Key points
- A team of 37 marine researchers from independent institutions, including the University of Hawaii, Texas A&M University and JAMSTEC, examined the pelagic biology of the CCZ in the NORI-D exploration area, from macro to microbial level.
- The expedition studied impacts of sediment plumes on deep-ocean fauna and the mid-water column.
- Researchers deployed ROVs, suction samplers, current/temp/depth rosettes, MOCNESS nets, 4K cameras and landers to sample seawater and suspended sediment.
- The survey covered the full water column, from sunlit surface waters down to the abyssal plain three miles deep, where nodules sit on the sediment in perpetual darkness under immense pressure.
