Collaborative Research: ITR-(ASE)+(DMC_INT): New Methods for the Exploration of Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents with Multiple Autonomous Underwater Robotic Vehicles

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

This research project seeks to develop and validate novel information technology to enable the coordinated deployment of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to enable the goal of large-scale oceanographic exploration of mid-ocean ridges that presently are unexplored. This research project addresses the following information technology obstacles to this scientific objective: 1. Developing acoustic data communication technology for small data communication networks providing real-time low-power acoustic telemetry for multiple AUVs. 2. Developing information-fusion navigation techniques combining acoustic communication range data and other sensors for AUV navigation. 3. Developing sensor-based optimal planning techniques for vent discovery and exploration. The expected results are new AUV systems and capabilities which will be validated as follows: 1. Employing multiple AUVs to discover hydrothermal vents on the unexplored segment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from 2 degrees S to 8 degrees S. 2. Conducting large-scale physical oceanographic surveys and small-scale bathymetric surveys to determine quantitatively vent size and frequency, and the relative frequency of basalt vs. serpentinite circulation systems. 3. Performing fine-scale photographic surveys of newly discovered hydrothermal vent fields to evaluate quantitatively species diversity and persistence in vent habitats and the biogeography of vent fauna. Broader Impact: The large-scale exploration of the deep ocean with multiple robotic AUVs will provide a powerful new tool for benthic science, and enable closely related research in AUVs for moored and permanent sea-floor observatories.