PI Country:
USA
PIs:
Resing, J.; Embley, R.
Funding:
NSF, NOAA
Ocean:
S. Pacific
Region:
Lau Basin
Year:
2009
Start Date:
5-May-09
End Date:
13-May-09
Website URL:
http://laueruptions.blogspot.com/ Multidisciplinary response to recently detected volcanic eruptions in the northern Lau Basin; In November 2008, the NOAA-PMEL Vents program discovered two on-going eruptions in this area, one at W. Mata Volcano and the other on the NE Lau spreading center (NELSC). West Mata volcano (~15̊.1 S, 173̊.7 W) appears to have formed on a tear in the ocean's crust, and may represent the initial stage of the formation of an arc volcano. It may also be producing unusual lavas (boninites) that previously have only been observed at old, inactive, volcanoes. The NELSC is a back arc ridge. An eruption along a back arc ridge has never before been detected, making this a valuable opportunity to explore newly formed ocean crust, hydrothermal vents, and biological communities.
Ship:
R/V Thompson
Equipment:
ROV Jason II, AUV D. Allan B. 
