AXIAL 1999

Axial is simply fantastic. There is something new, something fascinating, something extraordinary at every turn. Both the geology and the biology at this site can instill a fresh sense of wonder in even the most seasoned researcher. This is our third visit to Axial volcano in three years and the second in the Pacific Marine Environment Lab's 'New Millenium Observatory' series.

There are so many striking images in the dataset acquired on this trip. The few selected here cannot be portrayed as representative; only as examples of what we encountered.

The shot at right shows new lava filling a fissure in older rock. This may be an unusual look at the top of a lava 'dike'.

Looking for all the world like a discarded corsage, this object of extraordinary beauty retains its mystery. It was not sampled or in any way disturbed and consequently we are not yet certain what it is.

For more images and a detailed day by day account of this year's adventure check out the NeMO '99 website.

and there's more!...

Deep Endeavour '99! This is our first visit to Endeavour Ridge since Canada declared this a Marine Protected Area. Jointly sponsored by the University of Washington and our Department of Fisheries and Oceans, this project will improve our understanding of biological and geological characteristics of the area.

As this endearing character can attest, there is a lot to be discovered at Endeavour. At the Mothra site, familiar to ROPOS fans as the location where sulphide chimneys were raised to the surface last year (see 'Exploits' if you missed it), we recovered instrumentation left on site last year. We also completed an extensive video and sonar survey of the neighbouring 'High Rise' area.

The full story, pictures and narratives can be found at the University of Washington's excellent REVEL site.

Telephone: 250 363-6332

May 31, 2005