prepares the ROV Deep Discoverer for the first dive of the mission.

The ROV team prepares Deep Discoverer for the first dive of the mission.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer conducts operations in the Gulf of Mexico. During July and August 2013, Okeanos Explorer will conduct two telepresence-enabled ocean exploration cruises as part of the Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer conducts operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

Map showing submarine canyon and seamount areas expected to be explored during the Okeanos Explorer Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition 2013.

Map showing submarine canyon and seamount areas expected to be explored during the expedition.

The Office of Ocean Exploration and Research’s new 6,000-meter-rated Deep Discoverer remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was brought online for engineering trials this past May, and will be used in a telepresence-enabled ocean exploration for the first time during the Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition.

Deep Discoverer

OER’s new 6,000-meter-rated Deep Discoverer remotely operated vehicle was brought online for engineering trials this past May.

A species of rockling (Family Lotidae) nestles within beds of chemosynthetic mussels (Bathymodiolus).

Rockling and Mussels

A species of rockling (Family Lotidae) nestles within beds of chemosynthetic mussels (Bathymodiolus).

A bythitid meanders through a cluster of corals, including red Paragorgia and white Lophelia pertusa, and basket stars.

A bythitid meanders through a cluster of corals and basket stars.

Google Earth image of Hudson Canyon.

Google Earth image of Hudson Canyon.

Often multiple species of invertebrates are found co-occurring on rock ledges and canyon walls. Here a brisingid sea star, an octopus, bivalves, and several individuals of the cup coral, Desmophyllum, are found in close proximity to one another.

A brisingid sea star, an octopus, bivalves, and cup coral are found in close proximity to one another under a ledge.

Bubblegum coral (Paragorgia), several colonies of Primnoa, an anemone, and sea star all inhabiting a boulder within the canyon.

Bubblegum Coral

Bubblegum coral, several colonies of Primnoa, an anemone, and sea star all inhabiting a boulder within the canyon.

A diverse assemblage of corals and sponges, including yellow sponges (lower left) and colonial and solitary scleractinian (stony) corals (center of photo), observed on the western side of Munson Canyon (1,037-1,266 meters).

Corals and Sponges

A diverse assemblage of corals and sponges observed on the western side of Munson Canyon.

View of the western canyon wall in Ryan Canyon (1,682-1,832 meters). This canyon was surveyed earlier this summer during an expedition aboard the FSV Henry Bigelow.

View of the western canyon wall in Ryan Canyon.

A diverse assemblage of deep-sea corals, including Anthomastus sp. (numerous, small red corals in foreground), Paragorgia sp. (large red coral in upper right corner), and Paramuricea sp. (yellow), observed on the eastern wall of Powell Canyon (950-1,180 meters).

Corals in Powell Canyon

A diverse assemblage of deep-sea corals observed on the eastern wall of Powell Canyon.

TowCam image of part of the landslide scarp from which the above material was dislodged.

Landslide Scarp

Part of the landslide scarp from which the above material was dislodged.

TowCam image of debris material that has been dislodged from a submarine landslide scarp just out of the frame.

Debris material that has been dislodged from a submarine landslide scarp just out of the frame.

Map of the Munson-Nygren-Retriever landslide complex along the lower slope off Georges Bank.

Map of Landslide Complex

Map of the Munson-Nygren-Retriever landslide complex along the lower slope off Georges Bank.

Methane bubbles flow in small streams out of the sediment on an area of seafloor offshore Virginia north of Washington Canyon.

Methane Bubbles

Methane bubbles flow in small streams out of the sediment offshore Virginia.

Methane gas hydrate formed underneath a rock overhang at the seafloor on the Blake Ridge cold seep off the coast of South Carolina.

Methane Hydrate

Methane gas hydrate formed underneath a rock overhang on the Blake Ridge cold seep.

Map showing bathymetric data collected along the U.S. Atlantic coast.

Bathymetric Map

Map showing bathymetric data collected along the U.S. Atlantic coast.

A newly discovered mussel bed with octopus Graneledone verrucosa and brittle stars on sediment and white microbial mat at a seep site south of Norfolk Canyon.

Octopus and Mussels

A newly discovered mussel bed with octopus and brittle stars and white microbial mat.

Overview of extensive chemosynthetic mussel communities colonizing carbonate and sedimented mounds at a seep site south of Norfolk Canyon.

Chemosynthetic Mussels

Extensive chemosynthetic mussel communities at a seep site south of Norfolk Canyon.

Close-up view of a live chemosynthetic mussel bed surrounded by sediment-covered shells from 1,419 meters depth in Veatch Canyon on the U.S. continental margin.

Chemosynthetic Mussel Bed

Close-up view of a live chemosynthetic mussel bed in Veatch Canyon.