Seascape Alaska 1: Aleutians Deepwater Mapping

(EX2302)

Dates

May 5 - 26, 2023

Vessel

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

Location

Gulf of Alaska – Aleutian Trench and Aleutian Islands

Primary goal

Increase mapping coverage in unexplored regions off Alaska, with a focus on waters deeper than 200 meters (656 feet)

Primary technology

Multibeam sonar, autonomous underwater vehicle Iver3

Expedition Summary

From May 5 - 26, 2023, NOAA Ocean Exploration conducted an expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to map nearly 54,000 square kilometers (20,850 square miles) of seafloor in unexplored regions of the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands.

Throughout the expedition, mapping watchstanders collected, processed, and documented high-quality data during 24-hour-a-day mapping operations. In total, we mapped across a distance of 6,368 linear kilometers (3,957 linear miles) and collected bathymetric and water column data across 53,923 square kilometers (20,820 square miles) of seafloor. Notable findings include the locations of at least three previously unknown gas seeps and the summit of a submarine stratovolcano. Additionally, we were able to collect high-resolution data on the Amchixtam Chaxsxii underwater volcano that was last mapped in 2003, the margins of Bogoslof Island, and the summit of an underwater seamount that was nearly double the height than what was previously recorded in nautical charts.

In addition to standard mapping operations, NOAA Ocean Exploration partnered with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to deploy a small, human-portable Iver3 autonomous underwater vehicle and DeepTrekker Pivot remotely operated vehicle with the intent to locate a World War II-era B-25 bomber aircraft that was lost in 1944 with nine crew members aboard.

In line with NOAA Ocean Exploration’s commitment to outreach and providing support for the next generation of ocean explorers, during this expedition the office hosted three explorers-in-training and a Knauss fellow who provided live coverage of mapping activities. We also connected with tribal members from the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska and were able to offer a tour of the ship and the systems on board.

Water column data (shown as a triangular cross-section) overlaid on 3D-modeled multibeam bathymetry data. The gas seep detected near the Aleutian Trench is depicted as a green line extending from the middle of the water column data.
Water column data (shown as a triangular cross-section) overlaid on 3D-modeled multibeam bathymetry data. The gas seep detected near the Aleutian Trench is depicted as a green line extending from the middle of the water column data. 3D model produced by Amanda Bittinger, Sunset Hydrographics. Download largest version (jpg, 658 KB).
This map shows the general operating area along the Gulf of Alaska for the Seascape Alaska 1: Aleutians Deepwater Mapping expedition, with the approximate track of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.
This map shows the general operating area along the Gulf of Alaska for the Seascape Alaska 1: Aleutians Deepwater Mapping expedition, with the approximate track of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration. Download largest version (jpg, 1.96 MB).
View Expedition Overview

Exploration Team

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Naming every participant in a telepresence-enabled expedition is next to impossible, as scientists from around the world have provided input into the expedition plan. However, we've assembled information about the members of the team who are sailing on the ship and participating in the expedition from sea – meet the team!

Education Content

Education theme pages provide the best of what the NOAA Ocean Exploration website has to offer to support educators in the classroom during this expedition. Each theme page includes expedition features, lessons, multimedia, career information, and associated past expeditions.

Media Contacts

Emily Crum

Communication Specialist
NOAA Ocean Exploration
ocean-explore-comms@noaa.gov

Keeley Belva

Public Affairs Officer
NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations
keeley.belva@noaa.gov

For more information, visit the Media Resources page.

NOAA Ocean Exploration’s 2023 Seascape Alaska expeditions will contribute to the National Strategy for Exploring, Mapping, and Characterizing the United States Exclusive Economic Zone, Seabed 2030, and multipartner Seascape Alaska campaign, which has been endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO as part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030.

Data collected during all expeditions will be available in NOAA’s public data archives within 90-120 days of its completion and will be accessible via the NOAA Ocean Exploration Data Atlas.

Published May 4, 2023
Last updated June 27, 2023

2021-2030 United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development | Seascape Alaska