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From Easter Island to Pito Deep

February 19, 2017

The research vessel Atlantis stops at Easter Island on its way to Pito Deep, a massive undersea canyon that extends more than four miles below the ocean surface. An international team of scientists led by University of Wyoming geologist Mike Cheadle is mapping and sampling the canyon using WHOI’s autonomous underwater vehicle Sentry and remotely operated vehicle Jason. The canyon provides rare access to the deepest ocean crust, which is usually buried by miles of rock under the seafloor. WHOI marine geochemist Chris German is using telepresence to participate in the cruise from shore. You can follow the expedition here, through online videos, photos, and blog posts. (Photo by Chris Judge, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)