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Uncovering Undersea Marvels

January 19, 2017

A green turtle makes its way through the diverse reef community on a seamount in the Galápagos archipelago. In 2015, an expedition led by WHOI geologist Adam Soule conducted acoustic mapping with the research vessel Alucia and the autonomous vehicle REMUS 600 to survey over 70 volcanic seamounts, or undersea mountains. This mapping revealed dozens of previously unknown seamounts, which are home to many unique species. The mapped areas were included in the new Galápagos Marine Reserve and will hopefully facilitate further study of the volcanic processes and biodiversity of the Galápagos platform. (Photo by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Multidisciplinary Instrumentation in Support of Oceanography Facility)