Deep Connections 2019 is a two-leg expedition focused on exploring deep-water habitats of the U.S. and Canadian Atlantic Continental Margin. The first leg (EX1905-L1)will use the ship’s sonar systems (Kongsberg EM302 multibeam, Simrad EK60 and EK80 split-beam, Knudsen 3260 chirp sub-bottom profiler, and Teledyne Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler), concentrating on seafloor and water column areas with little or no high-quality sonar data, as well as identification of potential maritime heritage sites. The second leg (EX1905L2) will use NOAA’s dual-body ROV capable of diving to 6,000-meter depths to explore a diversity of poorly known seafloor, geological features, and midwater habitats during the daytime, as well as conduct overnight mapping operations using the systems noted above.Additionally, the expedition will use the ship’s high-bandwidth satellite connection to engage a broad spectrum of scientists, resource managers, and the public in telepresence-based exploration.
Leg 1 (Mapping only): August 6-20, 2019, starting in North Kingstown, Rhode Island & ending in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Leg 2 (ROV and mapping): August 26-September 15, 2019, starting in Halifax, Nova Scotia & ending in NorthKingstown, Rhode Island
