Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Mapping the Seafloor
The seafloor has distinct features and characteristics that help us better understand Earth’s current and past conditions, potential resources, and natural hazards. However, less than 10% of the seafloor has been mapped globally. The USGS conducts high-resolution mapping to describe the physical features of the ocean floor, as well as the geologic layers and structure beneath it.
What's on the seafloor?
The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’ surface, yet only a small part of the seafloor has been mapped with enough detail to understand the basic structure, risks, and living and mineral resources that exist there. Characterizing the ocean floor expands our ability to better understand large scale Earth processes along with improved knowledge about the seafloor, deep sea minerals and associated ecosystems. Through this process we can build a more complete view of Earth history, begin to recognize changes, and provide predictions about how the seafloor, underwater environments, and marine geohazards may change in the future.
Technology and Innovation in Seafloor Mapping
Just like the Earth’s land surface, the seafloor contains significant geological and biological features. Geological features include mountains, canyons, plateaus, ledges, and submarine volcanoes, all of which have variable substrate that can range from rocky outcrops to extensive muddy plains, sand ripples, and giant sediment fans along with chemical seeps. Visit the Ocean 101 page to learn more. View a slideshow featuring thickets of coral reefs, sponges, mussels, and the many wondrous creatures that live and move among them.
The USGS designs mapping research programs to address a wide range of topics, and to expand our understanding of deep sea minerals, offshore energy, marine biological habitats, hazards, and more. The USGS uses acoustic techniques to collect detailed information about the seafloor, such as its shape, sediment composition and distribution, and underlying geologic structure and sediment type. Seafloor video, photographs, sediment cores, and other samples are also collected to validate the acoustics and provide a comprehensive foundation for studies of sediment and contaminant transport, landslide and tsunami hazards, gas hydrates, methane and carbon flux, benthic habitat quality, and sediment availability. Managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders use the map products derived from these studies to make informed decisions regarding the Nation’s safety and economic prosperity.
USGS Role in Seafloor Mapping
From habitats to hazards, here are some examples of USGS seafloor mapping efforts.
Mapping the Continental Shelf
The USGS maps continental shelf areas to understand coastal system evolution, from sediment transport to habitat use. Through marine geologic mapping and characterization of inner continental shelf areas, USGS science expands understanding of coastal vulnerability, sediment sources, transport pathways, habitat type and ecosystem characteristics. These activities advance the research and technology essential to coastal evolution and environmental change science while also supporting state and national partners in managing coastal and marine resources and related decisions.
Mapping Beyond the Continental Shelf
Mapping of seafloor and geologic structure beyond the continental shelf is foundational to enhancing stewardship of natural resources, promoting economic prosperity, and strengthening the nation’s security.
Publications
California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I, volume 3 — Benthic habitat characterization offshore Morro Bay, California
Submarine landslide susceptibility mapping in recently deglaciated terrain, Glacier Bay, Alaska
A characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities along the California and Oregon coast using a remotely operated vehicle on the EXPRESS 2018 expedition
Mapping, exploration, and characterization of the California continental margin and associated features from the California-Oregon border to Ensenada, Mexico
A federal-state partnership for mapping Florida's coast and seafloor
Science
Delineating the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf
USGS Law of the Sea
SQUID-5 camera system
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
PCMSC MarFac Field Equipment and Capabilities
Multimedia
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.
Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.
The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.
The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the restoration and recovery of the threatened elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic. In this photograph, research marine biologist Ilsa Kuffner is doing maintenance on a USGS “calcification station”.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the restoration and recovery of the threatened elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic. In this photograph, research marine biologist Ilsa Kuffner is doing maintenance on a USGS “calcification station”.
News
California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing
From the Seafloor to Outer Space, USGS is on the Case
New USGS technology provides three dimensional benefits: assessing coastal hazards, seafloor stability, and coral restoration efforts
Explore our science
Photo of the seafloor in Block Island Sound showing a rock crab and several shrimp on a boulder that is covered with bryozoans. The photo was collected in support of research and management activities (e.g., wind farms and fisheries) along the Rhode Island inner continental shelf.
Photo of the seafloor in Block Island Sound showing a rock crab and several shrimp on a boulder that is covered with bryozoans. The photo was collected in support of research and management activities (e.g., wind farms and fisheries) along the Rhode Island inner continental shelf.
Several basket stars rest on a bubblegum coral in Norfolk Canyon. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS
Several basket stars rest on a bubblegum coral in Norfolk Canyon. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS
During the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013, three sites were investigated where sonar data detected what appeared to be gas plumes in the water column. Further investigation revealed cold seeps and extensive chemosynthetic communities at all three locations. Shown in this image, chemosynthetic mussels of varying sizes were present at New England Seep Site 1.
