EAF-Nansen Programme
Survey off the coast of South Africa
3 February 2018
The survey off the coast of South-Africa has a broad ecosystem approach and will aim at gaining an understanding of ecosystem status in general, as well as of specific ecosystem components. One of many objectives is to check if there are any unique bottom topography features by using the SM710 and SM302 multibeam sonars that are on board. Very little is known of the seafloor of South Africa, so continuous surveying whilst cruising between waypoints, in addition to several focused surveys, are planned. After one week at sea we have exposed several previously unknown seafloor features, that can be included in future overviews of submarine canyons and landslide features. These has been mapped in extremely high definition and has allowed scientists on board to visualize these in 3D (see some of the pictures below). These have also been the basis for planning further bottom sampling as we go along our transects (with grabs and box corers) and trawling. By also including measurements made by the SB300 Topas sub-bottom profiler, the buried substructures associated with deep reefs and trawl grounds, canyon systems and ancient river valleys has been revealed. This is an exciting first step for planning further bottom surveys in the area!
Text: Andrew Green and Kathrine Michalsen
Survey off the coast of South Africa
3 February 2018
The survey off the coast of South-Africa has a broad ecosystem approach and will aim at gaining an understanding of ecosystem status in general, as well as of specific ecosystem components. One of many objectives is to check if there are any unique bottom topography features by using the SM710 and SM302 multibeam sonars that are on board. Very little is known of the seafloor of South Africa, so continuous surveying whilst cruising between waypoints, in addition to several focused surveys, are planned. After one week at sea we have exposed several previously unknown seafloor features, that can be included in future overviews of submarine canyons and landslide features. These has been mapped in extremely high definition and has allowed scientists on board to visualize these in 3D (see some of the pictures below). These have also been the basis for planning further bottom sampling as we go along our transects (with grabs and box corers) and trawling. By also including measurements made by the SB300 Topas sub-bottom profiler, the buried substructures associated with deep reefs and trawl grounds, canyon systems and ancient river valleys has been revealed. This is an exciting first step for planning further bottom surveys in the area!
Text: Andrew Green and Kathrine Michalsen