Ridge 2000 Program | East Pacific Rise — Current Experiment Coordination

back to the Current Experiment Coordination page

Shank: Integrated Biological Community Structure Studies

1. PI-Project Information

Name: Tim Shank
Institution: WHOI
Email address: tshank@whoi.edu
Project Title: Collaborative research: Integrated studies of biological community structure at deep-sea hydrothermal vents
NSF-OCE number: OCE-0327261
Upcoming cruise ID and dates: 1/10-2/5/07

2. Planned Sampling Requirements

2.1. Types of Samples:

We will be collecting a variety of samples (listed below) through the establishment of time-series stations in diffuse flow venting areas. These are discrete (~2m2 areas or so) that we will obtain a variety of samples from and then leave a marker so that we can sample in a similar manner in subsequent visits.

The types of co-located samples (from cm to meter scale) in diffuse flow areas include:

Basalts with biofilm and small colonists
Pre- and post-eruption benthic communities (including tubeworms (e.g., Riftia and Tevnia, bivalves, as well as associated fauna)
Additional fauna include amphipods, fish, and other mobile fauna In-situ fluid chemical sampling of the range of habitats occupied by the fauna mentioned above, using a sensor mounted on Alvin
Handheld/discrete water samples
Slurp gun sampling of microbes and fauna
Long-term temperature probe deployments in low-T vents (annual to multi-year deployments)
Colonization panels will be used to collect colonist and co-locate measurements/sampling
McLane large volume water sampling from microbes via pump on elevator system (see Vetriani response)
We will also be sampling the changes in community structure in these areas via repeat imaging surveys

The types of samples associated with hi-T chimneys include:

Co-located in-situ chemical sampling, microbial mats, and sulfide grab samples of sulfides and chimney fauna (e.g., envision comparison of tubeworms on the sides of active chimneys vs. nearby diffuse flow vents.
Handheld/discrete water samples
Slurp gun sampling of microbes and fauna

2.2. Type of Sample Locality:

Low-temperature diffuse flow venting representing diverse habitats both with diverse macro/micro fauna, and areas within 3-4 m of the "source" of flow (be it adjacent hi-T or the center of observed highest flux in a diffuse flow area). As we have done in the past, we anticipate making co-located measurements and sampling in several community patches (including areas devoid of fauna for comparison) within vent fields (e.g., Tica, East Wall, and BMkr 141) and leaving markers immediately adjacent to each of those locations for subsequent repeat sampling. The number of sites and their locations are currently not known given the results of ongoing and future exploration (a minimum of 3 fields would be anticipated). As part of our community effort, we will explore unknown regions to locate additional sites for research activities and report these to the R2K community.

2.3. Seafloor Collection Devices to be Used:

Grabs, nets, and scoops using the manipulator arm
Slurp with suction sampler (both small and large, hydraulic slurp)
Crab traps and possibly a collection device, such as the Bushmaster Jr. or a type of mussel pot
Titanium water bottles
Bioboxes (variety of sizes and types)
Microbial incubators (basically large coffee cans deployed and recovered during same cruise.
In-situ chemical sensors (autonomous and Alvin-mounted)

2.4. Seafloor Experiments to be Deployed:

Upcoming January 2007 objectives include the establishment of > 4 "mini"-transects with ~ 80 polyethylene markers deployed along 500 m, including the northern extent of the eruption (9°55.7'N), the EPR-ISS bulls-eye (9°50'N), and the southern extent of the eruption (9°47.5'N). Within each of these > 4 transects, we intend to establish > 1) diffuse-flow site for non-invasive sampling (imaging, mapping, in situ chemical measurements) of the natural and unmodified changes in the biological community structure. At another diffuse-flow site within each transect, we expect to establish a study site for co-located experiments and sampling instruments. These "manipulative field experiment" study sites will have colonization substrates with one or all of the following: a large-volume water pump, time-lapse camera system, and/or in situ electrochemical analyzer.

