Image Archive

A zoroasterid sea star (likely Zoroaster spinulosus), seen on a lava flow. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1722; V14

A broadband seismometer and a low-frequency hydrophone placed on a flat basaltic plateau at the Axial Seamount Central Caldera Site, awaiting connection to medium power J-Box MJ03F. On a follow-on dive a 4.6-km cable will be installed. This area is of particular interest because the caldera floor is rapidly being uplifted, suggesting that melt is migrating into the magma chamber below. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI//CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1725; V14.

All Secondary Infrastructure is now installed and connected to junction box MJ03D – it awaits connection to Primary Node PN3B.  a) The bottom pressure-tilt instrument (BOTPA303) is slung beneath the ROV ROPOS for transport to the seafloor. b) Final installation image of the short-period OBSSPA305 connected to MJ03D. c) The current meter (VEL3DB304) being placed into its final location by the ROV ROPOS. d) Final placement of the bottom pressure-tilt instrument (BOTPTA303) installed and connected. Image Credit. Debbie Kelley, University of Washington, V14.

During Leg 1 of the OOI-NSF VISIONS'14 Expedition, we are making significant progress in the installation of secondary infrastructure at the summit of Axial Seamount. Infrastructure shown in green is deployed on the seafloor. During ROPOS Dive R1727, the ~ 4.6 km extension cable from PN3B to MJ03F at Central Caldera will be installed, completing this site. Image Credit: University of Washington, V14.

A marker deployed on ROPOS Dive R 1725 marks the installation location for the broadband seismometer and low frequency hydrophone at the Central Caldera Site. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1725; V14.

John Wonderly, a teacher from Clallam Bay School, assists with the respooling of 250 m of cable onto the ROCLS drum.  This cable totals 4.7 km in length and will be laid on the seafloor to connect Axial Caldera's Primary Node PN3B with the Central Caldera Secondary Node. Photo Credit: Leslie Sautter, College of Charleston, V14.  

During ROPOS Dive R1724, the junction Box MJ03F was deployed at the Central Caldera Site. It will host a broadband seismometer, a low-frequency hydrophone, and a bottom pressure-tilt instrument suite. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1726; V14.

The remotely operated vehicle ROPOS is launched from the R/V Thompson. ROPOS will dive to 5000 ft beneath the ocean's surface to the summit of Axial Seamount. Today the ocean in the NE Pacific is calm. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1726; V14.

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This deep sea, purple spiny sea urchin (possibly Tromikosoma panamense) was seen at the base of Axial.  Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1715; V14

ROPOS deployment; the occasional wave reached up to douse the basket and left it dripping.  Photo credit: Gina Hansen, University of Washington, V14.

On a calm day, the ocean has a unique texture.  Photo credit: Gina Hansen, University of Washington, V14

This unknown sea cucumber was found at the base of Axial Seamount, living among the brittle stars. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1716; V14  

This spiny Holothurian Deep-Sea Cucumber (possibly of Genus Pannychia) has been seen on many regions of Axial Seamount. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V13

This large purple sea cucumber (Holothurian) was seen at the base of Axial Seamount, foraging through the sediments. This one is likely Paelopadites confundens. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V14.

A current meter is held in the manipulator of the ROV ROPOS for installation at the International District 2 Site. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive 1723; V14.

These small sea spiders are Pycnogonids (Phylum Arthropoda) and live among the tube worms and limpets on hydrothermal vents of Axial Seamount. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/WHOI; V11

An interesting perspective of this Dinner Plate Jelly (Solmissus sp.) and the Remotely Operated Cable Laying System (ROCLS) spool, makes the jelly look enormous. Photo credit: Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1604; V13

These dinner plate jellies are a frequent sight during ROPOS dives on Axial Seamount. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1713; V14

This large jelly is called a Fried Egg Jelly (Phacellophora cantschatica).  It normally is a pelagic organism, however this one is on the seafloor, making it vulnerable to spider crab feasting. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1619; V13

A solitary anemone lives on the sediment seafloor with brittle stars at the base of Axial Seamount. This may be a Jack-o-Lantern Lid anemone. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1715, V14.

This unknown species of anemone was found on the sediments at the base of Axial Seamount.  Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1624; V13

A low-frequency hydrophone (black tubular-shaped instrument in tripod with red legs), connected to a broadband seismometer, awaits installation by the ROPOS that will install this sensor in the International District 2 Site. Pea gravel bags in the background will be piled over the broadband to dampen any noise by local currents. Credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washington, V14.

This pink anemone was found at Axial Seamount, affixed to the lava rocks.  Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1712; V14