During the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013, three sites were investigated where sonar data detected what appeared to be gas plumes in the water column. Further investigation revealed cold seeps and extensive chemosynthetic communities at all three locations. Shown in this image, chemosynthetic mussels of varying sizes were present at New England Seep Site 1.
Close-up of a brisingid sea star.
An octopus strikes a pose for the remotely operated vehicle near Shallop Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
An octopus strikes a pose for the remotely operated vehicle near Shallop Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
Anthomastus coral in Oceanographer Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
Anthomastus coral in Oceanographer Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
USGS diver taking a core of a 100-year-old coral to allow reconstruction of past ocean temperatures in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
USGS diver taking a core of a 100-year-old coral to allow reconstruction of past ocean temperatures in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
A seaspider, or pycnogonid, seen while exploring Oceanographer Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
A seaspider, or pycnogonid, seen while exploring Oceanographer Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
A Paramuricea coral in Nygren Canyon which 165 nautical miles southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts observed during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
A Paramuricea coral in Nygren Canyon which 165 nautical miles southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts observed during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
A colony with bright color and full branches with many extended polyps would be considered healthy or in good condition. The red lasers (red dots in the photo) are ten centimeters apart and are used for scale and age estimates.
A colony with bright color and full branches with many extended polyps would be considered healthy or in good condition. The red lasers (red dots in the photo) are ten centimeters apart and are used for scale and age estimates.
Large colonies of Bubblegum Coral make the canyon walls their home. BOEM, USGS, and NOAA all have vested interests in deep sea coral ecosystems.
Large colonies of Bubblegum Coral make the canyon walls their home. BOEM, USGS, and NOAA all have vested interests in deep sea coral ecosystems.
Coelopluerus sp., urchin collected with ROV Jason II on NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown (courtesy of Liz Baird)
Coelopluerus sp., urchin collected with ROV Jason II on NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown (courtesy of Liz Baird)
Deep-sea collections: A red crab, the lone sea star, and a flounder (note that these combined pictures are not to scale).
Deep-sea collections: A red crab, the lone sea star, and a flounder (note that these combined pictures are not to scale).
Blackbelly rosefish – these striking fish are fairly common in the rocky canyon habitats. Related to scorpionfish, the blackbelly rosefish is an ambush hunter and possesses venomous dorsal spines to deter predators. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
Blackbelly rosefish – these striking fish are fairly common in the rocky canyon habitats. Related to scorpionfish, the blackbelly rosefish is an ambush hunter and possesses venomous dorsal spines to deter predators. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A squat lobster makes its home among various deep-sea corals. Though most galatheoids share a similar body structure and general appearance, there are many different species. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A squat lobster makes its home among various deep-sea corals. Though most galatheoids share a similar body structure and general appearance, there are many different species. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
Close-up of a crinoid attached to bubblegum coral (Paragorgia). The coral’s polyps are extended in feeding position. Both animals capture small organisms and organic matter in the water column as it drifts by. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
Close-up of a crinoid attached to bubblegum coral (Paragorgia). The coral’s polyps are extended in feeding position. Both animals capture small organisms and organic matter in the water column as it drifts by. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A lithodid crab seen on a bed of deep sea mussels living near a gas seep 1,600 meters below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A lithodid crab seen on a bed of deep sea mussels living near a gas seep 1,600 meters below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A species of rockling (Family Lotidae), related to hakes and cods, rests among the mussels. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A species of rockling (Family Lotidae), related to hakes and cods, rests among the mussels. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
Images of the remotely operated vehicle Jason2 sampling a sea urchin in a deep sea mussel community found near a gas seep on the U.S. outer continental shelf. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
Images of the remotely operated vehicle Jason2 sampling a sea urchin in a deep sea mussel community found near a gas seep on the U.S. outer continental shelf. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A black-bellied rosefish (Helicolenus dactylopterus) peaks out of the Lophelia coral. Behind the fish, a squat lobster (Eumunida picta) hangs upside down from a coral branch.
A black-bellied rosefish (Helicolenus dactylopterus) peaks out of the Lophelia coral. Behind the fish, a squat lobster (Eumunida picta) hangs upside down from a coral branch.
A large deep-sea fish called a Cusk (Brosme brosme) sheltering under a rocky carbonate ledge, surrounded by soft sediment and live seep mussels.
A large deep-sea fish called a Cusk (Brosme brosme) sheltering under a rocky carbonate ledge, surrounded by soft sediment and live seep mussels.