Biomarkers

> polyetheylene markers along ~ 500 m in 4 discrete or overlapping areas of the ridge axis.
Some areas will be utilized for experiments and others will be unmodified ("no take zones")
Photo of biomarkers attached

Microbial and faunal colonization substrates (TAMS and stainless steel rounds)

> 12 TAMS at each of > 4 sites, with 4 TAMS together in 3 different localities within 3 m of diffuse flow to maximize habitat variability
The number and location of rounds will vary (see summary by C. Vetriani)
Each TAM and round will be marked individually with a floating plastic marker (< 50 cm)
Photo of TAMS attached, photo of round included with summary by C. Vetriani

Large-volume McLane water pump

See summary by C. Vetriani for more detail
Photo of pump attached

"RatCam" time-lapse camera system

> 2 short-term deployments (intra-cruise)
Camera frame serves as elevator/platform with descent weight (released by Alvin)
Requires 6 glass balls for flotation (75- 100 m total height above bottom)
Has 2 DSPL batteries
Photo of RatCam attached

ISEA "Insect" with underwater communication device

Short-term deployments (intra-cruise) and possibly a longer-term deployment (several months)
ISEA mounted on elevator with 4 electrodes extended from copper tubing (~5 m long)
Requires 7 glass balls for location (100- 150 m total height above bottom)
Has 4 DSPL batteries

OBS arrays

OBS arrays will be deployed during the course of this work as well (see Tolstoy summary)

3. Planned Duration of Seafloor Experiments:

Biomarkers

long-term (decadal scale) observation systems
additional deployments possible
no planned recovery, unless necessary

Microbial and faunal colonization substrates (TAMS and stainless steel rounds)

15 TAMS and 3 rounds deployed at Mkr 8/11 "Tamtown" in June 2006 will be recovered in January and summer/fall 2007
Other TAMS and rounds will be recovered on upcoming cruises over the next three years

Pump and RatCam

short-term (intra-cruise) deployments

ISEA "Insect" with underwater communication device

Short-term deployments (intra-cruise) and possibly a longer-term deployment (several months)

4. Constraints on Your Deployment Plans:

4.1. Will vehicle operations be allowable in your experiment area? If so, with what restrictions for sampling or imaging (e.g., non-invasive observations or mapping).

###

4.2. What is the proximity (meters distant) from your experiment(s) that future sampling can be done.

###

4.3. What is the proximity (meters distant) to which other in-situ instrument deployments can be made.

Answer to 4.1-4.3:

Yes, sub operations can be allowed in our experimental areas, however, we would like to request and would gratefully appreciate certain constraints and respectful behavior be considered and followed when in these areas.

We will do our best to minimize a "spatial sprawl" of items deployed to that only necessary to conduct the experiments (e.g., we would try to constrain our work to a subset of a given vent field so that other parts of the vent field remain viable for utilization by others, etc.).

In association with the "mini"-transects, our future intention is to use a remotely operated vehicle (specifically, ABE) to map (at 30- 50 m altitude) the entire area and image (at 5 m altitude) the diffuse-flow sites. We will work closely with others to ensure that these autonomous operations do not interfere with moorings located within the AST.

For the "natural or observational" study sites, we would like to request that there be no samples removed and no modification of the habitat within 10 m (~1 sub-length) from the area, and that sub prop wash/thruster use be limited/restrained if in this area. We are happy to provide headings and best approaches (and any other assistance) for entering the area to help minimize any negative impact.

For the in-situ co-located "experiment" study sites, any movement of the colonization substrates, in situ samplers/analyzers, and collectors would compromise our experimental design and negatively impact our results. We strongly suggest that the use of submersible thrusters, sub movement and activities be constrained to > 10 m away.

The ISEA, with four 5-m long copper tubes with an electrodes at the end of each, and the elevator are highly sensitive to water movement (the elevator can be susceptible to moving in response to a submersible bow wave or thruster activity). The chemical data (15-second interval measurements) from diffuse fluids moving past the electrodes will be easily compromised by non-natural fluid flow induced by sub activity. So, we strongly discourage any sub activity in the area of an ISEA experiment.

If it is considered critical for someone to go into these experimental areas, we request that we be consulted and that activities be discussed prior to their occurrence.

4.4. Will you be using acoustic devices or moorings?

Acoustic releases and relay transponders will be used for elevator deployments. Please see section 2.4 for a description of the elevators and their duration time on the bottom. The location of planned elevators will be determined by findings associated with ongoing and future exploration of venting activity. The types of vent settings desired are discussed in section 2.2

4.4. Are you looking for other experiments that can be co-located with your experiments?

We are highly receptive to discussions of additional experiments that can provide an additive integrative understanding of biological, chemical, and physical processes.

4.5. Does your experiment require site protection? To what level of tolerance?

Please see section 4.3

5. Other Issues?

Shank et al. Biomarkers

Shank et al. Colonization substrates (TAMS)

Large-volume water pump

"RatCam" time-lapse camera system being launched

"RatCam" deployed on seafloor

ISEA "Insect" — in situ chemisty probe