Image Archive

ROPOS uses a T-handle to latch into the top of the ROCLS cable drum. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1716; V14.

Several species of macrofauna inhabit the thick sediments at the base of Axial Seamount.  A large sea cucumber deep sea Holothurian coexists with abundant brittle stars and Peniagone sea cucumbers. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1715; V14.

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This large sea cucumber (Holothurian) was seen with many smaller sea cucumbers of Genus Peniagone at the base of Axial.  Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1715; V14.

The ROV ROPOS is one of only a very few robotic vehicles that can install extension cables deep beneath the ocean's surface. Here, numerous screens provide updates on the postion of the R/V Thompson 8500 feet above the vehicle, the location of ROPOS, and cable lay information. This image was taken during Dive R1715, installation of the first cable on the VISIONS '14 expedition. Photo Credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washington; V14.

The Canadian ROV ROPOS is latched into the ROCLS cable laying system, taking a 1 km-long extension cable down to the seafloor at the base of Axial Seamount. Photo Credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washington, V14.

The ROCLS cable drum is unlatched on the seafloor at the base of Axial Seamount near PN3A at a depth of 2600 m. The cable, once plugged into a junction box and Primary Node, will power and communicate with ~2600 m-tall (8500 ft) instrumented moorings, as well as seafloor instruments. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1715; V14.

Cable RS03W4, a 1 km extension cable, sits on the ROPOS work platform awaiting attachment to ROCLS on the underbelly of the ROV ROPOS. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1715; V14.

The ROPOS remotely operated cable laying system (ROCLS) is awaiting attachment to the underbelly of ROPOS. The cable will be installed at the base of Axial Seaount. Photo Credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washington, V14.

John Wonderly, from Clallam Bay school, collects fluid samples during the VISIONS14 expedition. Photo Credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washington; V14.

Gina Hansen, University of Washington Bioengineering student, helps takes water samples collected at ~ 9000 ft beneath the ocean's surface near Axial Seamount (volcano). Photo Credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washington, V14.

An array of junction boxes and cables await installation during Leg 1 of the VISIONS14 expedition. This image was from the first few days of Leg 1. Photo Credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washington; V14.

Images for the V14 Operations Report for July 18. a) Schematic showing the location of RSN infrastructure at the base of Axial Seamount - PN3A. b) Junction box LV30A deloyed during Dive R1714 to be used as an anchor for follow-on installation of the 1 km-long extension cable RS03W4. c) Isobaric gas tight sample taken at the Escargo vent in the International District vent field during Dive R1713.

Keith Shepherd, Operations Manager for the Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility, oversees the lauch of ROPOS for Dive R1713. Photo Credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washington; V14.

On a beautiful sunny day, the ROV ROPOS is launched from the R/ V Thompson. Photo credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washington; V14.

The anhydrite chimney 'Diva' visited with the ROV ROPOS during the VISIONS'14 program. This is an extremely CO2-rich vent with temperatures measured at 294°C (561°F) in July.

The top of the 16-m tall El Guapo edifice that emits boiling fluids. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1713; V14.

A novel gas-tight fluid sampler takes a sample of 271°C (~520°F) fluid venting from the Escargot chimney in the International District hydrothermal field on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1713; V14.

Beautiful blue ciliates (protists) line the base of the hydrothermal vent called El Gordo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1713; V14

During Dive R1273, the 271°C venting orifice was visited at Escargot and a gas-tight fluid sample was taken. The srtucture is named after its morphology, which clearly resembles a snail. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1713; V14.

The CTD (Conductivity-Temperature-Depth sensor) is deployed into the ocean. All of the Niskin bottles are held open before deployment and are closed individually to collect water samples at different depths as the CTD carousel rises through the water column.  Photo credit: John Wonderly, Clallam Bay School, V14.

Leg 1 students assist ship's crew to deploy the CTD.  Photo credit:

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Students on VISIONS 14 Leg 1 discuss one of the readings on the bow of the Thompson.  Photo credit: Leslie Sautter, College of Charleston, V14.

The Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) probe lies within a large carousel of Niskin water bottles.  The carousel is lowered to the seafloor while the CTD makes measurements.  On the 'ride' up, a person on deck triggers the water bottles to close (one at a time) to collect a water sample at different depths.  Photo credit: Mitch Elend, University of Washinton, V14.

An octopus swims above a rubbly lava flow 5000 ft beneath the ocean's surface at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive 1712; V14.

A Pacific Flatnose swims above a sheet flow (lava) on the summit of Axial Seamount. UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1712; V14.