The seafloor has distinct features and characteristics that help us better understand Earth’s current and past conditions, potential resources, and natural hazards. However, less than 10% of the seafloor has been mapped globally. The USGS conducts high-resolution mapping to describe the physical features of the ocean floor, as well as the geologic layers and structure beneath it.
What's on the seafloor?
The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’ surface, yet only a small part of the seafloor has been mapped with enough detail to understand the basic structure, risks, and living and mineral resources that exist there. Characterizing the ocean floor expands our ability to better understand large scale Earth processes along with improved knowledge about the seafloor, deep sea minerals and associated ecosystems. Through this process we can build a more complete view of Earth history, begin to recognize changes, and provide predictions about how the seafloor, underwater environments, and marine geohazards may change in the future.
Technology and Innovation in Seafloor Mapping
Just like the Earth’s land surface, the seafloor contains significant geological and biological features. Geological features include mountains, canyons, plateaus, ledges, and submarine volcanoes, all of which have variable substrate that can range from rocky outcrops to extensive muddy plains, sand ripples, and giant sediment fans along with chemical seeps. Visit the Ocean 101 page to learn more. View a slideshow featuring thickets of coral reefs, sponges, mussels, and the many wondrous creatures that live and move among them.
The USGS designs mapping research programs to address a wide range of topics, and to expand our understanding of deep sea minerals, offshore energy, marine biological habitats, hazards, and more. The USGS uses acoustic techniques to collect detailed information about the seafloor, such as its shape, sediment composition and distribution, and underlying geologic structure and sediment type. Seafloor video, photographs, sediment cores, and other samples are also collected to validate the acoustics and provide a comprehensive foundation for studies of sediment and contaminant transport, landslide and tsunami hazards, gas hydrates, methane and carbon flux, benthic habitat quality, and sediment availability. Managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders use the map products derived from these studies to make informed decisions regarding the Nation’s safety and economic prosperity.
USGS Role in Seafloor Mapping
From habitats to hazards, here are some examples of USGS seafloor mapping efforts.
Mapping the Continental Shelf
The USGS maps continental shelf areas to understand coastal system evolution, from sediment transport to habitat use. Through marine geologic mapping and characterization of inner continental shelf areas, USGS science expands understanding of coastal vulnerability, sediment sources, transport pathways, habitat type and ecosystem characteristics. These activities advance the research and technology essential to coastal evolution and environmental change science while also supporting state and national partners in managing coastal and marine resources and related decisions.
Mapping Beyond the Continental Shelf
Mapping of seafloor and geologic structure beyond the continental shelf is foundational to enhancing stewardship of natural resources, promoting economic prosperity, and strengthening the nation’s security.
Publications
California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I, volume 3 — Benthic habitat characterization offshore Morro Bay, California
Submarine landslide susceptibility mapping in recently deglaciated terrain, Glacier Bay, Alaska
A characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities along the California and Oregon coast using a remotely operated vehicle on the EXPRESS 2018 expedition
Mapping, exploration, and characterization of the California continental margin and associated features from the California-Oregon border to Ensenada, Mexico
A federal-state partnership for mapping Florida's coast and seafloor
Science
Delineating the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf
USGS Law of the Sea
SQUID-5 camera system
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
PCMSC MarFac Field Equipment and Capabilities
Multimedia
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.
Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.
The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.
The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the restoration and recovery of the threatened elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic. In this photograph, research marine biologist Ilsa Kuffner is doing maintenance on a USGS “calcification station”.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the restoration and recovery of the threatened elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic. In this photograph, research marine biologist Ilsa Kuffner is doing maintenance on a USGS “calcification station”.
News
California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing
From the Seafloor to Outer Space, USGS is on the Case
New USGS technology provides three dimensional benefits: assessing coastal hazards, seafloor stability, and coral restoration efforts
Explore our science
Photo of the seafloor in Block Island Sound showing a rock crab and several shrimp on a boulder that is covered with bryozoans. The photo was collected in support of research and management activities (e.g., wind farms and fisheries) along the Rhode Island inner continental shelf.
Photo of the seafloor in Block Island Sound showing a rock crab and several shrimp on a boulder that is covered with bryozoans. The photo was collected in support of research and management activities (e.g., wind farms and fisheries) along the Rhode Island inner continental shelf.
Several basket stars rest on a bubblegum coral in Norfolk Canyon. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS
Several basket stars rest on a bubblegum coral in Norfolk Canyon. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS
During the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013, three sites were investigated where sonar data detected what appeared to be gas plumes in the water column. Further investigation revealed cold seeps and extensive chemosynthetic communities at all three locations. Shown in this image, chemosynthetic mussels of varying sizes were present at New England Seep Site 1.
During the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013, three sites were investigated where sonar data detected what appeared to be gas plumes in the water column. Further investigation revealed cold seeps and extensive chemosynthetic communities at all three locations. Shown in this image, chemosynthetic mussels of varying sizes were present at New England Seep Site 1.
Close-up of a brisingid sea star.
An octopus strikes a pose for the remotely operated vehicle near Shallop Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
An octopus strikes a pose for the remotely operated vehicle near Shallop Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
Anthomastus coral in Oceanographer Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
Anthomastus coral in Oceanographer Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
USGS diver taking a core of a 100-year-old coral to allow reconstruction of past ocean temperatures in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
USGS diver taking a core of a 100-year-old coral to allow reconstruction of past ocean temperatures in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
A seaspider, or pycnogonid, seen while exploring Oceanographer Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
A seaspider, or pycnogonid, seen while exploring Oceanographer Canyon during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
A Paramuricea coral in Nygren Canyon which 165 nautical miles southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts observed during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
A Paramuricea coral in Nygren Canyon which 165 nautical miles southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts observed during the Northeast US Canyons Expedition 2013.
A colony with bright color and full branches with many extended polyps would be considered healthy or in good condition. The red lasers (red dots in the photo) are ten centimeters apart and are used for scale and age estimates.
A colony with bright color and full branches with many extended polyps would be considered healthy or in good condition. The red lasers (red dots in the photo) are ten centimeters apart and are used for scale and age estimates.
Large colonies of Bubblegum Coral make the canyon walls their home. BOEM, USGS, and NOAA all have vested interests in deep sea coral ecosystems.
Large colonies of Bubblegum Coral make the canyon walls their home. BOEM, USGS, and NOAA all have vested interests in deep sea coral ecosystems.
Coelopluerus sp., urchin collected with ROV Jason II on NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown (courtesy of Liz Baird)
Coelopluerus sp., urchin collected with ROV Jason II on NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown (courtesy of Liz Baird)
Deep-sea collections: A red crab, the lone sea star, and a flounder (note that these combined pictures are not to scale).
Deep-sea collections: A red crab, the lone sea star, and a flounder (note that these combined pictures are not to scale).
Blackbelly rosefish – these striking fish are fairly common in the rocky canyon habitats. Related to scorpionfish, the blackbelly rosefish is an ambush hunter and possesses venomous dorsal spines to deter predators. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
Blackbelly rosefish – these striking fish are fairly common in the rocky canyon habitats. Related to scorpionfish, the blackbelly rosefish is an ambush hunter and possesses venomous dorsal spines to deter predators. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A squat lobster makes its home among various deep-sea corals. Though most galatheoids share a similar body structure and general appearance, there are many different species. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A squat lobster makes its home among various deep-sea corals. Though most galatheoids share a similar body structure and general appearance, there are many different species. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
Close-up of a crinoid attached to bubblegum coral (Paragorgia). The coral’s polyps are extended in feeding position. Both animals capture small organisms and organic matter in the water column as it drifts by. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
Close-up of a crinoid attached to bubblegum coral (Paragorgia). The coral’s polyps are extended in feeding position. Both animals capture small organisms and organic matter in the water column as it drifts by. Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A lithodid crab seen on a bed of deep sea mussels living near a gas seep 1,600 meters below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A lithodid crab seen on a bed of deep sea mussels living near a gas seep 1,600 meters below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A species of rockling (Family Lotidae), related to hakes and cods, rests among the mussels. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A species of rockling (Family Lotidae), related to hakes and cods, rests among the mussels. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
Images of the remotely operated vehicle Jason2 sampling a sea urchin in a deep sea mussel community found near a gas seep on the U.S. outer continental shelf. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
Images of the remotely operated vehicle Jason2 sampling a sea urchin in a deep sea mussel community found near a gas seep on the U.S. outer continental shelf. Images courtesy Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss expedition, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS.
A black-bellied rosefish (Helicolenus dactylopterus) peaks out of the Lophelia coral. Behind the fish, a squat lobster (Eumunida picta) hangs upside down from a coral branch.
A black-bellied rosefish (Helicolenus dactylopterus) peaks out of the Lophelia coral. Behind the fish, a squat lobster (Eumunida picta) hangs upside down from a coral branch.
A large deep-sea fish called a Cusk (Brosme brosme) sheltering under a rocky carbonate ledge, surrounded by soft sediment and live seep mussels.
A large deep-sea fish called a Cusk (Brosme brosme) sheltering under a rocky carbonate ledge, surrounded by soft sediment and live seep mussels.